Below Victoria Falls, the Zambezi squeezes through the Batoka Gorge in a run of large, numbered rapids that have made it one of the best-known commercial rafting rivers in the world. Zambezi Dusk arranges trips with a partner operator. Rafting isn't one of the lodge's own activities, and not every partner activity is included in the rate, so ask the lodge whether it is covered for your dates.
What the day involves
A typical full-day trip runs like this:
- Pickup from the lodge and the drive to the operator's base.
- Safety briefing: how to sit, paddle, hold on and what to do if you go in.
- The climb down into the gorge on steep paths and steps.
- The river: a series of rapids, with calm pools between them for swimming and resting.
- Lunch in the gorge or at the take-out.
- The climb out, which is steep and hot. Some operators have help for the hardest part.
- Back to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Half-day trips run in some months, usually during low water.
Low water vs high water
The river changes completely through the year.
- Low water, roughly August to December or January. The river drops and the rapids show their teeth. Trips run the full section of the gorge, and this is when the biggest, most technical rapids are rafted. Many guides rate August and September as the best months.
- High water, roughly January or February to July. The river is fuller and faster, upstream rapids get washed out or become too dangerous, and trips move to sections further downstream. Still a strong day out, with large waves.
- Peak flood, usually around April and May. Rafting often closes completely.
Exact dates depend on each year's rains. The lodge will tell you what the operator is running when you enquire.
Who it suits
You don't need rafting experience. You do need:
- a reasonable level of fitness, mostly for the climbs in and out;
- to be able to swim, and to be calm if you end up in the water;
- to follow your guide's commands instantly.
Operators set minimum ages, usually in the mid-teens for the full gorge, and may have health requirements. People with back, neck or heart problems should talk to their doctor and the operator first. Check your travel insurance covers rafting.
Is it safe?
Commercial rafting on the Zambezi is run by experienced guides with safety kayakers, and rafts flip regularly in the big rapids: that is part of the experience. Most swims are short and end in a calm pool. Listen to the briefing, keep your helmet and life jacket on, and hold on.
The gorge is also hot. In October and November temperatures pass 35°C, and the rock walls hold the heat. Drink a lot of water.
What to bring
- Swimwear or quick-dry shorts and a T-shirt.
- Sandals or old trainers with straps that stay on.
- Sunscreen that won't run into your eyes.
- A hat and sunglasses with a strap, for the walk.
- A dry change of clothes for the drive back.
- Leave phones and valuables at the lodge, unless the operator provides a dry bag.
Fitting it into a stay
Rafting takes most of the day and is tiring. Plan a gentle day afterwards: the boat safari from the lodge and the pool. It pairs well with the bungee jump for groups who want one big adrenaline day each; see group stays.
Cost
Rafting is priced by the operator and changes with season and the length of trip. The lodge will give you a current quote and confirm whether it is part of your stay.