- Experience the peace and tranquillity of canoeing on the Zambezi
- Camp under the stars on secluded islands
- Game drives in Chiawa Game Management Area, renowned for elephant sightings
- Game walks and canoeing in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Zambezi Canoe Safari
Expert Local Guides
8 Days
Excluding Flights
10 Days
from
Wildlife
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Simple
Enjoy a superb canoe and walking safari in the Zambezi Valley
Encounter the spectacular wildlife and incredible scenery of Zambia in as intimate and active way as possible. The mighty Zambezi is an excellent location for a canoe safari. Camping on secluded beaches, the days are spent relishing magnificent scenery and abundant game, while passing the ever-present basking crocodiles and hippos. Away from the water, we have plenty of time for game walks and drives to experience the diverse wildlife and remarkable scenery this region offers.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample contributes directly to the eBioAtlas, the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Simple nights (participatory camping, 4 wild camping and 3 tented camp)
- Travel by open canoes on the Zambezi River
- No previous experience necessary
- Citizen Science departures available on this trip
- Countries visited: Zambia
What's Included
- All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Lusaka Lusaka
Depart London
Arrive Lusaka; transfer to the Zambezi River
After the arrival of the group flight in the early afternoon, we transfer to Nyamomba. En route, we have a brief stop at a supermarket where there is the option to purchase drinks and snacks to take with you on the canoes. Most of this road transfer to the start of the safari is on tar road with the last section of the journey being along a bush dirt track so a change to a 4×4 vehicle is necessary. We camp on the banks of the Zambezi River. Dinner is prepared by the guide.
Please note: Do not book flights arriving after midday.
Accommodation: Wild camping (semi-participatory)
Start Lusaka; transfer to the Zambezi River
We gather at Lusaka Airport for our transfer to the Zambezi River. Most of this journey to the start of the safari is on tar road with the last section along a bush dirt track, meaning a change to a 4×4 vehicle is necessary. Depending on the time we arrive at the Zambezi River, we cross over to our evening campsite on Nyamumba island by canoe or motorboat. Dinner is prepared by the guide.
Please note: If you’re booking your own flights, do not book one arriving after midday.
Accommodation: Wild camping (semi-participatory)
Three days of canoeing and wildlife watching on the Zambezi River, camping on remote islands
We have three days canoeing with early starts, as it is often better to canoe in the early hours when it is not so hot and, more importantly, when the easterly head wind is weakest. The pace is moderate, which allows us to make the most of our wildlife-viewing opportunities. We look for elephants feeding on the banks, basking crocodiles and numerous colourful bird species including the magnificent African fish eagle. The list of species we spot may include buffalos, baboons, vervet monkeys, pied kingfishers, goliath herons, carmine bee eaters and maybe even lions. We frequently pass hippo pods basking in the deeper water, who will no doubt keep an eye on us! There are few signs of human habitation throughout our time on the river. Lunches and breakfasts are either taken on islands or on the riverbanks.
Accommodation: Wild camping (semi-participatory)
Distance covered: 12mi (20km) per day on average
Morning canoeing; afternoon game walk and drive in Chiawa Game Management Area
We canoe to the Chiawa Game Management Area, which is 11mi (18km) from the Lower Zambezi National Park, just opposite the Mana Pools, where we spend the night in our fly camp on the mainland. This is a wildlife-rich area and renowned for numerous elephant sightings. It is also home to warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, kudus and rare samango monkeys, with many riverine bird species including the lilac-breasted roller. We have an afternoon game walk or game drive through the reserve, where we hope to spot other nocturnal species such as genets, civets, hyenas, porcupines, aardvarks and, if we’re really lucky, the elusive leopard.
Accommodation: Fly camp in Game Management Area
Canoe to Lower Zambezi National Park; morning game walk; afternoon game drive back to camp
Today we canoe from the Chiawa Game Management Area into the Lower Zambezi National Park (approximately 5mi/8km downstream). We have a morning game walk with a guide, and then lunch in the park under the shade of the trees or on the banks of the Zambezi River. After lunch, we are taken on a game drive through the park back to our fly camp on the riverbanks of the Game Management Area. If river water levels are too high in winter (May-July) – which can happen when excess water is released from Lake Kariba – we may use a boat transfer as certain road crossings may be flooded.
Accommodation: Fly camp in Game Management Area
Transfer to our riverside camp
We are transferred by road from our bush camp in the Game Management Area to Zambezi Breezes. Should river conditions necessitate, we may use a boat transfer where required.
Accommodation: Zambezi Breezes or similar (semi-participatory)
Transfer to Lusaka; depart
An early start today; after breakfast we transfer approximately three to four hours to Lusaka International Airport for our flight to London.
Transfer to Lusaka; end
We have an early start today. After breakfast, we transfer approximately four to five hours to Lusaka where our tour ends in the late morning. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Arrive London
Camping
We spend four nights camping in two-person dome tents and three nights in set-up bush camps with showers, toilets and large tents.
The camping is semi-participatory. You are asked to assist with camp chores and have to put up and dismantle your own tents on the canoeing safari. Most nights are spent wild camping with no facilities provided. All camping equipment is provided.
Trip Experts
Jess Dillon
Head of Sales
Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing
This trip is suitable for all regardless of canoeing or camping experience. The proximity to the wildlife is far superior to any previous safari’s I have been on. The pace was relaxed, excellent comping equipment, great guide, good food and scenery/wildlife was amazing
Most Inspirational Moment
The sunrises and sunsets - beautiful
Thoughts on Group Leader
Put our safety and wellbeing first, but was always happy to laugh and joke with us :-)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just enjoy it
A true adventure
This was a brilliant trip for seeing so much wildlife, and getting so close to it, particularly the elephants and hippopotami. Whilst we couldn’t believe how many elephants we saw, we also saw lesser numbers of lions, crocodiles, water buffalo and a miscellanea of birdlife. Insect life was also plentiful, colourful dragonflies by day and fireflies by night.
Most Inspirational Moment
The fact that you could get safely so close to wild animals like elephants, which you could never do on land. It was magical to go to sleep in your tent knowing elephants and hippos would wander past during the night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, one of the best. There were 13 people and six canoes, so one canoe had to take three and we ended up in the canoe with the guide. This was great as he did most of the paddling, making ours a premium adventure! The trip has its' potential hazards; at one stage a large crocodile sallied forth towards us, but our guide got us to splash the water with our paddles which drove it away; he would keep a close eye on us and get us to move back if we were getting potentially too close to elephants in the water.
Wildlife galore!!
I’ve just got back from canoeing the Zambezi Valley- what a trip!! We saw hippos, elephants, crocodile, monkeys, baboons, Impala, Kudu, warthogs and even a porcupine and a leopard!! The tents provided were really good- tall enough to stand up in, with mesh panels so you could look out if you wished. The stars at night were beautiful so I’d really recommend that. The canoeing was at a steady pace and suitable for all abilities- the hardest part was often getting in and out of the boat!! If you haven’t camped or kayaked before, don’t be put off, the pace was just right and the support from the leader and assistant leader was great. We also had a couple of game walks and a night game drive. The food was simple, but tasty and there was plenty of it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing all the wildlife- I loved the hippos and we even had an elephant join us for lunch one day!
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB was a very good leader- knowledgeable and quick to help with any problems. He definitely had a sense of humour as well! Evans, the assistant leader, was quieter, but always on hand to help.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Tips- you definitely need a torch and a camera! There are no shops on the trip so if you want snacks or alcohol, buy it on the way to the campsite from the airport. This is not the trip for anyone who likes a lie-in! We had breakfast at 7 every day.
Canoeing down the Zambezi
Go on this trip. Yes, it involves wild camping (no toilets, showers, etc) but the rewards are immense. Close encounters with wild animals, beautiful scenery. The trip is well organised, food is good, and guides are great.
Most Inspirational Moment
We had visited Kruger Park earlier this year and seen many animals but it was not the same as seeing then close up and personal on this trip. Many close encounters. Highlights include elephants gatecrashing my birthday celebrations, close up views of hippos, crocs, and numerous antelope. Apart from the wildlife, sunrises and sunsets over the Zambezi were pretty impressive.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader CB exuded a sense of calm and always seemed in control of situations which included persuading elephants to leave our camp. He and his assistant Best looked after us and cooked wonderful meals. It is difficult to praise them too highly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel light. You do not need that extra t-shirt. Make sure you have sufficient sun cream. Take a camera.
Kayaking the Lower Zambezi
This was definitely a trip to get me out of my comfort zone (wild camping and kayaks instead of hotels and minibuses) and certainly did not disappoint. The fact you get so close to the wildlife far outweighed the fact you are wild camping (which I though I would struggle with).
The sense of achievement at the end of the week was overwhelming, having travelled such a long distance in a kayak.
The safari element far exceeded anything you would imagine and felt far more real than if you were in the back of a safari jeep (which I have done in South Africa). Animals spotted included elephants, hippos, lions, warthogs, buffalo, impala, zebra, baboons (and other monkeys), fish eagle, kingfisher and lots of others too much to mention.
The group I was with was amazing and everyone got on so well and helped each other. The food was good throughout the week and we even had a celebratory BBQ on the last night.
All in all I can safely say if I can do this holiday (and enjoy it) then anyone can!
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting so close to the elephants (which is the main reason I chose the holiday). the sense of achievement for actually getting to the end without breaking!
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB was amazing. Very knowledgeable, humorous, kind, professional and clearly enjoyed his job. It is no wonder he is an award winner. Best made the perfect assistant guide and is clearly learning a great deal from CB. Both together looked after us so well and work brilliantly as a team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
sunscreen. I ran out of 2 tubs (although half of one ended up at the bottom of the safari truck). Deet - I had 2 and ran out although I was probably the one with more bites than anyone else. Bite cream offers a major relief for the bites. Head torch (with a red light), gloves for the rowing. Prepare for no showers until the comfortable camping half way through but we were able to cool off and kind of clean off in the river a couple of times. It is proper wild camping so there are no toilets until the comfortable camp but the views you get when behind the bushes are literally stunning :-) If you can, add on a quick trip to Livingstone for the Victoria Falls. You are so close it would be a shame to miss it. As well as bringing a load of school supplies bring an extra suncream with you if you can. They give any spare suncream to a charity looking after albino children as it is prohibitively expensive in Zambia.
Best. holiday. ever
Best. Holiday. Ever.
I cannot recommend enough.
CB is bloody amazing as a leader and guide. He’s one guide I will always remember – most guides on adventure holidays are great but instantly forgettable. But his humour and patience meant I felt like he was a friend! Great knowledge and communication skills.
A really well organised trip. Group size perfect too. Tents and mattresses perfect. Plenty of water and fruit.
We were pleased that upon arrival we didn’t hop directly in the canoes – we stayed at the mainland campsite (sunrise! Honking hippos!). This was fab because there is a shower block there and you are hot and dusty from the transfer/flight.
The canoeing is awesome. The campsites were perfect. The food brilliant (I’m veggie).
But the animals! My god! So many incredible experiences. I don’t know if we struck lucky but every day got more amazing than the last. It’s so much better to see animals from a canoe than from a Dusty 4×4.
Lastly- the group were brilliant!!
Tips:
We got a kaza visa online, no drama – but you only need this is you are travelling after to Zimbabwe. You need a sticker in your passport not just a stamp! (Our first mistake).
By the way, Livingstone is well worth a visit and CB organised a local bus for us.
You need minimum kit – we washed in the river every day. As suggested, carry your canoe stuff ready to go in hand luggage.
Bring a red light torch (for bugs) gloves (just in case) and definitely binoculars (We were so stupid!) And a zoom lens. And a bottle of rum?!
We took a 10 litre dry bag each for clothes and another for the sleeping bag and then shared a camera bag.
Most Inspirational Moment
The animals!
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was just wonderful.
Paddling adventure into nature
This is a great active safari that will get you close to nature and sleeping out under the stars.
We saw lions, birdlife galore, paddled past hippos and were able to stop the canoes and get close to herds of elephant.
The canoes are the perfect vehicle for the journey, yes you need to be relatively fit and have a bit of knowledge about a canoe ( they can provide advice or in uk go on a simple paddle start of 1 star canoe intro), but you get so close to animals and they were often relaxed. Also you have great fields of view across the water front.
Yes the campsites are basic – pitch a tent on a sandy island but the food is great and plentiful, you don’t need a shower you can dip in the safer shallows of the Zambezi, and you get to wake up to beautiful African sunrises.
You do have early starts and early nights but what you get back is worth it.
Advice is to have plenty of drybags and try and get a paddle suitable for your height. But anyone with a sense of adventure, a desire to see wildlife and reasonable fitness will enjoy this.
Most Inspirational Moment
Paddling to one of the islands to watch the gorgeous sunset with elephants eating 50m away. Then listening to them as drift off to sleep. Seeing a pride of 5 lions on a game drive was also pretty special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB was well liked by everyone, right combination of humour, knowledge and always there with advice or a calming reassurance. He clearly loves the job and all the guests agreed he was as much like a friend on the tour as well as never stopping in looking after us. If you needed it then CB would have it or find a way to get it for you. First class guide and especially nice to see him teaching Best the assistant guide in any downtime.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Packlight but bring an extra t-shirt or top. Antibacterial soap can wash hardwearing clothes if want to do that too. Plenty of bug spray and sunscreen as you will use it. Bring a good point and shoot as well as dslr as in the canoe wielding a big lens isn't always practical. Change about $50 at the airport and get a few bonus items at the shop on the way - you will need about 1 - 2l for the drive in the heat. Try and find a right sized paddle Lastly have most of your stuff for the first 3 nights ready to go in a separate daysack in your softbag. When you reach the 1st camp it is often dark and you don't have much time.
AMAZING!
One of the best wildlife experiences ever – to get so close to the hippos and elephants on the river in the canoes was incredible
Most Inspirational Moment
Sat in the front of the canoe looking a huge male elephant in the eye just 19 feet away
Thoughts on Group Leader
TK and his assistant Beste were fantastic - helpful, knowledgeable, encouraging, great cooks and brilliant sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take rowing gloves to prevent blisters
Just Wow!
Since coming back from this trip, I am finding it extremely difficult to put into words just how amazing it really was, so writing a review is going to be even harder. The wildlife is exceptional and not in short supply. The scenery both in the day and in the night is just phenomenal. And finally the whole experience is once in a lifetime!
Most Inspirational Moment
Jumping out of the minibus just hours after we landed, in the pitch black night, and looking towards the sky to see the brightest sky I have ever witnessed
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB and Besty were amazing group leaders. We did not have to lift a finger at all over the 6 days.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wouldn't worry about taking too many clothes as everyone is in the same boat (excuse the pun!) I would take shoes that you don't mind getting reasonably wet or ones which are easily dried Buy your alcohol at the store on the way to the first campsite (For a 6pk it is around 80 Kwacha)
An amazing camping and canoeing trip
This trip was a truly wonderful experience, canoeing on the Zambezi and camping out under the Milky Way on sandy islands in the middle of the river. We saw very few people and it almost seemed like we had the mighty river to ourselves – only sharing it with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds. Paddling downstream with the current the route varied between wide stretches of river and between reed beds on narrower channels, which enabled us to get close to the wildlife. A great group, great guides and a fantastic trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping on the islands under the stars surrounded by the river and wildlife.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is not for people who want constant social media contact or a hot shower every day.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Friday
31 May 2025 30 May 2025
Saturday Sunday
07 Jun 2025 08 Jun 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3000 Book with USD 750 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 413
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
21 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025
Saturday Sunday
28 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3075 Book with USD 768 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 413
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
19 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025
Saturday Sunday
26 Jul 2025 27 Jul 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3075 Book with USD 768 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 413
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
13 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025
Saturday Sunday
20 Sep 2025 21 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3075 Book with USD 768 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 413
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
11 Oct 2025 10 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
18 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3150 Book with USD 787 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 413
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
20 Jun 2026 19 Jun 2026
Saturday Sunday
27 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3300 Book with USD 825 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
25 Jul 2026 24 Jul 2026
Saturday Sunday
01 Aug 2026 02 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3375 Book with USD 843 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
05 Sep 2026 04 Sep 2026
Saturday Sunday
12 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3450 Book with USD 862 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
19 Sep 2026 18 Sep 2026
Saturday Sunday
26 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3450 Book with USD 862 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Friday
10 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026
Saturday Sunday
17 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3525 Book with USD 881 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 450
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Zambezi Canoe Safari
8 Days
Excluding Flights
10 Days
from