Paddle through calm channels of the Upper Zambezi on a half-day canoeing adventure designed for nature lovers and beginners. Glide past riverbanks teeming with wildlife while enjoying the quiet beauty upstream of Victoria Falls. Experienced guides provide instruction, insight into the ecosystem, and ensure a safe, relaxed journey.
Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up in Livingstone, followed by a short transfer to the river. On arrival, a full safety briefing covers paddling techniques, equipment use, and river awareness. Canoes are equipped with life jackets, paddles, and dry bags, and guides provide step-by-step instruction to ensure comfort on the water.
As you navigate the gentle currents, guides highlight the river’s wildlife, pointing out hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse bird species. The route offers scenic views, calm waters, and intimate encounters with nature far from the more turbulent sections downstream. After the paddle, enjoy light refreshments before returning to your hotel via transfer.
This half-day adventure is suitable for beginners and those looking for a more relaxed river experience. Guides adapt the pace and route to the group, allowing time for wildlife spotting, photography, and quiet reflection along the water. Safety and enjoyment are prioritised throughout the journey.
The Upper Zambezi River is renowned for its peaceful channels and rich biodiversity. Paddling upstream from Victoria Falls, you’ll encounter wide-open waters, scenic riverbanks, and wildlife in their natural habitat. This area offers a contrast to the rapids and thundering waters downstream, providing a more intimate river experience.
Livingstone is the gateway to the adventure, with convenient hotel transfers included. The surrounding area offers easy access to additional activities, including wildlife viewing, game drives, and sunset cruises along the river. Canoeing here combines tranquillity, scenery, and opportunities for wildlife encounters in one accessible location.
Guests should have a moderate level of fitness, capable of paddling and manoeuvring a canoe for several hours. The adventure is suitable for beginners, and prior canoeing experience is not required.
Comfortable, quick-drying clothing, water shoes or sandals, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended. Guests should be able to safely follow guide instructions and remain aware of surroundings while on the river. Personal items can be kept in dry bags provided by the centre.
This team offers carefully crafted canoeing experiences that balance safety, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty. Routes are adapted to your pace and interests, ensuring a personalised journey along the Upper Zambezi.
Locally operated and passionate about river adventures, the guides bring intimate knowledge of wildlife and ecology to every trip. Transfers, safety gear, and light refreshments are included, with optional photography or add-on tours available, allowing guests to fully enjoy a seamless and memorable day on the river.
No previous experience is needed to enjoy this half-day adventure. Guides provide a full safety briefing and paddling instructions to help beginners feel confident on the water.
Canoes are stable and designed for calm channels, making it easy to relax while learning basic techniques. Guides closely supervise each canoe and provide ongoing tips to maintain balance and control throughout the trip.
The Upper Zambezi is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species. Guides point out wildlife along the riverbanks and share information about the river ecosystem.
Wildlife viewing is best during the dry season when animals are more visible along the water. Guests should keep cameras ready, as sightings can happen at any point along the scenic route.
The adventure requires moderate fitness to paddle and steer the canoe over several hours. Gentle currents make the journey accessible for beginners, while the guide sets the pace and adjusts for comfort.
Guests with limited strength or stamina can take breaks in calm sections. Guides provide assistance and advice on technique to reduce fatigue and enhance the overall experience.
Quick-drying clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water shoes or sandals are recommended. Swimwear is advised beneath clothes for convenience.
A camera or waterproof bag for personal items is useful. The centre provides dry bags to keep valuables safe. Guides can advise on what to carry depending on the season and river conditions.
The full experience, including hotel transfers, briefing, canoeing, and refreshments, lasts around 5 hours. Time on the water is approximately 2–3 hours, giving plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.
Transfers are included to make the experience seamless and convenient. The schedule allows for morning or afternoon departures to suit your plans.
Yes, children aged 10 and above can join. The calm channels make it safe for younger paddlers, with life jackets and close supervision from guides.
Guides provide extra attention to children and beginners, adjusting the route or pace to ensure everyone enjoys the river safely. Small group sizes also allow for more personalised support.
About the centre
Livingstone, Zambia
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
