Canoeing

A lower Zambezi canoe safari is a magnificent way to experience the great Zambezi river, the game abundant World Heritage site of Mana Pools and generally be in tune with nature. Trips vary from 2 to 9 nights and start and finish either at Kariba, Chirundu, Mana Pools National Park or Kanyemba on the Mozambique border.

Canoe safaris vary in price and style. Semi-participatory safaris are for the budget conscious adventurer who doesn’t mind helping out where necessary. Camp is made each night on an island in the Zambezi river. All necessary equipment is carried on the canoes from personal belongings and fishing rods to camping equipment, food and beverages.

At the other end of the canoe safari scale are the luxury backed up canoe trips. On these trips your camp is set up for you. Tents are spacious with en suite showers, some operators have flush toilets. Dinners are Al Fresco with mouth watering menus accompanied by the appropriate wine. The only person that shares the canoe with you on these trips is either your guide, partner or friends. All camping and personal equipment is moved by the operator and set up ready and waiting for you at the end day of. So after you’ve had your sundowners watching your elephant you can return to your personal en suite tent for a hot shower.

A typical day starts with hot drinks and biscuits before dropping camp and taking to the water to make the most of the stunning early morning light and game movements. After a leisurely couple of hours canoe you stop either on the river bank or an island for a hearty breakfast. Another couple of hours paddling brings you to another scenic stop for lunch and an afternoon siesta. Having relaxed under a shady tree during the heat of the day we set off for to our evening stop. This is a great time of day for game viewing as the heat of the day dissipates and animals become more active. Stunning sunsets and cooling sundowner drinks finish off another perfect day.

Approximate prices for participatory canoe safaris based on twin share;

Kariba to Chirundu (2 Night 3 Day) – Low season US$350, high season US$400

Chirundu to Mana (3 Night 4 Day) – Low season US$550, high season US$655

Mana to Chewore (3 Night 4 Day) – Low season US$600, high season US$705

Mana to Kinyemba (5 Night 6 Day) – Low season US$750, high season US$900

Kariba to Mana (5 Night 6 Day) – Low season US$675, high season US$795

Chirundu to Kinymemba (7 Night 8 Day) – Low season US$980, high season US$1150

Kariba Kinymemba (9 Night 10 Day) – Low season US$1105 high season US$1300

Mana shoreline Canoe or walking safari – (3 Night 4 Day) – Low season US$900 high season US$1140

Camp Chitake (Mana Pools inland camp) – (3 Night 4 Day) – Low season US$900 high season US$1140

Camp Zambezi (Mana Pools riverside camp) – (3 Night 4 Day) – Low season US$900 high season US$1140

Prices subject to National Park fee changes. Prices will alter if these short tours are incorporated into a longer travel experience, ie combining these trips with a sail safari, horseriding trip, houseboat.

Non participatory canoe trip prices, both tented camp and lodge, available on request.

And then there is a completely different type of canoeing altogether.