Types Of Craft On A White Water Rafting Vacation

There are many varying craft on offer on white water rafting trips to enhance your adventure. Each offer a different means to run rapids on a river, giving you safe options to challenge some of the biggest whitewater in the world, such as on the Zambezi or in Nepal. Other craft are there for your safety. Safety kayaks and safety catarafts primarily run rapids first and wait at the bottom of rapids in strategic locations in case you should pop out of the raft. Paddle raft: This raft will have 6-8 paddlers plus a guide, who will give commands from the rear of the raft. An extremely manuvreable craft which involves excellent teamwork. A common boat used on the steep creeks of California. Stern Raft/Paddle Assist: This is an adaptation of the above craft, however the guide will sit at the back with a set of oars which allows extra power and stability in big water rapids such as in Chile and the Zambezi. Oar Raft: A boat that is traditionally used for equipment such as food, coolers, but on occasion, these craft can be used to take passengers too. This is common on the Grand Canyon although traditionally most … Continue reading →

Paddle rafting at it's best on the steep creeks in California.

A Must Do On The Zambezi River – Devils Pool On Livingstone Island

On our Zambezi white water rafting trips, many guests ask us what activities are simply a “must do”. Before of after your rafting on the Zambezi river, a trip to Livingstone Island should be a priority. The place where Dr David Livingstone set eyes on Victoria Falls or Mosi Oa Tunya as they are known in the local Bemba dialect has long been a draw for travelers for it’s un-rivalled views of the falls. Many people including the owner of Water By Nature, Hamish got married on the island. In the low water season however (from approximately August – November) visitors can bring swimwear and swim on the edge of the falls guarded by a rock lip and your guides, in what is, the worlds MOST IMPRESSIVE infinity pool! We recommend an afternoon excursion to Livingstone Island and all of our guests receive a complimentary transfer to and from The Royal Landing at The Royal Livingstone Hotel where the trip departs from. No matter whether you are flying in from the United States, the UK or Europe, this is one trip, not to be missed.

Dr David Livingstone’s Bicentenary 2013

Agreed by many as one of the most influential explorers of the Victorian era, Dr David Livingstone holds a special place in the history of Africa and in particular his memorable words when he first laid eyes on what he named Victoria Falls (Mosi Oa Tunya in the local Bemba language) “A sight so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” March 19th 2013 is the Bicentenary of Dr David Livingstone’s birth in Blantyre and what an opportunity to explore one of the rivers at the forefront of his travels as the Mighty Zambezi. Livingstone was the first European Explorer to travel across trans continental Africa from Luanda to Mozambique. He was a light traveller and this gave him extra kudos with local Chiefs, as well as his reassurances that he was not a threat. The British backed his second expedition to the Zambezi, however he was unable to safely navigate the Cabora Bassa rapids in Mozambique, which he had not seen on his first trip to the region. Despite being viewed as a “failure” by many back in the UK, the trip was a very worthwhile project for the scientists working with Livingstone to collect … Continue reading →

Ten Great Adventures After Your Zambezi Rafting Holiday

If you have chosen to raft the Zambezi River for your next adventure holiday, you have made a wonderful choice. What we’d like to share with you now are some of the amazing adventures you can take part in either before or after your rafting trip. It can sometimes offer a reduction in the cost of your flight if you fly out a day or two earlier to Livingstone in Zambia from either the UK or the United States. We’d like to point out some wonderful adventures you can take part in: 1. The “Devils Pool” on Livingstone Island: One of the best and most iconic activities on offer. Swim in the world’s most impressive “infinity pool” right on the edge of Victoria Falls. This activity is only open during low water (August – November) and includes a visit to Livingstone Island. 2. Cheetah Encounter: Many guests have rated this as one of the highlights of their trip. You’ll be collected from you hotel and be taken to the Cheetah centre where they work with this endangered species. Take one for a walk! 3. Lion Encounter: Walk in the bush with African Lions. No leashes or restraints and no enclosures. … Continue reading →

Whitewater Rafting in Fall and Winter

It’s time to head south for the winter! If those autumn mornings are starting to feel a little chilly, then why not prolong winter just that little bit longer with a trip to the Zambezi River, Nepal or Patagonia. With Zambia reaches temperatures of 40 degrees celsius at this time of the year, it’s the place to be. The Zambezi river based out of Livingstone, Zambia is one of the top river trips in the world. With options for 4 and seven day trips on this wonderful river, you’ll not only experience the big warm water rapids, but the stunning beaches and wildlife and incredible food and guides. Our teams have local and international experience un-matched by any other company on the Zambezi. Compliment your trip with a few days game viewing in Botswana or if you prefer, then why not bungy, canoe or take a swim in the Angels Armchair on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Although it is now past the optimum time to raft the Sun Kosi (this is best late September) but still fantastic to raft either the Karnali River or the Tamur. Both are more expeditionary type trips is the west and east of … Continue reading →

A Season On The Zambezi

T.I.A. ? This Is Africa ? This is a saying that you learn quite quickly once you set foot on the Dark Continent. It’s a term used by many expats to accompany the sighs of frustration that come on a daily basis when you’re trying to accomplish even the simplest of tasks here in Africa. The lack of urgency in dealing with simple business deals by the Africans, the difficulty in obtaining many goods and services, and the general Hakuna Matata attitude can have the typical westerner throwing their arms up in the air, gritting their teeth, and mumbling curse words under their breath. Then the reality of the situation sinks in and you start to understand that you must go with the flow and take things in stride. It’s Africa. Things move slower. Goods are harder to come by. And business takes longer to transact. That’s the reality of the situation. Love it or leave it. Water By Nature runs whitewater rafting trips in three countries in Africa. I happen to find myself in the heart of southern Africa at the moment in the wild country of Zambia. Zambia is home to arguably the greatest whitewater-rafting trip in the … Continue reading →