The Zambezi Dream Kayaking
The Mighty Zambezi is one of the world’s most iconic rivers for kayakers, yet many paddlers are surprised to learn that most of the journey is warm-water Class III, with the occasional Class IV thrown in for excitement. This makes it far more accessible than people think. Perfect for paddlers with a reliable roll who are ready for something extraordinary.
We’ve designed the Zambezi Dream to help your confidence and skills grow as the trip unfolds, guided by world-class instructors who know every wave, seam and line. You’ll finish with a spectacular multi-day descent through Batoka Gorge, followed by an unforgettable helicopter flight back to town. It’s your chance to paddle the legendary rapids made famous by top international kayakers, all in a supportive, fun and highly personalised environment.
Itinerary & Map
Arrive into Livingstone. We transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights with perhaps an optional afternoon visit to Livingstone Island.
Not included: Breakfast, Lunch, Livingstone Island and Dinner
The first day of whitewater on the Zambezi. We drive to the top of the Batoka gorge and walk in at rapid 10. A chance to paddle the lower section of the river up to Rapid 21. Trips are timed to give you the best chance at surfing the world class 12B! Back in time for a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi. Enjoy your sundowners whilst watching hippos and elephants on the riverbanks. Overnight at our hotel.
Included: All meals
We have a hearty breakfast and head to today’s put in right beneath Victoria Falls. We enjoy a lunch together beneath the falls before taking on some of the best rapids on the planet! Stairway to Heaven, Devils Toilet Bowl and The Midnight Diner are just a few. We reach our first night camp.
Included: All meals
We now have our gear raft with all provisions for the rest of the trip. We put on at rapid 10 to run the section we ran on our first day, stopping to enjoy another surf at 12B. A chance to play up for the videograher, who accompanies all our trips. Later in the day, a chance to run Oblivion!
Included: All meals
Today we make an early start to head down to Closed and Open season. Today has some brilliant rapids with Narrows One through to Four, Chamamba and Upper Moemba. We camp at surely one of the best river campsites in the world.
Included: All meals
We walk our first rapid, the Class 6 Lower Moemba before heading down to the damsite and the best rapid on the entire Zambezi, Ghostrider. Here we are met by our helicopter with lunch and ice cold drinks and we fly back to our lodge high above number 17 on the Zambezi.
Included: All meals
Transfer into town and a chance to check out a few more of the activities available in the Falls. Microlight flights, bungy jumping, gorge swinging, abseiling, the list is endless.
Included: Breakfast
Today, we have a BLAST! All the best rapids in one day as a finale to your trip. Paddle from Number One (The Wall) to Number 18 (Oblivion) and paddle what is arguably the best day run of kayaking anywhere in the world. We have a post trip meal in town.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Transfer back to Livingstone airport for your flight back home.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Saturday 8 August 2026 - Sunday 16 August 2026 Total Cost: $5495 | £4195 | €4750 | 9 days |
| Saturday 12 September 2026 - Sunday 20 September 2026 Total Cost: $5495 | £4195 | €4750 | 9 days |
| Saturday 3 October 2026 - Sunday 11 October 2026 Total Cost: $5495 | £4195 | €4750 | 9 days |
What you should bring
What You Should Bring
Download equipment file- A pair of Chacos, Keens or similar open sandals.
- A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
- Long sleeved lycra top to wear under your life jacket.
- A long sleeved drytop for August trips and short sleeved for September and October
- A kayaking helmet.
- A kayaking PFD (Minimum 2 years old)
- Your spraydeck
- Your kayaking paddle
- Wide brimmed sunhat – can be purchased form our river crew
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – ca be purchased from our Water Shop
- Nalgene or similar water bottle – can be purchased from our Water Shop
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Thermal Top for cooler evenings. Medium weight – Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.
- We recommend bringing your own personal kayaking gear. We have a range of kayaks available. If you wish to bring your own boat, you may do so. Contact us for the list of boats we have and also for suggestions to get your boat here.
- 2 x Lightweight long trousers.
- 2 x Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
- Fleece jacket for evenings
- Light weight down jacket – early mornings and evenings can be cool until the sun comes up, especially in August
- Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
- Underwear.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and hand sanitizer
- A 3-season sleeping bag. (4 Season for August departures)
- Travel Pillow.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
- Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
- Insect Repellent.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
- Waterproof disposable camera for the “action” on the raft shots.
- An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, or anything else you may purchase on your holiday!
- A few zip lock bags to keep valuables water and sand free.
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
- Tents, sleeping mats.
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