Meet Zambezi Legend – Dave Humpleby

15th October 2013

Find a little more out about some of the great folks that take you on your whitewater rafting holidays.

Dave with a Buddhist monk on a recent trip to Zanskar, India

Dave with a Buddhist monk on a recent trip to Zanskar, India

Name: Dave Humpleby
Nickname: Brave Dave
Nationality: British
Time Spent Rafting: 25 years

How long have you been rafting?
Since the Jurrasic Era

What is your favorite 3 Water By Nature destinations.
Zambezi. Zambezi. Zambezi.

The guys call you i-Joke. Why is that. Can you tell us your best joke?
No – for that you’ll have to join me on a river trip. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Why do you love doing multi-day trips?
Getting away from the “rat race” and back to basics where all that matters is safety, great food, cool people and the journey.

What is the worst job you have ever had? How long did you last?
Cleaning toilets, showers and changing rooms at a municipal swimming pool. How long did I last? Not long!

What do you do when you are not guiding?
For work: Paramedic. For kicks: Mountain biking, kayaking and various other outdoor sports.

Best and worst in flight meal?
Best meal: Any where I can blag a second serving under the pretext of being diabetic. Worst: Any that Hamish pre-orders for me as a ‘surprise’.

Favorite beach on the Zambezi?
The beach at ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ because if you’re that far into the Batoka Gorge you’re on a proper multi-day expedition.

Devils Pool Or Microlight?
Devil’s Pool – no question.

What do you love most about rafting?
Pitting your wits and braun against the power of Mother Nature in a spectacular wilderness environment.

Thanks Dave, we appreciate your time.

by Hamish McMaster

Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.


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