There are few better ways to experience the African bush than a Zambia or Zimbabwe canoe safari on the lower Zambezi River.

This stretch of water lies between two national parks - Mana Pools NP to the south in Zimbabwe, and the Lower Zambezi NP to the north in Zambia -  so is nearly free of river traffic.

This makes it ideal for a Zambezi Canoe Safari.

The Zambezi River's route from Kariba in Zimbabwe down to Kanyemba near the border with Mozambique is regarded as the best canoe safari destination in Africa.

The Zambezi is the geographical boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers the ideal combination of unspoiled wilderness and diverse habitats that support a massive wildlife population in huge herds.

This makes it an ideal place for a Zambezi or Zimambe Canoe Safari

The wide expanse of the main river is dotted with islands of varying size, while its edges are frayed by tributaries and smaller side channels.

With no window frames or vehicle canopies to restrict your view, the vista is breathtaking from your Africa Canoe Safari .

The pastel shades of the Zambezi Escarpment mutate subtly in tandem with the shifting sun, while riverbank regulars - elephant, buffalo, waterbuck provide a more immediate but ever-changing canvas.

Silence and serenity nourish the soul, penetrating the mental barriers necessary to survive in a modern world.

We offer  canoe safaris on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean banks of the Zambezi River.

Our  Zimbabwe or Zambia Canoe safaris vary in duration from three day trails to a ten day expedition traversing the full lower Zambezi canoeing stretch. 

These Canoe safaris are best experienced in combination with a walking safari in Mana Pools or Matusadona in Zimbabwe. 

Full participation canoe safaris

Full participation canoe safaris are "camping-type" trips on which all gear and provisions are carried in the canoes and overnight stops are made at specific camp
spots on islands or on the mainland. 

Canoeists sleep in two-man bow tents or under mosquito nets draped over a paddle. 

All meals are prepared by the guide and canoeists assist with camp chores (erecting tents, fetching water, cleaning up etc.). 

Ablutions are rudimentary These safaris operate on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian shorelines.

In Zimbabwe, from Kariba to Kanyemba, in Zambia, from Kafue to Chongwe (equivalent to Zimbabwe's Chirundu to Mana Pools leg). 

Backed-up Luxury canoe safaris
These safaris  are a step up from the "full participation" trips in the sense that a full back up crew supports the safari as it progresses down the Zambezi.
The best backed up trips operate in Zimbabwe on the Mana Pools shoreline from Ruckomechi to Chikwenya.
A full blown mobile tented camp is used on the overnight stops on the Mana mainland.
Meals are of a high home-cooked standard and you'll find all the facilities generally associated with permanent tented camps.
These Africa Canoe safaris make use of specialist Guides - some of whom are widely regarded as ranking amongst the best in Africa.
A  advantage of these Canoe  safaris is the availability of vehicles and walking options where game activity invites a break from the river.
 (Walking within Mana Pools is permitted on these safaris.)


Tailor made Africa Zambia or Zimbabwe canoe safaris

In addition to these basic formats we also offer tailor made safaris to suit specific group needs.
 
Avid photographers, particularly those who have visited Africa several times require a lot more flexibility in terms of diversions
or layovers to capture their best shots - it's often better to arrange an exclusive canoe safari with a specific guide
 
  Combination Zambia walking Safari and Zambezi canoeing safaris

Walking and canoeing safaris are naturally complimentary.

In both cases, you're getting a real "Africa in your face" type of experience,  the lower Zambezi is logistically well connected to some of the best walking areas in Mana Pools and Matusadona so there's little wasted time in transit. 

Although the game and birdlife is generally common through the region,  the terrain and environments can differ markedly.

The use of River Guides and Professional Guides particularly in Zimbabwe adds generously to the overall experience.


The basic combinations revolve around   a participation canoe safari on the lower Zambezi and a traditional tented camp in Matusadona or  a backed up canoe safari in Mana with a tented and  safari lodge combination in Matusadona.