Zambezi Canoe Safari Trail Tour

Zambezi Canoe Safari Trail Tour

This safari incorporates several activities along the Zambezi River as it passes through the flood plains of the Mana Pools region. The additional activities on this safari offer a wider variety of game-viewing options and a chance to meet and interact with the local community.

This may include a visit to a local orphanage/school/village as well as game drives and walks. These canoeing safaris are self-contained in that all equipment/supplies are carried in the canoes for the duration of the canoeing trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding, and helping with the general loading and off-loading of their canoes.

The first two nights are spent wild camping on islands with the last two nights being spent in a pre-established fly camp on the banks of the river with walk-in tents, beds, and shared ablution amenities.

Daily Routine

During the hot summer months, early morning departures are encouraged to make the most of the cooler time and also to cover a reasonable distance before the wind picks up. Deep shade is sought in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Canoeing continues to overnight stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons

DAY 1: Kakomarara Island

Meet the guides after breakfast for trip briefing before setting off at approx. 10.00hrs from Zambezi

Breezes. Canoe through approx. 2 hours before stopping for lunch on the banks of the Zambezi under the shade of a tree. Lunch stop and brief rest for approx. 2 hours out of the hottest time of day. Today we canoe approx. 15km through offshoot channels of the main river system before reaching our first overnight island campsite Kakomarara Island nestled below two hills.

DAY 2: Island Camp

Canoeing starts early after morning tea/coffee and biscuits. Depart the island camp for a downstream breakfast stop at approx. 2 hours after setting off downstream. Continue through to the shaded lunch stop from approx. 1230hrs -1430hrs out of mid-day sun. Afternoon paddles through to Island Camp for the 2nd night of wild camping.

DAY 3: Night Game Drive

Early tea/coffee followed by canoeing through our fixed fly camp late breakfast 0900hrs. After breakfast, we depart for a village tour after driving through the game management area. Return for late lunch at 1400hrs followed by an afternoon break from activities. After an early dinner, we then proceeded on a 2-hour night game drive. Retire for the night after coffee around the fire.

DAY 4: Canoeing - Game Viewing

Early morning rise tea/coffee & biscuits followed by a game walk lasting approx.2 hrs. Return camp for breakfast and a short break before setting off downstream again by canoe. We travel light on this canoeing section with a picnic lunch and suitable provisions packed for the day. This section of river is one of the best in terms of wildlife which takes up the remainder of the day on water.

After loading the canoes onto our trailer we return to our fly camp after hours in the back of a game-viewing vehicle. After showers and dinner, we offer a night drive for those left with the energy to do so.

DAY 5:

Early morning tea/coffee & biscuits followed by an English breakfast. Pack belongings for the return transfer to Zambezi Breezes approx. 3 hours by road. Cross the Kafue River pontoon approx. 1200hrs

before arriving at Zambezi Breezes at 1300hrs for lunch. Relax at Zambezi Breezes or catch a return transfer to Lusaka.

Meals Included in this Canoeing Safari;

Three meals a day, cordial soft drinks, and safe, treated water are supplied on every safari.

However, those wishing to bring their bottled water may do so. Cooler boxes are provided should clients wish to bring their selection of beverages for the duration of the safari.

Daily Meal Plan:

Unless notified, meals will follow the program below. Please note that we require a prior warning of at least 2 weeks to cater for special diets or allergies to certain ingredients etc. The main dinners are in most cases pre-cooked and deep-frozen before the safari, so it is important to have sufficient notice of what is required.

Early Mornings:

Start with tea/coffee biscuits before setting off downstream after packing up canoes and clearing camp.

Breakfast:

Generally after several hours of canoeing, the trip will stop for everyone to stretch their legs while the guide prepares an English breakfast of tinned fruit; eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast with marmalade or jam. Tea and coffee are served before starting again.

Lunch:

An assortment of cold meats, green salads, rolls, and cheeses are served, along with a variety of sauces and pickled vegetables to complete the meal.

Dinner:

Assortments of snacks are served followed by a full dinner consisting of beef, chicken, or mutton as main course options with two green vegetables and a carbohydrate of potatoes, rice, or pasta.

What to Bring on the Canoeing Safari:

As a guideline on what to bring on your safari, clients are asked to keep luggage to a minimum of +/- 7kgs. Excess baggage may be kept for safekeeping at our office for collection at the end of the safari.

• Neutral colored shorts and T-shirts, swimming costume for summer months.

• Personal Toiletries and small towel

• Canvas shoes or rafting sandals, a comfortable pair of hiking shoes where walks are involved

• Hat with a wide brim

• Jacket or sweater for the evenings

• Shirts (including a long-sleeved one for sun protection)

• A kikoi (or sarong) to cover your legs to protect them from the sun

• Torch or flashlight and extra batteries

• Camera and accessories. Recharging facilities at River Horse

• Binoculars, sunglasses

• Sunscreen, Insect repellent

• Warm clothes to sleep in for winter nights/light waterproof clothing for the wet season

• Personnel drinking flask for your canoe along with dry bags for personal items if available

Included in the Package are:

4 nights’ accommodation

Canoeing safari activities

Traditional Village Visit

All meals

Beverages

Treated water

Equipment

Qualified guides

Transfers to and from the immediate safari area

Return Airport Lusaka Transfers (to and from Lusaka)

Excluded in the Packages are;

National Park entry fees are to be paid directly on arrival where applicable.