Zambezi Island Canoe Trail Tour

Zambezi Island Canoe Trail Tour

This popular canoeing safari is spent camping on selected islands along the Lower Zambezi River as it makes its way through the flood plains of the Mana-pools region.

This unique river experience encompasses much of what the best of the Zambezi River has to offer. These canoeing safaris are self-contained with all the safari equipment being carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding, and general loading and offloading of their canoes.

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 stop as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons.

DAY 1: Kakomalala Island

Unless otherwise arranged, trips depart from Zambezi Breezes/Chirundu at 1030hrs on the morning of departure, after clients have been briefed by their guide. After an hour of canoeing, there is a riverbank stop for lunch before paddling on to the first evening’s campsite on Kakomalala Island.

This is a total canoeing distance of approximately 15km, predominantly through channels with an average of 3 - 4km/hour river flow rate. Arrival at the island is around 1700hrs and camp is then set up.

DAY 2: Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands

The full day of canoeing, approx 25km. Approx. 0630hrs tea/coffee and biscuits depart 0730hrs downstream. Breakfast approx. 0830hrs – 0900hrs. Lunch approx. 1230hrs – 1430hrs in shade out of mid-day sun. Proceed to Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands depending on the distances covered weather permitting.

DAY 3: Elephant or Nyamangwe Islands

Canoe through the lower Zambezi floodplain region. Daily routine much the same as Day two although now well into the Mana section of the river. Overnight at Elephant or Nyamangwe Islands pending progress made.

DAY 4: Canoeing - Departure

Breakfast is had on the island before a leisurely 5 - 7km paddle to the take-out point where the support vehicles are met. Canoes and equipment are loaded onto the vehicle and trailer before departing for the return journey through a wildlife area and several rural villages and dwellings.

ETA Zambezi Breezes is 1430hrs allowing adequate time to connect to Lusaka while it is still light or to spend an additional night at Zambezi Breezes on the banks of the Zambezi.

Meals Included in the Package are;

Three meals a day, cordial soft drinks, and treated water are supplied on every safari. However, those wishing to bring their bottled water may do so. Cooler boxes are provided for 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 a prior warning of at least 2 weeks is needed 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:

These 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, tomatoes, 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, ric,e or pasta. Cordials / H20 are always available throughout the day.

WHAT TO BRING:

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:

3 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 Package are:

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