Zambezi Short Canoe Trail Tour

Zambezi Short Canoe Trail Tour

This short canoeing safari is ideally suited to those wishing to get a feel of the area but don’t have the time to cover the longer stretches of the river. Hippopotamus, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, various plains game, and an array of birdlife can be seen on these safaris.

This canoeing trip is self-contained with all equipment and supplies carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding, and helping with the general loading and unloading 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 stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons

DAY 1: Canoeing

Unless otherwise arranged, trips depart from the Chirundu launch site at Zambezi Breezes 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 island campsite. This is a total canoeing distance of approximately 15km, mainly through the network of channels visible on the above Google Earth map. ETA at Kakomalala Island is around 1700hrs and camp is then set up.

DAY 2: Canoeing - Magurumeno Islands

The full day of canoeing, approx. 25km. Approx. 0630hrs tea/coffee and biscuits then depart 0730hrs downstream. Breakfast approx. 0830hrs – 0900hrs. Lunch approx. 1230hrs – 1430hrs in shade out of mid-day sun. Proceed to the 2nd Island camp - Magurumeno Islands or beyond.

DAY 3: Canoeing - Departure

Canoeing is the same as Day 2 exiting the river by approx. 1200hrs followed by lunch en route.On the return road transfer, a visit to a traditional village is made before crossing the Kafue River pontoon by barge before reaching the Zambezi Breezes Camp.

Meals Included:

Three meals a day, with cordials and safe, treated water is 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 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 part 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, fried tomatoes, toast with marmalade or jam; tea, and coffee.

Lunch:

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

Dinner:

Assortments of crisps or popcorn for 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 a 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:

2 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!