Full Day Zambezi White Water Rafting

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

This is not just rafting, it’s a world-class adventure on one of the planet’s most legendary rivers. What sets this experience apart is the intensity and beauty of the Batoka Gorge, paired with the authentic, locally guided service provided by HSM Adventures.

You’ll conquer 30–32 km of Grade 3 to Grade 5 rapids, including icons like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Washing Machine,” and “Oblivion.” The Zambezi’s powerful flow, warm water, and dramatic scenery make this one of the most thrilling rafting trips anywhere.

At HSM Adventures, we don’t outsource, we operate and guide our own tours, giving you expert guidance and cultural insight from experienced local guides. Every trip is backed by SES emergency support and international insurance from one of the most trusted adventure insurers worldwide.

With strict safety standards, personalized service, and direct operations, this is a raw, real, and unforgettable Zambezi experience.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Not recommended for blindness

1. Fitness Level: Whitewater rafting requires a moderate level of fitness. Participants should be comfortable in water and able to paddle for extended periods. 2. Age Restrictions: The minimum age for rafting is usually 15 years. Younger participants may be considered for specific sections during the high-water season. 3. Safety First: Safety gear (helmets and life jackets) is provided, and all participants must attend a safety briefing before the activity begins. Non-swimmers are welcome but should inform the team beforehand. 4. Seasonal Considerations: • High-Water Season (Feb–Jul): Suitable for beginners; rapids are less technical but fast-paced. • Low-Water Season (Aug–Jan): More challenging with exposed rapids; ideal for experienced thrill-seekers. 5. Health Conditions: This activity is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, back problems, or other serious medical concerns. Please consult your doctor if unsure. 6. What to Bring: • Swimwear or quick-drying clothing. • Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. • Secure footwear (e.g., water shoes or sandals with straps). • A change of clothes and a towel for after the activity. 7. Duration: Depending on your chosen package (half-day, full-day, or multi-day), the activity can last from a few hours to several days. 8. Included in Your Trip: • Pick-up and drop-off from Livingstone accommodations. • Safety equipment and expert guides. • Light snacks, lunch, and beverages. 9. Booking in Advance: Spaces can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot. 10. Cancellation Policy: Check the cancellation terms and conditions before booking to avoid unexpected charges. By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure with HSM Adventures!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional, International Rafting Federation (IRF) qualified Guides

Free photos and Videos of the rafting

Entry fee at the falls where the starting point of rafting is

Alcoholic Beverages

Transportation

Snacks

All meals are safely packed and prepared in line with health standards. We also accommodate vegetarian options, please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

Unlimited water, soft drinks, and local beers served during and after the rafting experience.

Hiking shoe or sandals

Sunscreen

Visa

Personal expenses

Personal traveling insurance (required)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up in Livingstone between 07:30–08:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive to the rafting base. There, you’ll meet your professional rafting guides, receive a full safety briefing, and be fitted with high-quality rafting gear. Next, you’ll take a guided hike down the steep Batoka Gorge to the river’s edge, where your rafting adventure begins. Over the next few hours, you’ll paddle 30–32 km along the Zambezi River, navigating some of the world’s most famous Grade 3–5 rapids—like “The Stairway to Heaven,” “Oblivion,” “Washing Machine,” and more. You’ll enjoy short breaks on calm stretches of water to soak in the spectacular gorge scenery and catch your breath. A light riverside lunch is served mid-way through the trip, giving you time to relax before hitting the final set of rapids. After your rafting journey, you’ll hike out of the gorge (a physically demanding but rewarding climb). Cold drinks and transport back to your hotel will be waiting for you at the top. Expect to return to Livingstone in the late afternoon. This full-day experience blends adventure, nature, and unbeatable views into one of Africa’s most thrilling river expeditions.

Options

Full Day Zambezi White Water Rafting

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

The best experience in the world.
Footprints792684,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It's so perfect that I don't know how to explain it. You absolutely have to do it. You must do it. Book it right now. This company is the best. I highly recommend it. It's a must.
Top-notch rafting on the Zambezi!
B3937OKjohanness,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rafting with HSM Adventures was a really nice experience. They picked me up and we drove to the gorge. We hiked down a bit and then the real fun started. The guide was very knowledgeable and funny and made us enjoy our day to the top. We enjoyed even more with our tiny snack breaks, one at a really nice beach and another at the end. I felt always safe. We could even swim in the Zambezi for a bit if we wanted. It was a really nice day. Thanks for all!
Best experience
tricei2017,
Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an amazing and funny experience to do the white water rafting on the Zambesi with HSM Adventures. I was glad having the opportunity to do it with them. Besides always feeling safe because the guide Jameson was very knowledgeable and trained for this, we had a lot of fun together. Differently than to the other tour companies we took our time made a small snack break on a really nice beach with free Snacks and Dr-inks, we also had included lunch on top of the gorge when everyone was exhausted and the other companies where just rushing to town, while we could still enjoy the breathtaking view over the mighty Zambesi. Everything from a punctual pick-up to the drop off was just perfect. Thank you so much!
Really good experience
502germainc,
Aug 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really really good experience for all our team in the Zambezi river. Our guide Julius was very good and we enjoyed the trip! After the trip we had a lunch and it was also really good! A very nice experience!
It really a great weekend and we had a nice experience all thanks to this company for the great work and experience offe
473jassys,
Jul 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
HSM is Professional,reliable and friendly,awesome safari ,the Victoria falls was the highlights,But of course we went white water rafting
(Walking safari of mosi-oa-tunya national park)
X2508ZWfrancos,
Jul 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were picked on time,drove to Mosi-oa-tunya national park in a open game view 4x4,and the guide gave a briefing on the behavior of animals before we started the tracking of the white rhinos,we where drop at a certain point and we started our walking safari and this was the best tour I have done so far,we saw a lot animals species,birds and plants,the guide was knowledgeable on everything,and he gave us chance to ask questions,we finally found the white rhinos and we really got close to them,the we took a break by the river side where the guide served us with some muffins,fruits,snacks,drinks and even some tea..it was a lot for us,we really enjoyed,I recommend this tour and the company.