Private Tour
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
What truly sets this canoeing safari apart is the way it brings you into the heart of Africa’s wilderness not just to watch it, but to live it from the water itself. Unlike typical wildlife tours where animals are viewed from a vehicle or boat, this experience places you at river-level in a canoe, gliding silently through the Upper Zambezi’s channels above Victoria Falls. This peaceful mode of travel lets you encounter elephants drinking at the water’s edge, hippos surfacing nearby, crocodiles basking on banks, and an incredible array of birdlife all with a sense of intimacy and immersion that larger boats or safari jeeps simply can’t match.
Many travelers describe the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime journey,” noting how the slow, quiet pace lets them absorb the rhythms of nature, watch wildlife in peaceful coexistence, and enjoy meals riverside moments often described as highlights of their entire Victoria Falls trip. It’s a genuine African safari experience via canoe.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Infant seats unavailable
Infants must not sit on laps
No public transportation nearby
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Guests are picked up from their respective places of stay between 07:00am to 07:45. A short briefing will then be given to help guests understand what the trip entails. We then drive to the Zambezi National Park gate for park fees payment. After payment, we drive to the launch site through the Zambezi national park for about one and half hours, however, the time for the drive depends on what we encounter during our drive to the launch site. Animals seen on these trips usually include waterbuck, buffalos, hippo, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, bush backs and cats though rarely seen but certainly in the area. Upon arrival at the launch site tea and coffee is served with light breakfast. Safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle an inflatable canoe will be given. Soon after the briefing the canoeing trip starts from the starting point going through some scenic channels and rapids until we break for lunch. After lunch we pack and drive back to town arriving around 13:30 to 14:00pm
What‘s Included
All canoeing gear (life jacket, and paddle) Canoeing guide
Light Breakfast, lunch & Refreshments
National Park fees/ River usage $15 per person
Gratuities
Pickup points
The Kingdom at Victoria Falls
1 Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Options
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A real highlight
L820OSseanm,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best activity I did while in vic falls. There was just 4 off us in group plus 2 guides and so it felt like private tour and it was a lovely group of people. We started off with a bumpy drive through Zambezi national park to upper section off river. Then a light breakfast snack and then onto the serious business of safety dos and dont's and how to steer the canoes. The trip was just wonderful. It was so peaceful out there as it was just us the hippos and the birds. We had s few mini Rapids which were fun. You will certainly get wet. The bird life was beautiful. The trip ended with a lovely lunch that our driver had ready for us on the river Bank. Guides zenzele and prince were pleasant and professional with a great sense of humor. Highly recommend this trip.
Best introduction to Africa
jeffreymR8597US,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arrived in Zimbabwe from the United States, and this canoe trip became our very first night in Africa an introduction we will never forget. What we expected to be a simple transfer to our campsite quickly turned into something far more magical. Along the way, we enjoyed an incredible game drive, spotting a variety of wildlife that made us feel like the adventure had already begun before we even reached camp. When we arrived, the campsite took our breath away. It was even more beautiful than we had imagined, with stunning views stretching across the landscape. As the evening settled in, we gathered around a glowing campfire and enjoyed a wonderfully prepared dinner. The meal was simple yet absolutely delicious, and the setting made it unforgettable. Sitting around the fire with our guides, sharing stories under the African sky, felt truly special.
A highlight our trip
maisonf2026,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After coming across a rather concerning review online, I must admit I was initially a bit hesitant about booking our canoe trip. Naturally, you want everything to go smoothly when planning an experience from all the way in Australia — especially when it’s something you’ve been looking forward to as part of your African adventure. However, after reading through the many other positive reviews and seeing how highly rated the experience was overall, I realized that one review doesn’t always reflect the true standards of an operation. We decided to take a leap of faith and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled professionally and seamlessly. The canoeing experience itself was absolutely incredible and easily one of the highlights of our entire trip to Africa. The scenery, the calmness of the river, and the knowledgeable guides made it both relaxing and memorable. It turned out to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that you talk about long after your trip is over. We’re truly glad we didn’t let one review deter us from what became such a fantastic experience.
Amazing day out !!
87xanderm,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional experience with Lloyd on the Zambezi River. We were fortunate to spot hippos and truly appreciated seeing the river and surrounding wildlife from a unique and refreshing perspective. As active individuals, we found the canoeing experience quite manageable, even with a strong headwind on the day. It’s a rewarding adventure—just be sure you’re ready for the
Related Experiences
Operated by Victoria Falls Canoeing Company