Upper Zambezi Canoeing

We were picked up from our hotel at 7:30 promptly. A 4 wheel drive with bench seats across the back tray and two inflatable canoes strapped across the roof. There is 1hr 15min'ish drive to get to the launch point well into the Zambezi National Park. Mike and Melvyn were great at finding animals along the way and explaining a bit about the park. Also good for a chuckle. At the launch point we stopped to get all the gear set up and have breakfast. Prince and his team were very organised. Safety briefing completed we were on our way. Four canoes with two people in each and a guide in the front and rear canoes. Within minutes we had seen our first crocodile, minutes later a bigger one sunning itself on a grass islet. The paddling was fairly straight forward, with the current toward the falls. Fortunately we would get out well before we got anywhere near them. And then the wild life began. Another large Croc scooting down the sandbank into the water. A couple of herds (some use the collective noun 'bloat' ) of hippopotamus in the water and then a larger bloat sunning themselves on a sand bank. Elephants, Giraffe, Warthogs, Impala, Vultures, A Stork standing on one leg at the top of a tree, fishermen on the water and in the reeds. It was a spectacular day finished by a great bush lunch and then back to Town. Well Done Prince Team for looking after us. Spectacular.

From start to finish this tour was amazing. We were picked up promptly and driven approx. 1hr through the National Park seeing elephants, giraffes, impala etc. before stopping for the most delicious breakfast of eggs etc. Then a quick safety talk and into the inflatable canoes. We paddled/drifted for a couple of hours before we had a drink break passing hippos and crocodiles on the way. Then another 45mins paddle before we stopped for lunch. Again the food was amazing, eating only metres from elephants. Could not fault this tour or Victoria Falls Canoeing Company.

So enjoyed this trip. Very Much. The opportunity to be on the Zambezi to experience it in its full dimension was/is a wonderful experience. The tour itself was safe, comfortable and interesting. The guides were funny, intelligent and liked us! I could participate in the paddling as much as I wanted ( but really I was probably more of a hindrance than a help). while it was a very dry wet season, the river was flowing quite strongly, my guide was adept and strong negotiating the flow. Delightful. Wildlife included hippos (we kept at a safe distance), many birds and then Sable (!) giraffes, antelopes++ and others. The food- breakfast and lunch - were fresh and delicious. I was surprised by the quality of it. Water and other drinks were offered frequently etc. the only downside- it hade to finish. I am looking forward to doing this trip again. And again.

Great experience with many elephant and hippo sightings Delicious lunch afterwards at the river bank Canoeing was smooth and the guide pointed out a lot of animals Next time I‘d do the overnight camping😃

We had an exciting tour with lots of elephant and hippo sightings! Our guide was very informative and pointed out all kind of animals The canoeing was smooth and we were served a delicious lunch afterwards at the bank of the river Next time I would do the overnight camping 😀