5 Day Zambezi Canoe Safari Trail
Lower Zambezi · Chirundu
From $2,332 pp in a group of 4
4 days · Zambia
4 Day Zambezi Island Canoe Safari in Zambia
Paddle the Lower Zambezi on a self-contained canoe safari, camping on river islands through the Mana Pools flood plains with guides who cook while you help set camp. Mornings start early in cooler hours, with shade stops at midday and island overnights under the stars.
from$1,089pp in a group of 5
$1,430 pp for a solo traveller. See every group size
- 4days
- 1country
- 5travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
The Lower Zambezi flows through wide flood plains where hippos, elephants, and birds gather along the banks and on the islands you camp on. The Mana Pools region is known for canoe safaris that let you drift close to wildlife from the water, with channels that offer shelter when wind picks up on the main river.
Before you go
You should be comfortable sitting in a canoe for several hours and helping with light camp tasks such as tent setup and loading boats. Basic fitness is enough for the daily paddling distances, though summer heat means early starts and rest in shade at midday are part of the routine.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Zambezi Breezes, Chirundu (Lusaka airport transfers included)
- Length
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Group size
- Up to 5 travellers
- Luggage
- About 7kg recommended; excess can be stored at the office
- Activity
- Guided canoe trail with island camping
- Book ahead
- Please ask at least 7 days ahead
Day by day
The itinerary
Each day shows where you spend it, with today's sunrise and sunset there.
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Day 1: Briefing and first island camp
Chirundu
Unless otherwise arranged, depart Zambezi Breezes at Chirundu around 1030hrs after your guide briefing. Paddle about an hour before a riverbank lunch stop, then continue to the first evening camp on Kakomalala Island for a total of roughly 15km through channels with a gentle flow.
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Day 2: Full day downstream
Chirundu
Tea, coffee, and biscuits from about 0630hrs, then on the water around 0730hrs for a full day covering approximately 25km. Breakfast is served mid-morning, with a long shaded lunch break between 1230hrs and 1430hrs out of the midday sun.
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Day 3: Mana Pools flood plain
Lower Zambezi
Canoe through the lower Zambezi flood plain region with the same daily rhythm as day two, now well into the Mana section of the river. Wildlife along the banks and islands is a highlight as you paddle toward the overnight stop.
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Day 4: Take-out and return journey
Lower Zambezi
Breakfast on the island, then a leisurely 5 to 7km paddle to the take-out point where support vehicles meet you. Canoes and equipment are loaded for the drive back through a wildlife area and rural villages.
Victoria Falls and the gorge, seen from the air.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $1,265 each, $2,530 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,430 | $1,430 |
| 2 | $1,265 12% off | $2,530 |
| 3 | $1,210 15% off | $3,630 |
| 4 | $1,155 19% off | $4,620 |
| 5 | $1,089 24% off | $5,445 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip.
The detail
What is included
Included
- Three nights island camping accommodation on the river
- Canoeing safari activities with qualified guides
- Traditional village visit
- All meals, beverages, and treated water
- Canoe safari equipment carried in the boats
- Transfers to and from the immediate safari area
- Return airport transfers to and from Lusaka
Not included
- Laundry services
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- National park entry fees payable direct on arrival where applicable
- Transport to and from the meeting point if you do not use the included Lusaka airport transfers
Nights and arrival
Where you stay and how you get there
Where you stay
Nights are spent camping on selected islands along the Lower Zambezi as the river flows through the Mana Pools flood plain region. You erect your own tent each evening with bedding sorted from the kit carried in the canoes, while guides prepare meals at the riverside camp. Island stops such as Kakomalala, Magurumeno, Mtondo, Elephant, and Nyamangwe are chosen for shade, distance covered, and river conditions.
Getting there
Trips depart from Zambezi Breezes at Chirundu at 1030hrs on the morning of departure after a briefing with your guide. Return airport transfers between Lusaka and the safari area are included in your safari.
What to bring
- Neutral coloured shorts and T-shirts, swimming costume in summer
- Personal toiletries and a small towel
- Canvas shoes or rafting sandals, comfortable hiking shoes if walks are included
- Hat with a wide brim, jacket or sweater for evenings
- Long sleeved shirt for sun protection, kikoi or sarong for leg cover
- Torch with spare batteries, camera and binoculars
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Warm sleep clothes for cool nights or light waterproofs in wet season
- Personal drinking flask and dry bag if available; keep luggage to about 7kg
Good questions
Questions about this safari
Where does the canoe trail start?
Standard departures start from Zambezi Breezes at Chirundu after a morning briefing with your guide. Return Lusaka airport transfers between Lusaka and the safari area are included in your safari.
What is included in the meals?
Three meals a day are provided, with cordial soft drinks and treated water on the safari. Cooler boxes are available if you wish to bring your own selection of beverages for the duration of the trip.
What camping gear is provided?
The safari is self-contained with equipment carried in the canoes, including tents and cooking kit for the guide team. You participate in erecting your tent and sorting bedding as part of the daily camp routine.
Are park fees included?
National park entry fees are excluded and may be payable direct on arrival where applicable. Your safari includes canoeing activities, meals, island camping nights, guides, and the listed transfers.
What should I wear on the river?
Neutral coloured shorts and T-shirts work best, with a long sleeved shirt and kikoi or sarong for sun protection on your legs. Rafting sandals or canvas shoes are ideal, plus a wide brim hat and sunglasses.
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
No previous canoe experience is required, but you should be comfortable with long days on the water and basic camp chores. Guides lead the route and prepare meals while you help with tents and loading boats.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Special diets or allergies need at least two weeks notice because many dinners are pre-cooked and frozen before the safari departs. Without that notice, meals follow the standard safari menu described in the trip notes.
What is the best season for this canoe trail?
Dry seasons from June to September and December to February often bring lower river levels and cooler mornings for paddling on the Zambezi. The trail still runs in wetter months with adjusted start times and camp choices.
Are children welcome on this route?
Family groups sometimes join private canoe departures when children are old enough for long days on the water and island camping. Minimum ages depend on comfort in a canoe and camp routines.
Do I need a visa for this safari?
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, Rwanda, or Zambia depending on your route. Check current requirements for your passport nationality before you travel.
Read before you book
Guides for this safari
- Zambezi canoe safaris compared The three trails side by side.
- Lower Zambezi National Park guide Canoeing, camps and seasons.
- Big game and wildlife safaris compared Every trip built around the animals, in one list.
More answers are on our safari questions page and in what guests say. We also arrange flights, hotels and insurance.
How payment works: the balance is due one month before your safari, a reservation made within 45 days of arrival is paid in full when it is confirmed, and a card payment carries a 3.9% service charge. The full wording is in our terms and conditions.
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