5-Night Victoria Falls Stay at New Fairmount Hotel
Livingstone
From $2,000 pp in a group of 4
5 days · Zambia
5 Day Zambezi Canoe Safari Trail in Zambia
Paddle the Lower Zambezi on a five-day canoe safari that mixes island wild camping with a riverside fly camp, plus village visits, game walks, and night drives in the Mana Pools flood plain region. Guides prepare meals while you help with tents, bedding, and loading the canoes for a self-contained river journey.
from$2,332pp in a group of 4
$3,355 pp for a solo traveller. See every group size
- 5days
- 1country
- 4travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
The trail runs on the Zambezi as it passes through the Mana Pools flood plains, where islands, channels, and riverbanks attract elephant, hippo, and plentiful birdlife. Wild camps on islands give a remote feel, while the fly camp offers walk-in tents, beds, and shared ablution facilities for the final two nights.
Before you go
Comfort on the water for several hours and willingness to help with light camp tasks are important. Game walks and night drives use open vehicles and uneven ground; basic fitness is enough for the paddling distances if you accept early starts in hot months.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Zambezi Breezes after breakfast on day one (Lusaka airport transfers included)
- Length
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Group size
- Up to 4 travellers
- Luggage
- About 7kg recommended; excess can be stored at the office
- Activity
- Guided canoe trail with camping, village tour, and game viewing
- 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 Kakomarara Island
Lower Zambezi
Meet your guides after breakfast for a trip briefing before setting off around 1000hrs from Zambezi Breezes.
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Day 2: Downstream to second island camp
Lower Zambezi
Early tea, coffee, and biscuits, then on the water for a downstream breakfast stop about two hours after leaving camp.
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Day 3: Fly camp, village tour, night drive
Lower Zambezi
Early tea and coffee, then paddle to the fixed fly camp for a late breakfast around 0900hrs.
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Day 4: Game walk and wildlife canoe day
Lower Zambezi
Early tea, coffee, and biscuits, then a game walk of about two hours before breakfast and a short break.
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Day 5: Breakfast and return to Chirundu
Chirundu
Early tea, coffee, and biscuits followed by an English breakfast, then pack for the road transfer back to Zambezi Breezes in about three hours.
The wide curtain of Victoria Falls.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $3,135 each, $6,270 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,355 | $3,355 |
| 2 | $3,135 7% off | $6,270 |
| 3 | $2,805 16% off | $8,415 |
| 4 | $2,332 30% off | $9,328 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip.
The detail
What is included
Included
- Four nights accommodation (island wild camp and riverside fly camp)
- Canoeing safari activities with qualified guides
- Traditional village visit
- Game drives and walks as listed on the route
- All meals, beverages, and treated water
- Canoe safari equipment
- 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
The first two nights are wild camping on river islands below hills such as Kakomarara, with tents you erect each evening and bedding sorted from kit carried in the canoes. Evenings are riverside with meals cooked by guides, cordials and treated water supplied, and cooler boxes if you bring your own beverages.
Getting there
Meet your guides after breakfast at Zambezi Breezes for a trip briefing before setting off around 1000hrs on day one. 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 for walks and game drives
- 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 safari start?
Day one begins from Zambezi Breezes after breakfast and a briefing with your guides. Included return transfers between Lusaka airport and the safari area apply when you confirm your safari.
What meals are provided?
Three meals a day are included with cordial soft drinks and treated water on the safari. Cooler boxes are available if you bring your own beverages.
What camping gear is provided?
Island nights use tents and kit carried in the canoes; fly camp nights use walk-in tents with beds. You help erect tents, sort bedding, and load boats as part of the daily routine.
Is a village visit always included?
A traditional village tour is part of the day three plan after reaching fly camp, which may include a school, orphanage, or village depending on local arrangements.
What should I pack?
Neutral river clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and a torch for camp nights. Hiking shoes help for game walks.
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.
Are park and trekking permits included?
Your safari includes the park entries and trekking permits listed in the tour inclusions for the days on your itinerary.
How fit do I need to be?
Forest treks and game drives can involve uneven ground, early starts, and several hours on foot or in a vehicle. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear help you enjoy each day.
Where do we meet on day one?
Your guide meets you at the airport or agreed hotel on arrival day one, as described in the getting there section for this route. Share arrival flight details when you contact us so the guide can meet you after immigration.
What lodge standard is used?
Nights are in tourist lodges or camps matched to each park on the day-by-day itinerary, with en suite rooms and meals on full safari days.
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.
Next
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