5 Day Zambezi Canoe Safari Trail
Lower Zambezi · Chirundu
From $2,332 pp in a group of 4
6 days · Zambia
6 Day Great Zambezi Canoe Safari in Zambia
Paddle the full length of the Lower Zambezi floodplains on the only canoe safari of its kind in Zambia, from Chirundu through Mana Pools and Lower Zambezi National Park to the remote Mupata Gorge and the Luangwa confluence. Back channels, basalt cliffs, and wide river sections make this the most ambitious canoe route in Zambia.
from$2,420pp in a group of 5
$3,520 pp for a solo traveller. See every group size
- 6days
- 1country
- 5travellers at most
In brief
What this safari is
The route passes Lower Zambezi National Park on the left and Mana Pools on the right, ending where the Luangwa meets the Zambezi. River width exceeds 3km in places with maze-like channels, then narrows through the Mupata Gorge with 300-million-year-old basalt formations.
Before you go
This trip suits canoe enthusiasts ready for longer daily distances and expedition camping. Basic fitness and comfort helping with tents and boat loading are expected; no prior canoe qualification is required.
Before you book
Quick facts
- Starts at
- Zambezi Breezes Lodge, Chirundu (Lusaka airport transfers included)
- Length
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Group size
- Up to 5 travellers
- Activity
- Extended guided canoe expedition with island and beach 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: Launch and Mtondo Island
Chirundu
Meet at Zambezi Breezes Lodge in Chirundu around 1000hrs for about a two-hour road transfer downstream to the launch site.
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Day 2: Into Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi
Early tea, coffee, and biscuits from about 0630hrs, then paddle toward a downstream breakfast stop after roughly two hours.
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Day 3: Back channels and G Camp
Lower Zambezi
Follow the daily early-start rhythm through offshoot river channels where birdlife and game abound, with guides stopping at points of interest. Both banks sit inside superb national parks with some of the highest game concentrations on the river.
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Day 4: False Mupata Gorge
Mupata Gorge
Exit Mana Pools and continue through Lower Zambezi National Park as the river narrows and current strengthens into the False Mupata Gorge.
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Day 5: Mupata Gorge to Red cliffs
Mupata Gorge
Paddle through the rest of the Mupata Gorge observing ancient volcanic rock formations of the Great Rift Valley. Around midday exit the gorge and continue toward Red cliffs for lunch and a break from the heat, then toward the night island camp.
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Day 6: Take-out and Lusaka transfer
Mupata Gorge
Early tea, coffee, and breakfast, then the remaining paddle to the end of the canoe safari with take-out around 0900hrs. Return transfer to Lusaka runs in an open-backed Land Cruiser with shaded canopy, with lunch en route under a tree.
Victoria Falls and the gorge, seen from the air.
Your group
Price for your group
2 travellers: $3,300 each, $6,600 in total.
| Travellers | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,520 | $3,520 |
| 2 | $3,300 6% off | $6,600 |
| 3 | $3,135 11% off | $9,405 |
| 4 | $2,904 18% off | $11,616 |
| 5 | $2,420 31% off | $12,100 |
Prices are in US dollars per person, from the group rates listed with this trip.
The detail
What is included
Included
- Five nights 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
- Road transfer back to Lusaka at the end of the safari
Not included
- Laundry services
- International flights and optional air charter from take-out
- 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 on this extended canoe safari are spent wild camping on islands and sandy beaches along the Lower Zambezi, from Mtondo Island through Chikwenya and channel camps toward the Mupata Gorge. You erect tents each evening with bedding from kit carried in the canoes while guides cook at riverside camps under the stars.
Getting there
Meet at Zambezi Breezes Lodge in Chirundu around 1000hrs on day one for a road transfer downstream to the launch site. Return transfer to Lusaka by open-backed Land Cruiser is included at the end; optional chartered flight from the take-out is available on request at extra cost.
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
How long is this canoe safari?
This is the six-day Great Zambezi expedition with five nights camping on the river, covering the full Lower Zambezi floodplain to the Luangwa confluence. It is geared toward canoe enthusiasts wanting the longest route on this route.
Where do we meet?
Standard starts are at Zambezi Breezes Lodge in Chirundu around 1000hrs on day one, followed by a road transfer to the put-in. Return Lusaka airport transfers are included when you confirm your safari.
Is the flight from take-out included?
Optional one-hour chartered flight from the take-out may be arranged on request but is not included in the safari package. The included return to Lusaka is by road in about five hours.
What parks does the route pass?
The trail passes through Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side and the full length of Mana Pools on the Zimbabwe side before the Mupata Gorge and confluence with the Luangwa River. Comfort stops and lodge check-ins are built into long transfer days on this route.
Can we finish paddling on day five instead?
Groups may choose to paddle through to the Feira take-out on day five so the road transfer can leave earlier for Lusaka, meaning no canoeing on day six. Discuss this preference in advance so camp selection on day five matches your plan.
What meals are included?
Three meals a day with cordial soft drinks and treated water are supplied on the safari, following the standard canoe camp menu with English breakfasts, cold lunches in the shade, and full dinners. Comfort stops and lodge check-ins are built into long transfer days on this route.
How fit should I be?
Expect full days on the water with early starts, especially in hot months. Day two alone covers about 25km through park sections with channel exploration on day three.
What should I pack?
Pack neutral river clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and about 7kg of luggage. Rafting sandals, a wide brim hat, and a dry bag for personal items are recommended.
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. Comfort stops and lodge check-ins are built into long transfer days on this route.
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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