Riding the Zambezi: White Water Rafting Below Victoria Falls

Livingstone•challenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

5 hours (approx.)

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good general health with basic upper-body strength and the ability to swim; non-swimmers may still join but must disclose this in advance.

Overview

Below the thunder of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi contracts into the Batoka Gorge and delivers a raft-run that alternates hair-raising rapids with tranquil recovery pools. This half-day to full-day rafting experience combines Class III–V white water with volcanic geology and local river lore.

Riding the Zambezi: White Water Rafting Below Victoria Falls

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rafting

Select participants and date

Date

Mon, Nov 24

Travelers

You push off from the bank and the river takes charge—the Zambezi’s current fingers through the oarlocks, pulling the raft toward a throat of white. Upstream, Victoria Falls murmurs like a distant engine; downstream, the Batoka Gorge narrows into basalt walls that seem to crowd the sky. Guides shout cadence, spray hits your face with the sharp, mineral taste of river water, and for an hour after each rapid you catch your breath in pockets of calm, where the river seems to be considering its next move.

Adventure Photos

Riding the Zambezi: White Water Rafting Below Victoria Falls photo 1

Adventure Tips

Wear secure footwear

Closed-toe river shoes or sturdy sandals with straps prevent lost footwear on rocky riverbanks and during swims.

Bring a small dry bag

Keep your phone, ID, and spare lenses in a watertight pouch—operators will often have group dry storage but immediate access helps for photos.

Hydrate and eat lightly beforehand

A light, carbohydrate-rich breakfast and regular sips of water will keep energy up without upsetting your stomach during rough water.

Know the season's flow

Ask your operator about current water levels—high season ups the adrenaline but increases risk and may change the route.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Hippopotamus (in calmer pools downstream)
African fish eagle and kingfisher species along the riverine fringe

History

The Batoka Gorge formed as Zambezi waters cut through volcanic basalt after rift uplift; European explorers later mapped the falls, and Livingstone became a gateway for river expeditions.

Conservation

River flows and riparian habitats are sensitive to upstream water use and climate variability; operators follow strict waste and fuel-handling protocols to minimize impact.