Livingstone Zambezi Whitewater Rafting & White Rhino Safari

Grade 3–5 rapids and white rhinos in a single day

Combine Zambezi whitewater rafting and white rhino tracking in one full-day activity from Livingstone. Paddle 12–13 km through the Batoka Gorge under expert guidance, then walk into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with armed rangers to track endangered rhinos on foot. Hotel pickup, all gear, park entry and lunch are included.

The experience

You start the morning with a safety briefing at the river, then hike into the Batoka Gorge and paddle into 12–13 km of Grade 3–5 rapids (Oblivion, The Washing Machine and others) with a licensed guide steering the boat. The gorge walls rise around you as you navigate the whitewater, and on clear days you see Victoria Falls from below the spray. A professional photographer documents the run. You can buy prints afterward. Lunch and water breaks happen on the riverbank between sections.

After the rafting, you head into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for the afternoon wildlife portion. A game drive comes first, then you walk on foot with an armed park ranger and professional safari guide to track white rhinos: endangered animals you track by sign and sight across the savanna. Elephants, zebras and giraffes often cross your path. The walking is steady and the rangers know where the rhinos move. This is not a casual stroll but a real tracking experience with trained conservation professionals.

HSM Adventures runs the whole operation in-house with no third-party handoffs, which means the same team that briefs you on safety also guides the rhino walk. You carry a helmet, life jacket and paddle. The operator provides all gear fitted to your size. Hotel pickup and drop-off happen within Livingstone town, and the day ends with you back at your accommodation by late afternoon. An industrial-grade first aid kit travels on the boat, and the operation is fully insured with SES emergency response on standby.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Livingstone.
• national park entry fees and conservation levy.
• rafting helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• licensed guide and safety briefing.
• lunch and bottled water during the day.
• afternoon game drive and guided rhino walk with armed park ranger.
• professional safari guide for the wildlife portion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HSM Adventures Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?The day involves nine hours of activity with hiking into the gorge, paddling through moving water, and walking on foot to track rhinos, so it suits travelers with moderate to high fitness who are comfortable with sustained effort and water immersion. The minimum age is 15, and personal travel insurance is required for all participants.

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Top questions

What are the rapids like on the Zambezi at Livingstone?

The Zambezi section here runs Grade 3–5 rapids including named drops like Oblivion and The Washing Machine. You paddle through 12–13 km of whitewater in the Batoka Gorge under expert guidance, with views of the gorge walls and Victoria Falls visible from the river below.

How do you track white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park?

You walk on foot with an armed park ranger and professional safari guide who read the landscape for rhino sign and movement. The walk is active tracking, not a passive game drive, and you may also encounter elephants, zebras and giraffes along the way.

What gear do I need to bring, and what does the operator provide?

Bring swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat and water shoes. Leave phones, cameras and valuables in your hotel safe. The operator provides helmet, life jacket, paddle and all rafting safety equipment fitted to your size, plus lunch and water during the day.

How long is the full-day activity, and when does it start?

The full day runs nine hours from hotel pickup through return. The morning begins with the rafting section in the Batoka Gorge, followed by lunch, then the afternoon game drive and rhino walk in the national park.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Livingstone town are included. Additional fees may apply if your accommodation is outside the town area.

What safety measures are in place on the water?

Licensed rafting guides lead every trip with a full safety briefing before you enter the water. An industrial-grade first aid kit travels on the boat, the operation is fully insured, and SES emergency response is on standby throughout the day.