Zambezi River Class 5 Whitewater Rafting: Victoria Falls
Rapids, a gorge hike, lunch at the top
Class 5 whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls with a local guide, pickup, gear and lunch. You hike into Botoka Gorge, run the rapids with stops for snacks, then hike back up to eat before the shuttle returns you to town.
What’s included
- Pickup and shuttle to the river and back to town.
- PFD, helmet and paddle.
- a local guide in English.
- snacks during the run.
- fresh, locally made lunch with drinks.
- local beer for travelers 21 and over.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by River Runner Adventures
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
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The experience
The Zambezi rapids just below Victoria Falls are Class 5, which means you're in the thick of it from the moment you push off. River Runner Adventures, a Zambian-owned operation, picks you up in town and shuttles you to the gorge, where you gear up (PFD, helmet, paddle), and get the safety briefing before dropping into the river. The run itself is broken by a snack stop partway through, so you catch your breath and take in the river before the harder sections come.
Once you reach the end of the run, there's a hike back up to the top of the gorge where lunch waits: fresh, locally made food with drinks included. The guide brings local knowledge and history of the Zambezi as you go, and cultural encounters happen naturally as you pass through local villages on the way to access the river. Depending on the season and what you want, the trip can stretch to include fishing, views of the Falls from below, or photography stops. The operator customizes around what matters to you.
The whole day runs about five hours from pickup to drop-off. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness for the hike and the rapids, and the operator notes it's not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Local beer is available after the run for travelers 21 and over. Younger travelers get non-alcoholic options instead.
Is this one for you?Five hours from pickup to return limits what else you can fit in the day, but it leaves the morning or late afternoon free if you want to see the Falls from the rim or explore town. The Class 5 grade and gorge hikes demand moderate fitness and comfort in fast water. This is not a gentle float, and it is not for travelers with cardiovascular concerns.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.
What are Class 5 rapids like if I've never rafted before?
Class 5 rapids are the hardest grade commercially run, with big waves, holes and fast currents that demand constant paddling and quick reactions. The guide leads you through and calls out what's coming, but you're actively paddling the whole time. It's not a passive ride. The snack stop partway through gives you a moment to recover and reset before the harder sections.
How do I get to the river from town?
River Runner Adventures picks you up from your location in town and shuttles you to Botoka Gorge below Victoria Falls. After the run and lunch, the shuttle takes you back to your chosen location, so transport is handled both ways.
What's included in the lunch at the top of the gorge?
Lunch is fresh, locally made food served at the top of the gorge after you hike back up from the river, with drinks included. The operator can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and food allergies if you let them know when you book.
Can I bring my camera or phone on the raft?
You can bring a camera or phone, though the rapids and water make it risky. Professional photos and video of the trip are available for purchase after you finish, priced at US$60.
Is this safe for teenagers?
Children are welcome from age 13 and up. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the hike into and out of the gorge and the demands of Class 5 paddling. The guide runs a full safety briefing before you launch, and all gear (PFD, helmet, paddle) is provided.
Zambezi River Class 5 Whitewater Rafting: Victoria Falls
5h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 140 per person
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