Zambezi River White Water Rafting in Livingstone

Rapids 1 through 10, a 750-foot gorge hike, and lunch at the top

Half-day white water rafting on the Zambezi River near Livingstone puts you in a raft paddling class III–V rapids through the river's enveloping gorges, guided by a certified IRF instructor who explains the cultural and traditional aspects of the landscape. After disembarking at rapid 10, you hike back up the gorge carrying your gear, then eat lunch and return to your hotel.

The experience

The morning starts with pickup from your lodging and a drive to the check-in point at the top of the gorge. A safety briefing covers what comes next, and you'll complete indemnity forms before handing over valuables for safekeeping. Once you're fitted with rafting gear, the walk down to the water begins: your first real sense of the gorge's scale and the current waiting below.

The rafting itself runs from rapid 1 through rapid 10, covering the stretch from the boiling point downriver. You paddle through class III–V rapids, working collectively with your group to navigate the Zambezi's power. A certified IRF guide leads from the raft, calling out the moves and sharing details about the gorges and their cultural significance as you move through the water. The certified first aid guide travels with you, and bottled water and snacks keep you fueled during the paddling.

At rapid 10 you leave the raft and hike back up the gorge: about 750 feet carrying your gear, with water provided along the way. Once you reach the top, lunch and soft refreshing beverages wait. The drive back to Livingstone town takes roughly 30 minutes, and you're back at your hotel by early afternoon.

What’s included

• Certified IRF English-speaking guide and certified first aid guide.
• all rafting gear and safety equipment.
• bottled water and snacks during the activity.
• lunch and soft refreshing beverages after the hike.
• hotel pickup and return transport to Livingstone.
• dietary accommodations including vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (15 to 70 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mavumina Safaris And Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups paddle together, which is what makes the collective paddling work and keeps the rapids manageable for a half-day outing. If you want to raft without spending a full day on the water, the morning schedule and the hike-out at rapid 10 fit a tighter itinerary.

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Top questions

What rapids will I paddle on the Zambezi River?

You paddle from rapid 1 through rapid 10, covering class III–V rapids. The stretch runs from the boiling point downriver, and a certified guide leads the raft and calls out the moves as you work through each section.

Do I need to hike after the rafting?

Yes. After disembarking at rapid 10, you hike up the gorge carrying your rafting gear, about 750 feet, with water provided during the climb. Once you reach the top, lunch is served before the drive back to town.

What's included in the half-day price?

Hotel pickup and return transport, a certified IRF English-speaking guide, all rafting gear, a certified first aid guide, bottled water, snacks, and lunch after the hike are included. All fees and taxes are covered. Dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free meals can be arranged if you specify them when booking.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, the minimum age is 15. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed.