Victoria Falls: Zambezi River Class V Rafting & Gorge Hike

Summary

White-water rafting below Victoria Falls with gorge hikes and local stories

You’ll feel your heart racing as you tackle Class IV-V rapids below Victoria Falls with a local guide leading your raft down the Zambezi River gorge. Expect hotel pickup, all gear provided, lunch by the river, and even a chance to swim or jump rocks if water levels allow. It’s not just adrenaline — it’s laughter, sweat, and stories you’ll remember long after drying off.

What’s the experience like?

I can still hear the Zambezi River in my ears — that low, rushing sound you get before you even see the water. We’d just scrambled down this steep path into the gorge (my legs were jelly by the bottom), and our guide, Tinashe, grinned like he knew what was coming. The air felt heavy and warm, kind of sticky, but then you look up and there’s this slice of sky between canyon walls. Not sure I’ve ever felt so awake so early.

The first rapid hit harder than I expected — honestly, I swallowed half the river right there. Everyone shouted over each other, paddles clacking. Tinashe kept yelling instructions (“Left! Harder!”) but also cracked jokes about crocodiles (not funny at the time). There’s this weird mix of fear and excitement in your chest when you’re rafting those Class V rapids on a day trip from Victoria Falls — it’s loud and cold and then suddenly you’re floating in calm water again, sun beating down. At one point we stopped for drinks; someone handed me a can so cold it stung my hand. You could smell wet rock and something sweet from upstream — maybe wildflowers? Or just river funk.

I tried to say thank you in Shona at lunch (Li laughed when I butchered it), but the food hit the spot — bread still warm, chicken smoky from the fire. Some of the guys jumped off a boulder into this deep pool while others just floated quietly. After that came the hike out — which is honestly no joke after paddling all morning. My shoes squelched with every step up those switchbacks. A couple kids waved as we drove back through their village; I bought a small carved hippo because it reminded me of how wide my grin was by the end.

I didn’t expect to feel so wrung out yet weirdly peaceful after a private white-water rafting tour on the Zambezi River. The whole thing is loud and bright and messy — but sometimes that’s exactly what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zambezi River white-water rafting adventure

• Drive through local village
• Hike down to the river
• Paddle Zambezi rapids
• View the beautiful canyon
• Optional rock jump
• Voluntary swimming
• Hike out of the canyon
• Option to purchase local carvings

Top questions

How difficult is white-water rafting on the Zambezi River?

This tour includes Class IV-V rapids below Victoria Falls; participants should have moderate fitness and be comfortable swimming.

Is hotel pickup included for this Victoria Falls rafting tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls are included.

What should I wear for Zambezi River rafting?

Wear a T-shirt, shorts, and proper shoes suitable for rafting and hiking in/out of the canyon.

Are meals or drinks provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided along with unlimited drinks (open bar) and light refreshments during rafting.

Can children join this Zambezi white-water rafting trip?

Children can join if they weigh at least 50 lbs (23 kg), can swim, fit a youth life jacket, and have parental permission; otherwise only Level 3 rapids are allowed for lighter kids.

Is swimming or rock jumping part of this tour?

Swimming is voluntary; rock jumping depends on water level conditions decided by your guide.

How long does it take to hike in/out of Batoka Gorge?

The hike varies but expect steep paths both down to start rafting and up at the end; moderate fitness required.

Do I need prior experience for this white-water rafting tour?

No prior experience needed; guides provide safety instructions and all necessary gear.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls, all necessary rafting gear like helmet, life jacket, paddle, guidance from experienced locals throughout your journey downriver (and up those canyon trails), unlimited drinks including an open bar during breaks, lunch served riverside with light refreshments while rafting — plus time for swimming or rock jumping if conditions allow before heading back through nearby villages at day’s end.