Victoria Falls: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting & Gorge Lunch

Summary

Whitewater thrills on the zambezi river with local guides and riverside lunch

You’ll paddle through roaring class 4-5 rapids on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls with an experienced local guide leading your crew. Expect laughter, teamwork, and moments when your heart pounds louder than the river itself. Includes hotel pickup, safety gear, riverside lunch, plus photos and videos so you can relive every splash later.

What’s the experience like?

Paddles clattering against the raft, someone’s nervous laugh mixing with the roar from below — that’s how our Zambezi whitewater rafting started. The Batoka Gorge looked impossibly steep from where we stood, helmets crooked and sunscreen already running into my eyes. Our guide, Tinashe, grinned as he handed out life jackets. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the river will wake you up.” I believed him. The air smelled sharp and green, almost electric before we even touched the water.

I’d heard stories about these rapids — names like Washing Machine and Stairway to Heaven sound dramatic until you’re actually staring at them. We paddled through eleven kilometers of wild water, sometimes in sync, sometimes not (sorry to whoever I accidentally splashed in the face). Tinashe shouted instructions over the thunder of the river and somehow managed to tell us bits about local legends between rapids. I still remember how cold the spray felt every time we hit a drop. My arms burned but I couldn’t stop grinning.

Lunch by the river was quieter than I expected. Everyone just sort of sat there for a minute, catching their breath and looking at each other like — did we really just do that? The cliffs above were streaked with sunlight and it smelled like wet stone and something sweet from a nearby tree. Someone passed around photos from earlier (yes, they actually take pictures for you), and we all laughed at my terrified face in one of them. It was a good kind of tiredness that settled in after — not sure if it was relief or just being in that place together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zambezi River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

• Meet certified rafting guides
• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Start rafting on Zambezi River
• Navigate class 3-5 rapids
• Conquer rapids like Stairway to Heaven
• Continue rafting through Batoka Gorge
• Stop for lunch by the river
• Complete rafting journey

Top questions

How long does the Zambezi whitewater rafting tour last?

The rafting adventure lasts about 3 to 4 hours on the river itself.

What class rapids are on this Zambezi River trip?

You’ll tackle mostly class 4 and 5 rapids along an 11 km stretch.

Is lunch included on this Victoria Falls rafting tour?

Yes, a riverside lunch is included during your day trip.

Are transfers provided for this rafting experience?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Is this whitewater rafting suitable for beginners?

A moderate fitness level is required; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

Do guides provide safety equipment for Zambezi rafting?

Yes, certified guides provide all safety gear and emergency training.

Are photos or videos included in this day trip?

Your experience includes photos and videos taken during rafting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary safety gear provided by certified guides, photos and videos of your adventure on the Zambezi River, beverages to keep you refreshed along the way, plus a proper riverside lunch before heading back to town together.