Looking for adventure on the Zambezi? The mighty river at Victoria Falls delivers outstanding paddling experiences for every skill level. Two standout operators handle most trips: Upper Zambezi Canoeing runs shorter wildlife-focused tours perfect for families and beginners, while River Wild Safaris specializes in day-long adventures with mild rapids – just enough excitement without overdoing it.
I especially love Upper Zambezi’s 2-3 hour morning tours ($150) for their expert naturalist guides and reliable hippo spotting. For more serious paddlers, River Wild’s full-day trip ($250) hits the sweet spot with class I-II rapids and a fantastic riverside lunch.
Beyond these, Excellence Trails and Adventure Zone offer private and multi-day expeditions ($500-750), though they’re pricier than necessary for most travelers.
Let’s explore our favorite Zambezi paddling tours in detail:
Good To Know
- Upper Zambezi Canoeing offers 2-3 hour tours near Victoria Falls with wildlife sightings, breakfast, lunch, and transfers, priced at $165 per person.
- River Wild Safaris provides a thrilling one-day canoeing experience with class I and II rapids, light breakfast, picnic lunch, and beverages, priced at $160 per person.
- Excellence Trails Safaris offers private canoeing tours for $195 per person, including transportation and lunch, with wheelchair accessibility and moderate fitness requirements.
- Canoe & Drive Combo by River Wild Safaris is an all-inclusive 3-day, 2-night package covering canoeing and game drives, priced from $750 per person.
- Adventure Zone offers a Canoe Safari 1 Day & 1 Night Camping experience for $581 per person, and the Zambezi National Park canoe safaris cost $150 per person.
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
The Upper Zambezi Canoeing tour offers an exhilarating way to experience the wildlife-rich waterways near Victoria Falls.
This 2-3 hour activity allows visitors to paddle through the gorgeous landscape and potentially spot buffalo, elephants, impalas, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
The tour, which has a maximum group size of 15, includes breakfast, lunch, and round-trip transfers from the Victoria Falls Hotel.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the knowledgeable guides prioritize safety, especially around dangerous wildlife like hippos.
With 97% of 32 reviews recommending the tour, it’s an excellent budget-friendly option at $165 per person to get up close with nature in Victoria Falls.
Read our full review: Upper Zambezi Canoeing Review
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Canoeing Upper Zambezi 1 Day – River Wild Safaris
For those seeking a more immersive canoeing experience on the Upper Zambezi, River Wild Safaris offers a thrilling one-day adventure.
Guests paddle downstream, navigating class I and II rapids, with the possibility of spotting wildlife like giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes. The 2-hour, 7km journey includes a light breakfast, picnic lunch, and beverages.
All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided, and National Park fees are included in the $160 per person cost. With a maximum of 20 travelers, this tour receives positive reviews for its knowledgeable guides and wildlife-viewing opportunities, though the river flow can impact the trip duration.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior adds flexibility.
Read our full review: Canoeing Upper Zambezi 1 Day – River Wild Safaris Review
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Canoeing With Wildlife Sightings
Travelers can embark on a captivating canoeing adventure with Excellence Trails Safaris & Photography, where the promise of wildlife sightings adds to the allure.
For $195 per person, this tour offers private transportation, lunch, and park fees. With pickups from all Victoria Falls hotels, the trip starts at 6:30 am.
While the reviews are mixed, with one guest citing windy conditions and a lack of wildlife sightings, the operator acknowledges the feedback and is committed to enhancing the guest experience.
This private tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, making it an accessible option for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Canoeing With Wildlife Sightings Review
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Canoe & Drive Combo – 3 Days 2 Nights – River Wild Safaris
Embarking on a captivating three-day, two-night adventure, River Wild Safaris’ Canoe & Drive Combo promises an immersive exploration of Victoria Falls’ natural wonders.
Priced from $750 per person, this all-inclusive package offers a perfect balance of canoeing and game drives. Travelers can expect meals, beverages, tented bush camp accommodation, and all national park fees included.
With a maximum of 6 participants, the experience provides an intimate setting to spot wildlife along the river.
Though not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in this 6 AM pickup tour, which includes complimentary hotel transfers within Victoria Falls.
Read our full review: Canoe & Drive Combo – 3 Days 2 Nights – River Wild Safaris Review
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Canoe Safari 1 Day & 1 Night Camping
The Canoe Safari 1 Day & 1 Night Camping offers an immersive adventure through the pristine wilderness of Victoria Falls.
Operated by Adventure Zone, the tour takes you canoeing on the Zambezi River and camping in the national park. For $581 per person, you’ll enjoy meals, limited alcoholic drinks, and park fees.
Pickup is provided from Victoria Falls hotels, and the tour starts at 9 am. While not wheelchair-accessible, it’s a great option for active travelers.
Just note the minimum age for alcohol is 18. With a maximum of 12 participants, this likely sell-out experience provides a chance to explore the beauty of Zimbabwe up close.
Read our full review: Canoe Safari 1 Day & 1 Night Camping Review
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Full-Day Zambezi River Canoeing Experience With Pickup
For those seeking an unforgettable adventure on the Zambezi River, the Full-Day Zambezi River Canoeing Experience with Pickup offers an exhilarating opportunity.
Priced from $175 per person, this full-day excursion includes breakfast, lunch, and all necessary equipment like rafts, paddles, and life jackets.
With a maximum group size of 24 travelers, you’ll embark on a scenic journey along the river, taking in the stunning views of Victoria Falls.
The experience starts at 7 AM, with pickup available within a 5km radius.
It’s important to note that a strong fitness level is required, and the activity isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Full-Day Zambezi River Canoeing Experience With Pickup Review
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Canoe Safaris in Zambezi National Park
Frequently, visitors to Victoria Falls embark on invigorating canoe safaris within Zambezi National Park. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty up-close.
Costing $150 per person, the safari includes a canoe trip and a tasty lunch, with dietary requirements accommodated. Travelers can expect a chicken stew, rice, salad, and rolls, complemented by beverages like beers, soft drinks, and bottled water.
The tour’s pickup service is wheelchair-accessible and can accommodate up to 20 guests. With a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, the canoe safari offers a budget-friendly way to take in the stunning Zimbabwean wilderness.
Read our full review: Canoe Safaris in Zambezi National Park Review
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Victoria Falls Canoeing
Visitors to Victoria Falls can embark on a captivating canoeing experience along the Upper Zambezi River. This small-group tour allows travelers to gently row through placid waters and secret channels, offering opportunities to observe elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles without disturbing them.
A qualified guide will point out the local fauna and flora during the tour. Priced from $160 per person, the experience includes return transfers, refreshments, gratuities, and all fees. While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Participants can book with a Lowest Price Guarantee and Reserve Now and Pay Later for flexibility. This is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the Zambezi National Park.
Read our full review: Victoria Falls Canoeing Review
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Victoria Falls Canoeing Company Airport, City & Hotel Transfers
The Victoria Falls Canoeing Company offers airport, city, and hotel transfers for visitors looking to explore the region. The service includes pickup and drop-off, with transfers taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
The company can accommodate up to 100 travelers, making it a convenient option for groups. Included in the experience are bottled water, food, and drinks, as well as lunch.
Travelers are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on bag, with restrictions on oversized luggage. The canoe and kayak adventures are wheelchair accessible, and confirmation is received at the time of booking, making the experience easy to plan.
Read our full review: Victoria Falls Canoeing Company Airport, City & Hotel Transfers Review
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The Sum Up
Victoria Falls offers a range of exciting canoe and kayak experiences on the Zambezi River. Visitors can choose from day trips, multi-day safaris, and even combo packages with wildlife sightings. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a more relaxed paddle, there’s an option to suit your interests and budget. The river’s scenic beauty and diverse wildlife make for an unforgettable on-the-water experience.