The Zambezi Blast rafting
"As a 62 yr old who has not camped in about 35 years I was so out of my element sleeping under the stars."J Lark
As featured on ITV2 Celebrity Adrenaline Junkie with Jack Osbourne and Elijah Wood, this is the trip for those who want to experience the best of the best in their week’s holiday. We run this shorter rafting holiday for those wanting all the biggest and best rapids on the Zambezi River, plus some wonderful game viewing safari in Chobe National Park in Botswana. In addition to warm water rafting, you will experience expansive beach campsites, wonderful wildlife and a spectacular helicopter flight over Victoria Falls – read on as Africa delivers a feast…
Other trips similar to this you may be interested in, are our Mighty Zambezi 7 day trip, Zambezi Ultimate Adventure or our African Odyssey.
Itinerary & Map
Arrive into Livingstone where you’ll be met by your Trip Leader and taken to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge. Late afternoon we will embark on a sunset cruise on the gorgeous Upper Zambezi, before returning to our hotel.
Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After a thorough safety talk and paddle instructions, we will start rafting from underneath Victoria Falls, ( not above as we do get asked ) one of “The Seven Wonders of the Natural World”. Today we will challenge rapids such as Star Trek, Stairway to Heaven and Devils Toilet Bowl…. are just a few.
Included: All meals
We load the rafts with all our food and equipment for the rest of the trip and take on exhilerating rapids such as Creamy White Buttocks, the Mother and OBLIVION!
Included: All meals
Amazing sights of Fish Eagles amidst other great rapids, Open Season, the Narrows and one of our favourites, Upper Moemba! This is a great adrenaline rush to end the day.
Included: All meals
We portage the rafts around Lower Moemba. At Chabango Falls we leave our gear raft and portage the rafts and kayaks and run the amazing rapid, Ghostrider! Our helicopter will be waiting and will give you an amazing 20 minute flight through the gorge, as well as a flight over the the spectacular Victoria Falls. We overnight in a hotel and go out for dinner together, reflecting on a great day.
Included: All meals
Breakfast at your hotel and a short transfer by paved road to Chobe National Park in Botswana for your safari.
Included: All meals
Chobe National Park is famous for its huge herds of elephants as well as antelope , hippos, baboons and Africa’s symbol of strength, the lion.
Included: All meals
After a game drive and wholesome breakfast we return to Livingstone Airport in Zambia for our flight home.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Duration | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 3 August 2025 - Sunday 10 August 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 10 August 2025 - Sunday 17 August 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 17 August 2025 - Sunday 24 August 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 24 August 2025 - Sunday 31 August 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 31 August 2025 - Sunday 6 September 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 14 September 2025 - Sunday 21 September 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 21 September 2025 - Sunday 28 September 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 5 October 2025 - Sunday 12 October 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 12 October 2025 - Sunday 19 October 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
| Sunday 19 October 2025 - Sunday 26 October 2025 | 8 days | £4350 | €5250 | $5850 |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for our river rafting expeditions. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. Each guest will get a drybag to use for the trip once in Livingstone. A short video on the size of this and how to pack your drybag can be viewed here. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure along with your Water By Nature Travel Bag.
Download equipment file- A pair of Chacos / Keens or similar sandals. (Sandals with a closed toe are ideal)
- A pair of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- A Swimming costume or bikini for ladies.
- A rash vest (not cotton) or long sleeved top to wear under your personal flotation device.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line or from your river crew.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 Lightweight neutral coloured long trousers.
- 2 Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirt or t shirt.
- 1 pair of Shorts.
- Fleece jumper / sweatshirt.
- Sarong.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- A 4-season sleeping bag for August departures, 3-season sleeping bag for September onwards. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Flip flops for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- 1 pair of light weight neutral coloured trousers
- 1 long sleeved top or t shirt neutral coloured.
- Fleece or jumper.
- T shirt and shorts for day wear.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Anti malarial medication.
- Insect repellent.
- Blister plasters.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
The Zambezi Blast rafting Reviews
AN ABSOLUTE BLAST
As a 62 yr old who has not camped in about 35 years I was so out of my element sleeping under the stars. Not to worry-The WBN team made it easy. The rafting was exhilarating. Kevias, our sure handed captain took care of us and Hamish saw to it we had good experiences all around with fun surprises along the way. The Safari was SUPA (shout out to Florence)- a perfect combination.
First Class All The Way
We just completed the “Zambezi Blast” combination rafting / safari trip. I can’t say enough good things about this organization and its leader, Hamish. It’s first class all the way. We stayed at the finest hotels and rode in quality vehicles (4×4’s, vans, boats and helicopters) guided by likely the best guides around. Isaac, the captain of our raft, is a local Olympian kayaker who grew up running the same river we ran! The food was great, we were with a group of amazing people and everything flowed seamlessly. Thank you Hamish and crew! Dee Dee and I had a great time.
Life Changing Experience
The Zambezi River Blast was the most incredible and life changing experience of my life. It’s hard to put into words how impressive the entire operation was. We were lucky enough to have Hamish join us on the trip and boy were we in for a treat! Hamish was selfless, witty, kept us laughing, informed, all the while making us feel safe. The river crew; Isaac, Kevias, Darwin, PJ, Liberty, and Makuma (with his crew of Porters), worked effortlessly to traverse us through the mighty Zambezi, set up camp, cook us dinner & lunch, and serve us our drinks of choice (G&T’s for me!); all with a huge smile on their face. They were accommodating, informative, and FUN! Being on the river was an experience not many accomplish and I am beyond grateful to have completed this adventure. Not only was the 4 days rafting, 3 days camping executed well, but the entire 8 day trip was coordinated so well that it felt like a true vacation, not needing to lift a finger.
I am already thinking of where I can go next with Water By Nature. If you’re on the fence, just book the trip!!!! There were people of all ages and fitness levels on the trip, so there is nothing to hold you back.
Thank you Hamish, Fiona, and the Zambezi River crew for an adventure I’ll never forget. Love you guys!
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