The Zambezi Dream kayaking

We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a kayaking vacation. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion & Kayaking Gear:

• A pair of Chacos, Keens or similar open sandals.
• A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
• Long sleeved lycra top to wear under your life jacket.
• A long sleeved drytop for August trips and short sleeved for September and October
• A kayaking helmet.
• A kayaking PFD (Minimum 2 years old)
• Your spraydeck
• Your kayaking paddle
• Wide brimmed sunhat – can be purchased form our river crew
• Sunglasses.
• Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – ca be purchased from our Water Shop
• Nalgene or similar water bottle – can be purchased from our Water Shop
• Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
• Thermal Top for cooler evenings. Medium weight – Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
• Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.
• We recommend bringing your own personal kayaking gear. We have a range of kayaks available. If you wish to bring your own boat, you may do so. Contact us for the list of boats we have and also for suggestions to get your boat here.

For evenings and around camp

• 2 x Lightweight long trousers.
• 2 x Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
• Fleece jacket for evenings
• Light weight down jacket – early mornings and evenings can be cool until the sun comes up, especially in August
• Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
• Underwear.
• 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 hand sanitizer
• A 3-season sleeping bag. (4 Season for August departures)
• Travel Pillow.
• Small pack towel.
• Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
• Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
• Insect Repellent.
• Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items

• Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
• Sketchpad.
• Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
• Waterproof disposable camera for the “action” on the raft shots.
• An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet,  or anything else you may purchase on your holiday!
• A few zip lock bags to keep valuables water and sand free.

Personal Spending

• The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
• If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
• Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do NOT need to bring

• Tents, sleeping mats.