canoe safari zambezi zimbabwe wildlife

Canoeing on the Zambezi River

Our canoe safari on the quiet lower stretches of the Zambezi River grants us rare—and utterly fascinating—perspectives of African wildlife.

Photo by Craig Lovell

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $7395   see pricing
Length: 13 days
Arrive: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Depart: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Lodging: 8 nights luxury lodges, 2 nights private camps, 2 nights hotel describe
Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Activity: Safaris, Wildlife & Natural History, Walking
Trip Level: Moderate walks, 2-4 hours a day, 2-day safari in 15-foot, 2- or 3-person Canadian canoes, 4WD gameviewing
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Highlights

  • Paddle past bathing elephants and pods of floating hippos
  • Walk on the wild side, tracking elusive black rhino on foot
  • See thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the world’s great natural spectacles and a World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy the amenities of luxury lodges in the heart of the African wilderness


We really enjoyed this trip. It truly was a magical experience.Keighley J.—Rosston, TX

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Resources

One of the superb ways to experience Africa is by canoe and on foot—and one of the best places to do that is in Zimbabwe, whose renowned national parks absolutely teem with wildlife. On the fabled Zambezi River, our two-day canoe safari brings us close to snorting hippos, sunning crocs, and huge elephants wading at water’s edge, while terrific game walks in Matusadona, Mana Pools, and Hwange National Parks showcase all the magic of Africa. Few companies offer a wonderfully active safari experience like this—and such an intriguing one. What’s more, we take only six people on each trip (early sign-up advised!). Charter flights between the parks eliminate long drives and maximize our gameviewing time, and we enjoy a great mix of exclusive luxury lodges and private wilderness camps.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Victoria Falls / Matusadona National Park

After meeting in Victoria Falls, we head to Rhino Island Safari Lodge, our private accommodation on the shores of Lake Kariba in Matusadona. Gameviewing opportunities are incredible here, along with superb birding. On foot and by 4WD vehicle, we track the elusive black rhino through mopane and river woodlands and get within whispering distance of bull elephants and other game. There are also hippos, crocodiles, and plentiful lions. Matusadona’s glowing sunsets are legendary and our lodge features lovely views of the lake.

Days 4-5
Mana Pools National Park

From our exclusive camp on the banks of the Zambezi River, we enjoy bush walks, game drives, and boating on the river. Elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, and baboon appear on just about every walk, and we also see the fascinating details one misses from a vehicle, including fresh game tracks, insects, and colorful butterflies. On game drives we may see lion, leopard, and even the rare wild dog.

Days 6-7
Zambezi Canoe Safari

A canoe safari on the Zambezi is one of Africa’s great adventures. Quietly paddling and drifting with the current, we draw close to hippos, elephants, and other wildlife, and gain an astonishing perspective of African wildlife. Early mornings are set aside for safaris on foot, and at night, we relax in private riverside mobile camps, surrounded by the sounds of the African night and a magnificent sky full of stars.

Days 8-10
Hwange National Park

Hwange, one of Africa’s great elephant sanctuaries, has a remarkable variety of other mammals as well, including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and impala. We head out on walks, game drives, and night drives (an activity not permitted in other parks), and enjoy the comforts of Somalisa Camp, an authentic bush camp with a blend of old African charm and elegance.

Days 11-13
Victoria Falls

At Victoria Falls, where the mile-wide Zambezi plunges into swirling mists, we stay at the classic Victoria Falls Hotel and enjoy several exciting options. Depart on Day 13, or join our Cape Town Extension.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

 

Departures & Leaders

Jul 16-28, 2012  Martin Meyer
Aug 24-Sep 5, 2012  Martin Meyer
Sep 25-Oct 7, 2012  Martin Meyer

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2012
$7395 (4-6 members)
Single supplement: $1495
Forced single supplement: $1195
Internal airfare: $1750 (subject to change)
Park fees: $715
more on pricing

Extension Costs
Cape Town Extension
   from: $1995
Cape Winelands Extension
   from: $1295
Johannesburg Extension
   from: $1495

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations, based on double occupancy
  • All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Safari camp staff
  • Land transportation, baggage handling, airport transfers as noted

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare to and from Africa, internal flights and park fees (see separate costs above), meals not specified above after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, cost of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature.

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior: 25% of land cost
45 days or less: 100% of land cost

Rhino Island Safari Lodge

Rhino Island Safari Lodge

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

The only lodge of its kind in Matusadona, Rhino Island offers a remote ambiance, beautiful lake views, and stunning wildlife including elephant, ...
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Private Semi-Permanent Camp

Private Semi-Permanent Camp

Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Our exclusive private camp is set on the banks of the Zambezi River and features large walk-in tents with twin beds, en suite bathroom, hot shower, ...
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Private Mobile Tented Camps

Private Mobile Tented Camps

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

During our canoe safari on a quiet section of the Zambezi River, we overnight at special private mobile tented camps set up each night on the ...
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Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp

Days 8 to 10 (3 nights), Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

In the heart of Hwange National Park, Somalisa is an authentic bush camp with a blend of old African charm. Its stunning location on an acacia ...
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Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel

Days 11 to 12 (2 nights), Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The stately Victoria Falls Hotel is a “grand old lady” with a true British colonial ambiance, from its manicured gardens to its renowned ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Martin Meyer

Martin Meyer of South Africa is a professional guide with extensive experience in leading 4WD safaris throughout southern Africa as well as in the game parks of Kenya and Tanzania. He has been active in establishing new routes and locations for various safari companies, has led photo safaris in Botswana and Namibia, and has guided scuba trips on the island of Zanzibar. Martin is thoroughly knowledgeable about all aspects of southern Africa’s natural history and fascinating cultures and loves introducing guests to his home country. When not on safari, he resides in Hoedspruit (near Kruger National Park) with his wife.

Upcoming Trips:

Great Game Parks of Southern Africa, June 15-25, 2012
Great Game Parks of Southern Africa, July 1-11, 2012
Zimbabwe Adventure, July 16-28, 2012
Adventuring in South Africa, August 10-20, 2012
Zimbabwe Adventure, August 24-September 5, 2012
Zimbabwe Adventure, September 25-October 7, 2012
Adventuring in South Africa, October 12-22, 2012
Adventuring in South Africa, December 6-16, 2012

Client Testimonials:


Martin was top notch in every way. It was a pleasure to be in his company every day. Julie Farbaniec, Mission Viejo, CA
Adventuring in South Africa
Martin did an outstanding job and added so much to our experience in South Africa. He is a gem. Susan B., New York, NY
Adventuring in South Africa
Martin is really terrific and has just the right demeanor for a trip leader. He made the trip completely enjoyable. Keighley J., Rosston, TX
Zimbabwe Adventure
Martin was incredible! He had the perfect personality and demeanor to lead our group, and his background in guiding, photography, and knowledge of the local flora and fauna was invaluable. Beth S., Naperville, IL
Great Game Parks of Southern Africa
Martin's ability to genuinely relate to all he comes in contact with, African or otherwise, was a gift for all of us. What an ambassador for good will and for the company that expects nothing less! Sherida P., Arvada, CO
Adventuring in South Africa
Martin is South Africa's best spokesman. His care for us, his country, and people was infectious. Sharyn R., Draper, UT
Adventuring in South Africa
Martin gets the credit for this trip "staying in our souls." He is the best guide that we have ever worked with. He is warm, accepting, organized, an advocate of South Africa—with its history and growing pains. He is clear to uphold the WT environmental values and concern for its clients as that is endemic to his true nature and self. Sherida P., Arvada, CO
Adventuring in South Africa
You could not have a better person to lead this trip. He is extremely knowledgeable, proud of his country, has a wonderful sense of humor (and knowledge of wine), and is extremely sensitive and accomodating to the individuals in the group. He is a very impressive young man. Brother J., Portsmouth, RI
Adventuring in South Africa
I can't say enough good things about Martin—he really made the trip. Kenneth B., Chicago, IL
Adventuring in South Africa
Excellent does not come close. More like—unbelievable! So patient, fun, knowledgeable, funny, kind, a great story teller, amazing person. Just superlative in every way. Ginger P., Boulder, CO
Great Game Parks of Southern Africa

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

South Africa

cape town table mountain south africa

Cape Town Extension

Africa’s Most Romantic City

Walking, Cultural Adventures
4 days  -  Level 2

south africa vineyards winelands

Cape Winelands Extension

Explore South Africa’s Celebrated Wine Country

Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1

johannesburg city skyline south africa

Johannesburg Extension

Cradle of Humankind, Soweto & the Apartheid Museum

Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days  -  Level 1