Mana Pools Adventure Canoe Safari - 4 Days

(Guided Camping Canoe Safari)

"My heart is still pounding from the incredible adventure of canoeing down the Zambezi River in the amazing Mana Pools"

Get ready to paddle your way into the heart of adventure! A semi-participatory canoe safari on the Zambezi River in Mana Pools is like nature’s roller coaster—only wilder. You’re not just a passenger; you’re part of the crew, navigating the twists and turns of this iconic river. Feel the thrill as you glide past hippos and crocs, with buffaloes grazing on the banks and elephants crossing the river right in front of you. Camp on remote sandy river islands with breath-taking sunsets, sunrises and night skies. It’s up close, it’s personal, and it’s the most fun you’ll ever have with a paddle in hand!

Canoeing down the mighty Zambezi River in Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, camping on river islands

Adventure Canoe Safaris

Semi-participatory - meaning camps are not already set up for your arrival and that everyone helps to put up tents each evening. Tents supplied are very easy to set up, two-person, dome tents. You are also required to to assist the guide with cooking and washing up.
Self-contained - meaning all equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up.
Minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 people (special arrangements can be made for larger groups upon request).
Minimum age limit for canoe safaris is 14 years - there is no maximum age limit but sound judgement should be used.
No previous canoeing experience is necessary but guests are required to be reasonably fit and healthy.
The maximum luggage limit per client to take on the river is 10 kgs packed in a soft duffel bag, not a suitcase.
A luggage room and safe facilities are provided for any extra luggage at the Kariba office.

Daily Routine
Generally the day starts with tea/coffee and biscuits at sunrise. Camp is then packed up and the party sets off. Early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not yet too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast, usually after a couple of hours. The trip continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta to avoid the midday heat. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm and the camp is unpacked and setup. Campsites are typically set up on islands and all sites are designated by National Parks.

Wildlife
Animals seen on the trip usually include elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile and plentiful birdlife. Lion, leopard, painted hunting dog etc. are more rarely seen but are certainly in the area. Please note that during the green (wet) season, game numbers are not as prolific as in the high (dry) season.

Ablutions
There are no ablution facilities on these safaris. Clients are provided with a spade, toilet paper and matches - with which to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is by bucket shower, using river water.

Equipment supplied
All camping equipment is supplied. This includes gas stoves, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic plates, mugs, tables, stools, camping mattresses, sleeping bags and liners, candles, matches, cooler boxes and dome tents. Clients can bring their own sleeping bags if preferred. Fishing equipment is not supplied but clients may bring their own.

Please note timings and the itinerary may vary from trip to trip and change due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e weather conditions.

Road transfers from Kariba town to and from the safari - All transfers are in open 4x4 vehicles, please be advised that roads can be dusty and bumpy
All meals - dietary preferences catered for with at least 14 days advance warning.
Drinks - including tea, coffee, cordials, imported wines with dinner and 2 litres of mineral water per person per day. No alcohol, other than wine with dinner each evening, or soft drinks are provided. Cooler boxes are provided if guests would like to take their own alcohol, soft drinks and additional bottled water (Drinks must be bought in cans to reduce weight and space)
All canoeing equipment - two-person Canadian-style canoes with American Carlisle paddles
All camping equipment - two-person dome tents, sleeping bags, liners, mattress, flysheet
Fully qualified canoe guide

Detailed itinerary

You will be collected in Kariba on the morning of your safari at 7:30am, in good time for a check-in and handing in extra luggage and valuables (Please do not take your passport on the river). There will be a short briefing and you will be required to sign an indemnity form before leaving on the safari.

After the briefing, a visit to the shops will be made, purchasing any extra drinks wanted for the trip before setting off for the river. Please note that credit cards are not a recommended payment option in Zimbabwe.

Transfers are by open 4x4 vehicles to Chirundu, arriving at approximately 11:30am, at which time the canoes and kit will be unloaded. Following this, a safety talk and demonstration of how to paddle a canoe will be given.

A packed lunch will be taken on the river. At approximately 5pm camp is set up on an island named Kakomarara, there is time to relax and, after a brief safety talk on camping, have dinner.

Stay at:
Camping on Kakomarara Island on the Zambezi River

This morning you will have a more leisurely start with the usual tea, coffee and biscuits. After breakfast, camp is broken. Setting off at approximately 8am, the group will arrive at Mana Pools at 10am where the canoes and equipment will be loaded on to the vehicle for the return trip to Kariba. Arrival time in Kariba is approximately 3pm.

End of itinerary - no accommodation included.

Depending on your travel plans, Travel Africa can help you with your onward arrangements or accommodation. This can include additional nights staying in the magnificent Mana Pools. This itinerary can be tailor-made into a longer canoe safari if you'd like.

Contact us now

What else can Travel Africa help you with?

Travel Africa specialises in all types of travel in Southern Africa.
Please enjoy looking through our website. Here are some other itineraries you might be interested in.