Lower Zambezi 4-in-1 Canoe Adventure Safari
This safari incorporates several activities along the Zambezi River as it passes through the flood plains of the Mana Pools region. The additional activities on this safari offer a wider variety of game viewing options and a chance to meet and interact with the local community. This may include a visit to a local orphanage/school/village as well as game drives and walks.
These canoeing safaris are self-contained in that all equipment/supplies are carried in the canoes for the duration of the canoeing trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding and helping with general loading and offloading of their canoes. The first two nights are spent wild camping on islands with the last two nights being spent in a pre-established fly camp on the banks of the river with walk-in tents, beds, and shared ablution amenities.
- Area: Chirundu to the Chongwe River
- Activities: Canoeing, Game Drive, Walks, Community – Semi Participatory
- Distance: Approx 72 km on water, followed by land activities
- Season: April – Mid November
Highlights
- Canoeing Safari Activity
- Community Visit
- Walking - Semi Participatory
- Night Game Drive
Inclusions
- 1 Night Half-Board in Lusaka at Pioneer Lodge & Camp
- 4-night Canoe (Transfers to and from the immediate safari area, Meals, cordials, treated water, equipment and qualified guides)
- Activities (Canoeing, Community Visit, Game Drive, Walking – Semi Participatory)
- All Return Road Transfers
The Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Pioneer Lodge & Camp, Lusaka
After completing your immigration paperwork, you will be met by our representative at Lusaka International Airport and transferred to Pioneer Lodge and Camp, where you will spend the night before your adventure Canoe Safari the next day.
Check-in, then relax and enjoy the incredible closer-to-nature experience around the lodge, complete with bird sounds and other natural sounds. Dinner will be served later in the evening, then bed time at your leisure.
Day 2
Transfer to Zambezi Breezer/ Canoe Safari
Today, you will begin your day with a delicious breakfast before departing for your 2.5-hour transfer to Zambezi Breezer, where you will arrive before 10 a.m. Our driver will take you to a super market in Chirundu town where you may get some of the supplies, such as drinks that are not included in the safari (beers, soft drinks), and canned drinks are recommend as the cool box will be provided.
Canoe Safari Daily Routine
During the hot summer months, early morning departures are encouraged to make the most of the cooler time and also to cover a reasonable distance before the wind may pick up. Deep shade is sought in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Canoeing continues to overnight stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons
CANOE DAY ONE
Meet the guides after breakfast for trip briefing before setting off at approx. 10.00hrs from Zambezi Breezes. Canoe through approx. 2hrs before stopping for lunch on the banks of the Zambezi under the shade of a tree. Lunch stops and brief rest for approx 2hrs out of the hottest time of day. Today we canoe approx. 15km through offshoot channels of the main river system before reaching our first overnight island campsite Kakomarara island nestled below two hills.
Day 3
Depart Kakomarara island
CANOE DAY TWO
Canoeing starts early after morning tea/coffee and biscuits. Depart island camp for a downstream breakfast stop at approx. 2 hours after setting off downstream. Continue though to shaded lunch stop from approx 1230hrs -1430hrs out of midday sun. Afternoon paddle through to Island Camp for the 2nd-night wild camping.
Day 4
More Canoe Safari /Night Game Drive
CANOE DAY THREE
Early tea/coffee followed by canoeing through our fixed fly camp late breakfast 0900hrs. After breakfast, we depart for a village tour after driving through a game management area. Return for late lunch 1400hrs followed by afternoon break from activities. After an early dinner, we then proceed on a 2hr night game drive. Retire for the night after coffee around the campfire.
Day 5
Game Walk/Canoe Safari
CANOE DAY FOUR
Early morning rise tea/coffee & biscuits followed by a game walk lasting approx.2 hrs. Return camp for breakfast and a short break before setting off downstream again by canoe. We travel light on this canoeing section with a picnic lunch and suitable provisions packed for the day. This section of the river is one of the best in terms of wildlife which takes up the remainder of the day on the water. After loading the canoes onto our trailer, we return to our fly camp after an hour’s in the back of a game viewing vehicle. After showers and dinner, we offer a night drive for those left with the energy to do so.
Day 6
Return transfer to Zambezi Breezes
CANOE DAY FIVE
Early morning tea/coffee & biscuits followed by an English breakfast. Pack belongings for the return transfer to Zambezi Breezes approx 3hrs by road. Cross the Kafue River pontoon approx 1200hrs before arriving at Zambezi Breezes 1300hrs for lunch.
Depending on your flight departure time or onward arrangement, you will either relax at Zambezi Breezes or return transfer to Lusaka International airport or you will overnight in Lusaka.
Where You'll Be Staying
Pioneer Lodge & Camp
Lusaka CityWhat's not included
Visa Fee/ Flights - Personal Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance - National Parks Fees to be paid directly on arrival where applicable (Approx US$ 75.00 Per Person) - Any Accommodation After Canoe Safari - Lunch at Pioneer Lodge in Lusaka - Laundry Services
Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?
Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.
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