White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi

White-water rafting on the Zambezi takes you through the Batoka Gorge, the zig-zag chasm below Victoria Falls, over a series of large, numbered rapids with names like the Washing Machine and Oblivion. It is big-volume, commercially run white water that rafters from all over the world rate among the best one-day trips anywhere.

What a rafting day is like

Days start with a safety briefing and a steep descent into the gorge. Each raft has an experienced guide at the back, and safety kayakers run the rapids alongside. Between rapids the river is calm, the basalt walls rise hundreds of metres on either side, and you may see fish eagles and klipspringer on the ledges. Lunch is usually on the riverbank or at the top of the gorge after the hike out, which is steep and is the hardest part of the day for most people.

Best time for rafting

The classic season is low water, from about August to December, when the full run of rapids is open from the first rapids below the falls. In high water, roughly February to June, the upper rapids are too dangerous and trips start further downstream on a shorter route. In the very highest water rafting may stop altogether. Check our month-by-month guide to match rafting with your dates.

Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Operators run from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and use the same river. Choose the side where you are staying; transfers are included.

Is it for you?

You do not need previous rafting experience, but you should be comfortable in water and able to manage a steep climb. Swims are likely: rafts do flip in the big rapids, and the guides brief you on exactly what to do. Non-rafters can watch from the Victoria Falls Bridge, or take a helicopter flight instead.

Add it to your trip

Rafting needs one free day. Our ten-day Victoria Falls, Hwange and Chobe safari includes an optional rafting day, and any Victoria Falls stay can be extended for it.

Read our Victoria Falls guide and check the month-by-month water levels before you book.

Seasons, age limits and operating days are set by the operators and can change; check them when you book.