River Horse Safaris

Established in 1994, River Horse Safaris operates the only self contained canoeing safaris on the Lower Zambezi River.

We have recently introduced an additional stretch of river to our existing canoeing options. This stretch of river (indicated on the map) passes through the floodplains of the middle Zambezi River and through the Mupata Gorge, before ending at the confluence of the Luangwa river.

These expeditions are geared more towards the canoeing enthusiast looking for that element of added excitement.

Only on this section of river on the Lower Zambezi, are found the numerous subsidiary channels which are particularly prolific in bird and animal life.

Our transfer buses now ensure all guests have easy access to our safaris from all major Zambian points of arrival.

Enjoy the spectacular beauty and abundant wildlife of this magnificent river valley from the comfort of a canoe.... one of the finest and most unobtrusive ways to view game and soak up the great outdoors.

Our unique advantage is that we have access to an 8000 hectare private reserve where we can do additional activities such as night drives that can be done no where else.

The Magnificent Zambezi

The Zambezi River - 2700km from the source to the Indian Ocean.

Lower Zambezi Section - Between Lake Kariba and Caborra Bassa Dam spanning a total distance of some 230km of River.

Geographically, this middle section of the Zambezi River passes through the confines of two gorges and the Mana Pools flood plain. The highest recorded game populations exist along this river section. The middle section of the Zambezi River covers a total distance of 230km, which can be split up into various canoeing trips ranging from three to ten days.

THE RIVER HORSE CANOEING EXPERIENCE

The style of our Canoeing Trips

Our canoeing safaris are participatory with all supplies and provisions being carried in 5.4 metre two man fibreglass Canadian canoes, which have a carrying capacity of 320kgs.

Canoeing safaris that extend over 4 days are re-supplied by vehicle and uplifted at the end of the safari by 4x4 Land Cruisers.

Canoeing safaris are kept to a manageable size of 5 canoes per safari maintaining an orderly group of canoeist on the water. Larger groups may be accommodated for on request by splitting the groups up during the day and coming together for meals and evening camps.

The Canoeing Routine

As the Valley can get extremely hot in the summer months (March is relatively cool in comparison), we start canoeing reasonably early to make the most of the cool part of the day, before stopping for breakfast.

A typical day will consist of the following routine:

Rise -Up at 6.30am for tea/coffee and biscuits before setting off on the river.

Breakfast - Between 8.30 and 9 am for approx 1 hour stop.

Lunch- Between 12pm and 2.30 (out of the mid day heat under the shade of a river bank tree.

Camp- We generally reach our island campsite by 5.30 where upon camp is set and snacks and dinner are served.

Canoeing Equipment and provisions

All our safaris are participatory and self-contained from the start to the finish of Safari. We have a carefully selected inventory of equipment to ensure that a reasonable Level of comfort is maintained throughout the safari.

Equipment:

Canoes: 5.4 meter Canadian Canoes / x 5 flotation chambers.

Capacity: Two man - carrying capacity 320kg’s p/canoe.

Cushion: 1-inch foam seat cushions.

Paddles: Single bladed aluminum /fiberglass.

Life Jackets: Medium floatation.

Sleeping Bags: Standard with individual inner linings for each individual.

Pillows: Standard aircraft pillows.

Tents: Large two man dome tents with mosquito gauze protection.

Mattresses: ¾ inch compressed foam-folding mattresses.

Chairs/Tables: folding canvas chairs and camp tables

Cookers: portable gas stove and bottles.

Cutlery: Steel knives, forks, spoons with melamine mugs, bowls and plates.

Meals and drinks:

Wake Up- Tea/Coffee and biscuits before morning start

Lunches - Light cold meats, Chicken, salads, cheese, bread rolls

Dinners - Full beef or chicken dish with 3 veg and carbohydrate

Alcohol - We provide complimentary wine, which is served with your dinners

Other - Cordials and purified water

Should you require any additional or alternative drinks these may be purchased prior to the safaris departure in Kariba. We provide cooler boxes and ice to facilitate this.Although on these longer trips, we may towards the end we generally run out of ice at times particularly in the hotter months.

OUR DIFFERENT CANOEING TRIPS

All Safaris depart on any given day of the week year round

Island Trail

Three night, four-day island hopping canoeing Safari through the middle Mana flood plain region of the Lower Zambezi.

5 in 1 River run

A four-night five-day adventurous canoeing safari through the flood plains of the middle Zambezi encompassing game drives, both night and day, a walk and a visit to a traditional fishing village.

Great Zambezi

A five-night six-day safari geared towards the canoeing enthusiast looking for that element of added excitement. This section of river passes through the floodplains of the middle Zambezi and the confines of the remote Mupata gorge, before ending at the confluence of the Luangwa River. On this section of river one can explore the numerous subsidiary channels, which are prolific in bird and animal life.