4-Day Zambezi Island Canoe Trail
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Overview
This popular 4-Day canoeing safari is spent camping on selected islands along the Lower Zambezi River as the river makes its way through the floodplains of the Mana Pools region. This unique Zambia safari tour takes you far from the beaten path!
These canoeing safaris are self-contained with all the safari equipment being carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding and general loading and offloading of their canoes.
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 after in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Then, the canoeing continues to overnight stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons.
These canoeing safaris are self-contained with all the safari equipment being carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding and general loading and offloading of their canoes.
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 after in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Then, the canoeing continues to overnight stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons.
Itinerary
Day 1
Canoe Trip to Kakomalala Island
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Depart from Zambezi Breezes at 10.30 after a canoe safety briefing, Your Zambia safari tour starts on the river. You'll have a relaxed lunch at a riverbank before paddling on to the first evening’s campsite on Kakomalala Island. This is a total canoeing distance of approximately 15km, predominantly through channels with an average of 3 - 4km per hour river flow rate. Arrive late afternoon and help set up camp before dinner.
Accommodation
Campsites in the Lower Zambezi Region
Activities
Canoeing: Chirundu to Kakomalala Island
Transportations
Private Driver from Lusaka to Chirundu
Meals
Lunch and dinner
Destinations
Chirundu
Mashonaland West Province
Notes
These canoeing safaris are self-contained with all the safari equipment being carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while the guests participate in erecting their tents, sorting out their bedding and general loading and offloading of their canoes.
Day 2
Canoeing to Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands
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Start your morning with coffee, tea and biscuits before setting out. Your canoeing today will take you to Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands. This park is still relatively undeveloped, it’s beauty lies in its wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as broad as the other parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular.
Accommodation
Campsites in the Lower Zambezi Region
Activities
Full-Day Canoeing in Lower Zambezi
Restaurants
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Mashonaland West Province
Chongwe
Day 3
Canoeing to Elephant or Nyamangwe Islands
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Journeying further into the park, you'll be closer to the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe; both sides of the Zambezi River are a massive wildlife sanctuary. Enormous herds of elephants, up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The Park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard, and listen too for the ubiquitous cry of the fish eagle. Tonight you will stay on either Elephant or Nyamangwe Islands depending progress made.
Accommodation
Campsites in the Lower Zambezi Region
Activities
Full-Day Canoeing in Lower Zambezi
Restaurants
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits
Bank of the River
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Mashonaland West Province
Chongwe
Day 4
Last Day Canoeing
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You'll have breakfast on the island before a leisurely 5-7 km paddle to the support vehicles. Canoes and equipment are loaded onto the vehicle and trailer before departing through rural villages. We aim to arrive at 14:30 at Zambezi Breezes, allowing adequate time to connect onto Lusaka while it is still light or alternatively to spending an additional night.
Activities
Canoeing from Elephant Island
Transportations
Private Driver
Private Driver
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Mashonaland West Province
Chirundu
Included in Price
- 3 nights accommodation
- 4 activities
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
Not Included in Price
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
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Low season price starting fromAU$2,325
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