• Experience the Lower Zambezi from water level on an unforgettable three-day canoe safari through one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. Paddling downstream between remote islands, quiet channels and wildlife-rich riverbanks, this adventure offers a unique perspective on Zambia's magnificent Zambezi Valley.

  Led by experienced guides, you'll travel through a landscape shared with elephants, hippos, crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Each day combines gentle paddling, wildlife viewing and time to relax in the shade before continuing downstream to a secluded island campsite.

  As the sun sets over the river, gather around the campfire for freshly prepared meals and stories under a sky filled with stars. Fall asleep to the sounds of hippos grunting, hyenas calling and the distant roar of lions in one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness destinations.

  This short canoe safari is perfect for travellers seeking an authentic, low-impact safari experience while fitting easily into a broader Zambia itinerary that may include South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park or Victoria Falls.

Highlights

• 3-day guided canoe safari on the Zambezi River
• Remote island camping experience
• Exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing
• Spectacular birdlife and photography opportunities
• Small groups for a personal wilderness experience
• Campfire dining beneath African night skies
• Ideal for adventure travellers, photographers and nature lovers

Trip Duration

• 2 Nights / 3 Days

Activity Level

• Moderate – no previous canoeing experience required

Best Season

• March to December

Itineraries

Day 1

Chirundu to Kakomalala Island

Your canoe safari begins in Chirundu, where you will meet your guide for a comprehensive safety briefing and introduction to the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. After preparing the canoes and equipment, launch onto the mighty Zambezi River and begin your journey downstream through a maze of channels and islands.

The gentle first day is designed to allow guests to become comfortable with paddling while enjoying the spectacular scenery and wildlife of the Zambezi Valley. Elephants are frequently encountered along the riverbanks, while hippos, crocodiles and a rich variety of birdlife can often be seen from the water.

After a picnic lunch on a shaded riverbank, continue paddling through the intricate network of channels that characterize this section of the river. By late afternoon, arrive at Kakomalala Island, where camp will be established for your first night in the wilderness.

As the sun sets over the river, relax around the campfire before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner beneath a sky filled with stars.

Distance: Approximately 15 km
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Island Camp at Kakomalala Island

Day 2

Kakomalala Island to the Magurumeno Islands

Wake to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits before setting off for a full day of canoeing. Today's route takes you deeper into the heart of the Lower Zambezi, exploring quiet channels and broad river sections where wildlife is often abundant.

The silent approach of a canoe provides excellent opportunities to observe animals along the river's edge without disturbance. Keep watch for elephants crossing channels between islands, pods of hippos resting in sheltered waters and an impressive diversity of birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers and herons.

A leisurely breakfast is served during the morning before continuing downstream. During the hottest part of the day, stop in a shaded location for lunch and relaxation before resuming the journey in the cooler afternoon hours.

By late afternoon, reach the Magurumeno Islands area, or another suitable wilderness campsite depending on river conditions and wildlife activity. Enjoy another memorable evening under the stars surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Zambezi Valley.

Distance: Approximately 25 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Island Camp near the Magurumeno Islands

Day 3

Final paddle and return to CHirundu

Following breakfast, embark on your final paddle downstream through one of Africa's most beautiful river landscapes. This final section often provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and a chance to appreciate the scale and diversity of the Lower Zambezi wilderness.

Around midday, exit the river and enjoy lunch before beginning the return journey to Chirundu. Along the way, visit a traditional local village to gain insight into daily life in the Zambezi Valley. The route then continues across the historic Kafue River pontoon, one of Zambia's unique river crossings, before arriving back in Chirundu where your canoe safari concludes.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

End of Safari

• 2 nights / 3 days guided canoe safari on the Zambezi River
• Professional canoe guide and safety briefing
• All meals during the safari
• Tea, coffee and biscuits
• Cordials and treated drinking water
• Island camping experience
• Dome tent accommodation
• Camping equipment
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Visit to a traditional village
• Return road transfer from the canoe exit point to Chirundu
• VAT and Tourism Levy
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• Transfers to and from Chirundu
• Pre- and post-safari accommodation
• Lower Zambezi Park Fees (USD 50 per person)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Travel insurance
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for guides and camp staff
• Items of a personal nature
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Optional Extras

• Accommodation before or after the safari
• Road transfers from Lusaka, Kariba or Livingstone
• Private departures
• Additional beverages
• Support boat (available on request for families and special groups)
• Additional nights in the Lower Zambezi region