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Paddle the Upper Zambezi in Victoria Falls - Canoeing Adventure in Matabeleland North

Experience guided canoe safaris on the upper reaches of the Zambezi National Park with a Victoria Falls canoeing company that launches and finishes in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North; you can choose one-day excursions or immersive three-day, two-night trips where tents, meals and backup camping safari staff are provided, and you’ll camp in two-man stand-in dome tents with mattresses, sleeping bags and liners. You don’t need prior canoeing experience, but you should be reasonably fit-safaris run for groups of two to 12 people (larger groups by special arrangement), and the minimum age is 12 while there is no maximum, though sound judgement is advised. Along the way you’ll watch for abundant birdlife and safari wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard and hyena; while sightings can’t be guaranteed, these trips deliver a unique Water-Based, Outdoor & Nature adventure that starts and ends in Victoria Falls, making it simple to pair your canoeing experience with nearby stays and activities through Varoom.

About this activity in Victoria Falls

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Paddle scenic canoe safaris on the Zambezi above Victoria Falls, exploring the wildlife-rich waterways of Matabeleland North
  • Choose from one-day excursions to multi-day camping trips (up to three days, two nights) with tents, mattresses and sleeping bags provided
  • Small-group adventures: trips run for 2–12 guests (larger groups can be arranged on request) for a more personal river experience
  • Frequent sightings of buffalo, elephant, hippo, crocodile, antelope and abundant birdlife - a true wilderness canoeing experience

Important Information

  • You’ll be accommodated in two-person dome tents with mattress, sleeping bag and liner on overnight safaris; meals are provided for camping trips
  • No prior canoeing experience is required, but you should be reasonably fit; the minimum age for participation is 12 years
  • Trips begin and end in Victoria Falls; detailed logistics and any pickup arrangements will be confirmed after booking
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed; always follow guides’ instructions for safety around animals and on the river

Meeting Point

All canoeing safaris start and finish in Victoria Falls - exact meeting location and pickup details will be sent after you confirm your booking

Includes

  • Breakfast provided as part of your booking - enjoy a morning meal before exploring Victoria Falls and the surrounding region.
  • Lunch is included so you can refuel during full-day activities in the area.
  • Food and drinks are covered during the experience to keep you comfortable while you discover local highlights here.

Excludes

  • National park fees are not included; you are responsible for paying any required park entry charges when visiting protected areas nearby.
  • River usage fees are excluded and must be paid separately if applicable to Water-Based activities in the region.

Other

  • You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy outdoor and adventure options around Victoria Falls.
  • Infants must not sit on laps; all young children should have their own seat or designated arrangement for safety.
  • This experience is not recommended for people with heart conditions.
  • This experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  • A minimum number of travelers is required; if the trip is canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.
  • Good weather is required; if poor weather forces a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Accommodations associated with the experience include stays at lodges and guest houses in the area.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
hannahpH7095YG
Sep 12, 2025 04:43:00 AM
Summary: We had a brilliant time canoeing on the beautiful Zambezi! We were given delicious food before and after the canoeing, and had a great time observing nature on and around the Zambezi to give a different perspective. Prince and his team always had our safety in mind and are very experienced in navigating the river. This was such a memorable experience that we will never forget - we tell all our friends about!
Nicole N
Aug 10, 2025 01:33:57 AM
Summary: Fantastic experience! The guides were very helpful. From the semi-safari on the way to the river, to the breakfast and the lunch to the actual canoeing nothing was too much trouble. As a novice at canoeing I was a bit worried but it was great fun. Highly recommend this trip while in Victoria falls. I’m hoping to return and do an overnight canoeing trip.
triciaa542
Aug 3, 2025 10:02:35 AM
Summary: Our canoeing adventure on the upper Zambezi river was exceptional. We were treated to a fabulous tailgate breakfast while the crew prepared our canoes and taught us safety tips for navigating this wild river and its crocodile/hippo inhabitants. The canoe trip was both calm, filled with bird and wildlife sightings (that Marvin was exceptional at teaching us about) and just thrilling enough to call an African safari, but not so scary that we ever felt in danger. Jerry expertly guided us around large 'regular' crocodiles and islands of territorial hippos. We landed to an impressive lunch that Mike had waiting for us. The return trip to Victoria Falls was itself an exciting traditional safari experience with fun wildlife sightings! This was a trip of a lifetime with some amazing guides.

Discover adventure and tours at Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North

Experience adrenaline-pumping Adventure & Thrill activities and iconic Water-Based excursions at Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, where guided Tours & Sightseeing and Nature & Wildlife encounters put you close to the falls and the surrounding parks. You can book Multi-Day / Full-Day itineraries, Romantic & Couples escapes, Family & Kids outings and Outdoor & Nature experiences through Varoom to make the most of the area’s scenic viewpoints and river-based activities. Whether you’re after Adventure & Thrill, Nature & Wildlife, Food & Drink or Wellness & Relaxation, Varoom makes it simple to discover and book sights, Shows & Entertainment and Group-Friendly Events in the region.

Know more about Victoria Falls

You can choose from one-day canoeing trips or multi-day safaris lasting up to three days and two nights on the Zambezi National Park above Victoria Falls. Trips combine paddling on the river with camping for the overnight options, offering a true river-based wildlife and nature experience.
No previous canoeing experience is necessary, but you are required to be reasonably fit and healthy. The minimum age for canoeing safaris is 12 years; there is no maximum age limit, though sound judgement about fitness and health is advised.
Standard trips run with a minimum of two people and a maximum of 12. Special arrangements can be made for larger groups on request, so you can organize a private or Group-Friendly canoeing safari if you contact the operator in advance.
For camping safaris you’ll be supplied with two-man stand-in dome tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and liners. Meals provided include breakfast and lunch, and food and drinks are included for the duration of the camping trip, with back-up camping safari staff on hand.
On these safaris you commonly encounter animals such as buffalo, elephant, impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard and hyena, along with abundant birdlife. Wildlife sightings are frequent but cannot be guaranteed on any trip.
If you need to cancel, you can get a full refund by cancelling at least 24 hours before departure. National park and river usage fees are excluded from the listed price. Trips require a minimum number of travelers and good weather; if a trip is cancelled for insufficient numbers or poor weather you’ll be offered an alternative date, experience or a full refund.