Hi,
can anybody share some insights on the canoe safaris offered on the lower Zambezi (Zimbabwe) : I'm used to rough canoeing from the Yukon (in terms of camping etc..);
but how are the game encounters? Hairy- scary? how is the safety on these trips? any suggested outfitter, local agent? my travel time will be in September,
appreciate any kind of feedback,
many thanks
I can point you in the right direction as l know of A company that specializes on these. Let me know what your plans are and can help IOU get that arranged
Hi,
Many thanks; time would be in October, like to spend possibly 3 days canoeing, either canoe trail style or from a set up camp with day trips. Followed by 5 days good walking safari with a great guide,
Any feedback appreciated
We set up the first one of these trips over ten years ago. You will see a large variety of game on this trip. The river is not a quick current so does not require whitewater experience canoeing. you will likely come across several hippo in the river but your guide is proficient in maneuvering around these animals safely. You will also see an abundance of elephant as you travel the river. Depending on your itinerary, you will likely overnight in a tented camp along the route. These are set up prior to your arrival and are very nice tented camps which provide the experience of old Africa.
Hi, many thanks; you say that you set up the first of these trips.... are you still organizing these trip?? do you know the best outfitter for these, I found a few through the web, but would prefer some personal recommendations from people who know the area.
many thanks, Renate
I did a 6 night canoe safari in 2009, from the Zambian side. I actually booked through a UK tour company Exodus (see http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/azc/overview). The local operator was River Horse Safaris. This was a very basic trip in terms of comforts.
You could try to book directly with a local tour operator. However, I think the problem you will find as a solo traveller is that either you will have to pay a lot for a private trip just for you (if the company will even do this- most say minimum of 2 for a trip to run), or you will have difficultly finding a group you can join. You might be lucky and find an operator that could add you onto an existing trip but you might have to wait until close to the time and be very flexible with dates. I don't know how contactable River Horse are, but I believe they take bookings through Safari Par Excellence agency- it would be worth contacting them.
There are more luxurious options available, and you might have a better chance getting one as a solo traveller with, for example, a canoe trail from Ruckomechi camp (Wilderness Safaris).
many thanks for the feedback, yes you are right- I figured that out during my research now and got in touch with the suggested operators ,
again many thanks
If you want to consider the Zimbabwe side in Mana Pools like you originally mentioned then you should consider Ruckomechi. I mostly say this because you are a single traveler and they have a set program. This camp is owned by Wilderness Safaris and, from there, they operate a group departure canoeing trip (3 night/4 day) many times per year. Matt, an American at our company currently on a conservation furlough, was staff on this trip in 2010. After the trip you could spend one night at Ruckomechi then transfer over to Goliath to hike for a few days. It is a good program.
You could also contact Vundu, a privately owned camp in Mana Pools that specializes in canoe safaris. After the canoe portion you could transfer 15 minutes to Goliath. Or, you could spend all seven days at Goliath and mix & match the canoeing and hiking as they offer it.
I was at all these camps in 2011. October is going to be REALLY hot so go in September if you can.
Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
2011 & 2012 Travel & Leisure A-List agent for Zimbabwe and Botswana
