Your correspondent has been travelling and going on safari in Africa since the early 1980s. I have lost count of the many, majestic sunsets, of the unique wildlife moments accidentally captured by a camera and of the multitude of happy days with friends in remote places. Of all safaris, I rate the experience (along with riding on horseback) of canoeing on the Zambezi (upper) as one of the very best you can ever have in Africa.
We drove about 60 kilometres up on the Zimbabwe side of the river to be met by our river guides and crew. Make no bones about it, the guides are highly professional and know the river like the back of their hands. Like most Zimbos, they are relaxed in their manner and in sharing their knowledge but extremely switched on in terms of security and looking after their guests. We were due to camp out on the river banks for 2 nights and to make landfall not far from the town of Victoria Falls.
With a motley and inexperienced group of tourists from all points of the globe, our progress was remarkably quick, and that is the crux of the matter. The river does most of the work, you do not have to paddle hard and you just follow the guide. My constant bugbear over the years on land safaris has been disturbing the tranquillity of nature; of driving around in a Land Rover constantly turning its engine on and off to catch a sighting of game.
On the canoe, you just glide by; we passed a herd of elephant including babies drinking quietly by the bank. We were no more than 5 metres away and yet the elephant was not agitated or disturbed.
When could you do that in a vehicle? Further down the river, between a sandbank and the bank, we surprised a group of impala. The beauty of these gazelles running a few feet away from me in the water is a memory that has stuck with me for some time.
When our guide did speak, you listened as he did not waste his words with no purpose. “When you take the rapid, turn a sharp left as there is a pod of hippo dead ahead.” My partner and I listened, a Canadian couple did not. After getting in position on the side of the bank, we turned around to see what was happening to our kanuk friends. In a flash, we saw the huge jaws of a hippo open beside their canoe. I am not sure whether they did a trial that day for the Canadian Olympic kayaking team, but the effect was the same. You had never seen people paddle as fast and as hard. They lived to tell the tale and have probably recounted the story to many dinner guests in Toronto.
As always, the best things in life end quickly. This is an adventure I will repeat many times and will supply my anecdotes for dinner parties to come. The Zambezi is not the only river you can partake on these safaris but coupled with the beauty of the Victoria Falls, it is something special.
Canoeing On The Upper Zambezi
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Experience the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, a 5-star oasis on the Zambezi River. With colonial-style buildings, lush verandas, and a pool overlooking the river, it offers 173 luxurious rooms and suites.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is not just a place to stay, it's an experience in itself. This 5-star oasis offers guests the perfect combination of luxury and natural beauty. The colonial-style buildings and lush verandas give the hotel a timeless charm, while the views of the Zambezi River add a sense of tranquility to your stay.
Thorntree River Lodge
Thorntree River Lodge is a luxury river lodge located near the Livingstone Area on the Zambezi River. With 10 suites, it offers a recommended stay of 2-5 nights. Highlights include luxury safari suites with private plunge pools, proximity to Victoria Falls, and engaging staff.
Guests can enjoy birdlife, spa treatments, sunset cruises, and fine dining with African-inspired cuisine. The lodge's design blends modernity with local culture, providing uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River. Ideal for a luxury safari experience in Zambia.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Welcome to Batonka Guest Lodge, where luxury meets the enchanting beauty of Victoria Falls! The luxury guesthouse offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and adventure, set amidst stunning gardens that create a peaceful retreat.
With various accommodations types, exquisite dining options, and exciting activities, Batonka Guest Lodge is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Zimbabwe while enjoying a serene escape.
Tongabezi Lodge
Tongabezi Lodge, the first Zambezi River lodge on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, was founded in 1990 by Ben Parker and the late Will Ruck-Keene. It is a privately owned and run retreat, focusing on exclusivity and romance, with the warmth and hospitality of the Zambian people.
Days at Tongabezi have no fixed schedule and can be tailored to your preferences. Relax or enjoy various activities. Each house and cottage has a dedicated valet providing personalized service. The Treehouse cottage bathroom is renowned as one of the world's top five bathrooms.
Sindabezi Island Camp
Sindabezi Island Camp, nestled on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, is a secluded haven. Being the sole bush camp in the vicinity, it provides a serene setting for an authentic African adventure. Guests at Sindabezi can relish the vistas of the Zambezi floodplain and the wildlife in the neighbouring National Park.
The journey to Sindabezi is a picturesque boat trip or a guided canoe excursion along the Zambezi, offering glimpses of wildlife along Zimbabwe's riverbanks. The attentive staff ensure that your comfort and requirements are catered to during your entire stay.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Hotel stands as a testament to timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury. With its rich history dating back to 1904, this iconic hotel offers a unique blend of classic charm and modern amenities, making it the ideal retreat for discerning travellers.
Just a stone's throw from the breathtaking Victoria Falls, guests can indulge in spectacular views, exquisite dining experiences, and the soothing sounds of nature, all while enjoying the impeccable service that has made this hotel renowned across the globe.
528 Victoria Falls
Nestled in Zimbabwe's stunning scenery, 528 Victoria Falls redefines the safari lodge experience, blending luxury with nature's untamed beauty. This retreat features eight elegant suites, each offering sophistication and cultural charm, inviting guests to relax in comfort.
With personal service from attentive owner-operators, every moment enriches your stay. The lodge's close proximity to Victoria Falls and the vibrant local town ensures an exhilarating adventure is always within reach, promising an exciting and rejuvenating holiday.
Masuwe Lodge
Step into a world where the wonders of nature seamlessly blend with refined elegance at Masuwe Lodge. This intimate safari lodge, nestled near the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, offers an exclusive escape into Zimbabwe's untamed wilderness, ensuring you feel privileged and special.
Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or peaceful relaxation amidst stunning landscapes, Masuwe Lodge, as a destination, invites you to discover the beauty and diversity of Africa in all its glory. With a variety of activities, from game drives to river cruises, adventure enthusiasts will feel excited and eager to explore.