Canoeing On The Upper Zambezi
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure: Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi Amidst Wildlife and Majestic Scenery
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
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Map of Lodges in and around Zimbabwe
Lodges And Camps In Zimbabwe
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Perched high on dramatic cliffs overlooking the meandering Save River, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled gateway to the breathtaking Gonarezhou National Park. This is, without a doubt, one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness retreats, combining luxurious comfort with the raw beauty of the wild. Gonarezhou, or "big game country," is Africa at its most untamed. Here, you'll find iconic wildlife: elephants, buffalo, elusive cats, and rhinos roaming free. If you're lucky, you might even spot rare African wild dogs—a safari highlight.
Singita Malilangwe House
Singita Malilangwe House offers an unparalleled retreat for those seeking supreme privacy, featuring five exquisitely appointed bedrooms, each designed to provide ultimate comfort and breathtaking views. This exclusive villa is perfect for a small group of friends or family seeking an intimate nature escape. Perched on a dramatic sandstone ridge, the house offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Malilangwe Dam, providing a spectacular backdrop for an unforgettable safari.
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Set in the private Malilangwe Reserve, Singita Pamushana offers its guests, without a doubt, some of the most unparalleled game viewing in Southern Africa. While the famed ‘Big 5’ are all present, the sheer diversity of the birdlife is exceptional. Beyond the magnificent wildlife, the lodge itself is captivating, with breathtaking 180° views over the surrounding bushveld. Singita Pamushana is, without question, one of the absolute finest lodges that Africa has to offer.
Khayelitshe House
Khayelitshe House is a private, exclusive-use property perfect for a small group of friends or family on safari. Located just outside Matobo National Park, it offers both privacy and easy access to the area's stunning natural beauty. Khayelitshe Guest House offers easy access to Matobo Hills National Park, where visitors can explore diverse wildlife, ancient rock art, and breathtaking landscapes. This charming retreat caters to your needs, whether you seek adventure or relaxation, ensuring unforgettable memories in a serene, picturesque setting.
Amalinda Lodge
Amalinda Lodge, truly a family-run gem, is ideally located a mere 45 kilometres south of Bulawayo. This exquisite lodge doesn't just offer outstanding accommodation; it absolutely excels in providing a diverse and immersive array of safari activities. Guests are passionately encouraged to dive headfirst into the natural wonders and profound cultural experiences that the magnificent Matobo Hills region so generously offers during their stay. Without a doubt, Amalinda crafts an African adventure that is not merely unforgettable, but truly exceptional.
Big Cave Camp
Big Cave Camp is nestled deep within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and profound cultural significance. From this exceptional base, guests have an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's wonders. Explore ancient granite boulders and historic sites like Rhodes Grave and World's View for breathtaking scenery. Take part in guided rhino tracking—an intimate encounter that supports conservation efforts. Discover ancient San rock paintings and spot diverse wildlife on exhilarating game drives.
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp is a hidden gem, nestled in an extraordinarily remote location along the pristine shores of Lake Kariba. With breathtaking views stretching across the shimmering waters and onto the majestic Matusadona mountains, it offers an unforgettable setting that feels like stepping into another world. Located in the heart of Matusadona National Park, this camp offers a unique safari experience. It's ideal for those looking for something different while enjoying great game viewing. With stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a luxurious camp, it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is not just a place to stay; it's a sanctuary designed for complete relaxation, inviting guests to unwind amidst unparalleled natural beauty. The lodge proudly showcases the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Lake Kariba, offering an immersive experience that captivates the senses. Against the dramatic Zambezi escarpment, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge commands breathtaking panoramic views. From its elevated position, guests look down on the tranquil foreshore and the immense, shimmering Lake Kariba, stretching to the horizon.