Adventure Awaits in Southern Africa
Victoria Falls is a household name, but it’s the wild delights of Luangwa, the Zambezi, and Chimanimani that will have you coming back for more.
Zambia is cut and bordered by a series of rivers, the legendary Zambezi being but one. The valleys hewn from these waters vary from shallow to sharp and deep, and the experiences they hold for the traveler are just as varied – absorb the majesty of wildlife on safari, or bow down to the power of Mother Nature while being whitewashed on a Grade V rapid.
Most of Zimbabwe resides atop a high plateau and forms the watershed boundary between the Zambezi and the Limpopo. These rivers sustain incredible wildlife and provide legendary safari and whitewater opportunities. Moreover, numerous mountains, particularly in the Eastern Highlands bordering Mozambique, offer countless trekking possibilities.
Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi River
While there is rafting elsewhere in the region, nothing compares to the intensity of the Zambezi River, immediately downstream of Victoria Falls. It is one of the world’s finest whitewater rafting destinations. Best at low water from July to mid-February, the 21 rapids, many of which are Grade V, stretch over 25km and promise huge drops. Want more? Overnight and multi-day options are available. As the river separates the two countries, rafting options are almost identical from both nations, with the main difference being which side of the river you stop on.
Walking Safaris at South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is known as the birthplace of the walking safari and remains the top location in Africa to experience one. Follow trained, armed guides through the bush as they expertly track wildlife, leading you to thrilling sightings of wild dogs, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. These walks, however, are not solely about high-adrenaline encounters; often, it’s the quiet moments in-between that you’ll truly appreciate.
Canoe Safaris on the Zambezi River
With each stroke of the paddle, you’ll know that you are navigating a river where giants lurk. Despite the silence of the canoe gliding across the water’s still surface, you may quickly feel watched. Eyes of hippos and crocodiles appear here and there, vanishing beneath the surface as swiftly as they emerge. The mighty Zambezi’s banks, whether in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park or Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, are dramatic, featuring prowling lions, hulking elephants, and a plethora of birdlife. Consequently, the proximity of these encounters makes the experience as intimate as it is exhilarating.
Trekking in Chimanimani National Park
With lush pine-covered hills and rounded quartzite peaks shrouded in mist, Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands appears as an African gem. This region boasts numerous trekking trails that take you past breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil rivers, and stunning vistas of Wizard Valley in Mozambique. It’s a challenging three-hour hike from the base camp to reach the mountain refuge hut within Chimanimani National Park, where you can set out to explore sites like Skeleton Pass, Mt Binga, and Bundi Valley.
The Bundi Valley is adorned with rock overhangs and caves that provide great shelters. Basic infrastructure means that you should bring everything you need for your trek. Moreover, nearby pools await for refreshing relief after a day of hiking.
