Zambezi Explorer Trails

Expeditionary Options

** The Zambezi Valley Hike is Water Dependant

Logistics

The expeditionary Explorer canoe safari options begin and end in Kariba (unless by other arrangement) and we recommend clients spend the night prior to trip departure, in Kariba town. We can assist with booking accommodation. Trips depart from our offices at approximately 08h30 and clients are collected if necessary and taken to Natureways Safaris’ Kariba Offices to organize for luggage and personal items to be locked away and kept until their return and then on to the shops to purchase any extras they might require, as well as drinks of their choice. These trips are expeditionary-styled. All equipment is carried on the canoes and the canoeist’s camp on islands each evening.

Included in the cost of the Explorer safaris are return Kariba transfers to / from the safari; all camping and canoeing equipment; all meals; teas, coffees, cordials and wine with dinner and services of a fully qualified canoe guide. National Parks Fees and other drinks including mineral water are not included in any costs. Please check with your booking agent before travel.  On the last day of the safari, a vehicle meets the party and clients and equipment is transferred back to Kariba.

We cannot guarantee that clients will arrive back in time to catch flights the same day. Clients wishing to catch connecting flights must advise the guide and either have all luggage with them or organize the driver to bring down any extra luggage when he picks the clients up. The airport is on the way back to Kariba and there may not be enough time to return to hotels and then go back to the airport.

Daily Routine

The day starts with tea / coffee and biscuits at sunrise. The camp is packed and the party sets off. These early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast, usually after a couple of hours. Stops are made at any point of interest. The trip continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta between noon and two pm. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm. Camp is unpacked and set up and dinner prepared. Camp is generally set up on islands, at sites designated by National Parks. There are no ablution facilities and clients are provided with toilet rolls, a spade and matches to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is done using water scooped out of the River in a bucket. Bio-degradable soap can be used in the River. Distance covered per day is approximately 22 kilometers and this can be done at a leisurely pace.

Back-Up Status

Explorer Safaris are self-contained. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.

Equipment Supplied

All camping equipment is supplied.

On Explorer Safaris this includes gas stoves, kitchen utensils, plastic plates and mugs, pots, pans, tables, stools, camping mattresses, sleeping bags, liners, mosquito nets, candles and cooler boxes. Tents are available if required. The equipment and food (in large cooler boxes) is carried in the middle of each canoe. Sleeping bags, with sleeping bag liners, are provided but clients can bring their own if preferred. There are NO ablution facilities provided on these safaris. Fishing equipment is not supplied.

Food

All food is supplied and meals are of a good standard. The meat and poultry dishes are pre-cooked and frozen. Food supplies carried by one rig will last for a 5-day safari; any longer trips are re-supplied either in Chirundu or Mana Pools. Breakfast usually consists of fruit, eggs, bacon or sausages, beans or tomato relish, bread (toast), marmalade, tea, and coffee.

Lunch consists of cold meats and salads, cheese, biscuits, pickles and rolls

Dinners consist of a variety of meat and vegetable dishes.

Drinks

Teas, coffees, cordials and local wine only are provided on Explorer Safaris. Clients are therefore advised to bring their own mineral water, beer and spirits. The guides will take clients to a shop prior to departure from Kariba to purchase such items. Beers and minerals must be purchased in cans to reduce weight and space. 2 cooler boxes are set aside for keeping drinks cold. There is sufficient space to carry up to 5 crates of beer or soft drinks. There is no chance to replenish stocks on the river.

Clients Must Bring

1. Wide brimmed hat
2. Sun block
3. Shorts / T-shirts
4. Track shoes / sandals
5. Towel (provided on the backed up trails)
6. Tracksuit / Jacket / Jersey for cool evenings
7. Bathing Costume
8. Insect Repellent
9. Personal Toiletries
10. Binoculars
11. Torch
12. Film / camera batteries
13. Money for National Parks Fees as well as Identity Documents where relevant

On Explorer Safaris - clients must try and keep their luggage to a maximum of 10kgs, as all luggage and food will be carried in the canoes. It is preferable that clients pack personal items into a soft duffle bag.

It is advisable to bring a light cotton kikoi (or sarong) and long sleeved collared shirt for protection from the sun. Trousers for evening wear for protection from mosquitoes.

Transfer Times

All Explorer Safaris transfers are made in open 4x4 vehicles. Clients do have an option to fly out of Mana Pools and Kanyemba on the day the safari ends (at an extra cost). Transfer times are generally of the following duration by road:

• Kariba to Gorge 20 mins
• Kariba to Chirundu 3 hours
• Kariba to Mana Pools 4 hours
• Kariba to Kanyemba 7 - 8 hours

Please note that transfers are done on dirt roads.