8 NIGHT ULTIMATE LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBEZI & CHOBE EXPERIENCE                    MOSI – OA – TUNYA NATIONAL PARK (LIVINGSTONE)

Highlights

  • Sunset Cruise aboard the Lady Livingstone.
  • Swim in the infamous Devils Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls!
  • Take a speedboat ride up the Zambezi River past hippos and crocodiles for an elephant interaction with a herd of rescue elephant and a meal experience at The Elephant Café – Winner of the Best New Restaurant in Zambia 2016.
  • Take a trip to Zimbabwe to see the spectacular Victoria Falls – 354 feet high over a mile-wide cliff forming the world’s largest curtain of waterfall.
  • Class V Zambezi white-water rafting – rated the Best White Water Rafting experience in the world! Starting your rafting journey under the world famous Victoria Falls.
  • Experience the best rapids of the Batoka gorge from The Boiling Pot through to the dramatic Moemba falls, 50km in total.
  • Take a 20 min helicopter flight out of the Batoka Gorge; see Victoria Falls with a birds-eye view.
  • After 3 nights on the river, look forward to a 1.5hr signature massage at the award-wining Spa & Wellness Centre at your accommodation using both a hot & cold compress with a traditional Zambian massage technique (ukuchina) for those aching muscles.
  • Overnight in Botswana for a Chobe Safari experience – famous for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo.
  • Look out for hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, lechwe, puku, giraffe, kudu, roan and sable, impala, warthog, bushbuck, monkeys and baboons, along with the accompanying predators – lion, leopard, hyena and jackal and over 460 species of bird!
  • Final night in Zambia at the 5* River Club – an enchanting treat on the Zambezi River reminiscent of heydays of exploration in Africa. Relax in a place where time has appeared to have stood still, play a ‘spot of croquet’ or drift-away in a hammock for some well-earned rest and relaxation.

Overview

Day 1 – Check in for your first two night’s accommodation at the magnificent 4.5* David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Day one includes a magnificent upper Zambezi sunset cruise on the Lady Livingstone, upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls.

Day 2 includes a dip in one of the most infamous swimming pools in the world – The Devils Pool! This is a natural rock-pool formed on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls located on Livingstone Island. This is followed by a trip over to Zimbabwe to get a look of the Falls from a different perspective. Also included on day two is a trip to the local craft market.

Rounding off day two we take jet boat ride up river to the magnificent 5* dining experience that is the Elephant Cafe. This experience includes game viewing, elephant interaction with our very own elephants and an incredible 5* dining experience.

Day 3 – The 3 night white water rafting expedition begins with exploring the basalt cliffs and pools under the Victoria Falls. We then raft from rapid #1 through to the stunning camp site below rapid #10. This 9km of whitewater is some of the most intense on the planet, grade 5 rapids include The Stairway to Heaven and Gulliver’s Travels.

The second day rafting is a little more relaxed but watch out for The Mother and Oblivion and we raft all the way through to rapid #26.

The third full day on the River is a highlight for whitewater enthusiasts, from Rapid # 26 the Batoka gorge continuously changes its character and the gorge opens out at one point to rolling hills before closing up again as we approach the scenic Moemba Falls. Highlights include a forbidding Grade 5 rapid known as Open Season, Chimamba and the Grade 5 Upper Moemba Falls. We camp the third night between Upper Moemba Falls and the stunning Lower Moemba Falls. This beautiful campsite allows us to explore both the Falls and the wilderness.

Day 6 – After your final night of camping you take a helicopter ride out of the Gorge, get an amazing birds eye view of Victoria Falls (locally named the Flight of the Angels!) and look forward to the rest of the day at leisure at our accommodation for the night, The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.

Back at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge for your final night your stay includes a free 1.5 hour massage and a 2 hour sunset cruise on the fabulous Lady Livingstone.

Day 7 – Take a short trip over to Botswana for an incredible safari experience in the famous Chobe Game Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo. Expect to see the big cats too if you are lucky. The Chobe experience also includes a river safari where you get to see the wildlife from a different perspective.

In Chobe you will stay at the magnificent Bakwena Safari Lodge on a Full-Board basis (local beer, wine and spirits included).

Day 8 – After a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park you make your way back to Zambia and your final night’s accommodation at the 5* River Club on a Full-Board basis. (local beer, wine and spirits included). Here you can expect peace and tranquility on the banks of the Upper Zambezi. Perhaps a game of tennis or afternoon croquet to help you wind down?

 

Full Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

  • Arrival
  • Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Please check with your nearest Zambian Embassy or Consulate whether you are eligible to pay for a multiple-entry visa on arrival.

 

Welcome to Livingstone! You will be met on arrival and transferred to our first accommodation stop – the 4,5* David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa – this is a beautifully appointed thatched lodge oozing with charm set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, named after the intrepid traveller, David Livingstone. The lodge is 3km upriver from the Victoria Falls and is located within a National Park – watch out for the resident monkeys and a semi-resident wild hippo in the pond by the bar! Stay in a Standard Room with dinner and breakfast included and unlimited WI-FI. Beverages here will be for your own account. Relax, take in the views and we will meet at 16h00 for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River – drinks and snacks are included on this two hour cruise, so put your feet up, look out for wildlife and get your first taste of our local beer, Mosi! This evening we will have dinner at the on-site Kalai Restaurant and enjoy the sounds and sights of Africa

Accommodation: The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 

 

DAY 2: THE BEST OF LIVINGSTONE & VICTORIA FALLS

  • Livingstone Island Tour and the Devils Pool Swim
  • Tour of the Falls (Zimbabwe)
  • Visit to local arts and craft market.
  • Speedboat Ride, Elephant Interaction and High Tea at The Elephant Café

Please check with your nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate whether you are eligible to pay for a single-entry visa on arrival for a trip to Zimbabwe today.

Today we start with a splash! Look forward to a dip in one of the most infamous swimming pools in the world – The Devils Pool! This is a natural rockpool formed on the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls located on Livingstone Island. Dr David Livingstone himself was paddled in a dugout canoe through the swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the whole of the mile-wide Zambezi River plunged. The ‘Makoro’ (canoe) paddlers skilfully landed him on ‘Goat Island’ (now known as Livingstone Island) right on the lip of the chasm.

A few steps through the small rainforest on 16thNovember 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – ‘Mosi-o-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders) which he named in honour of his Queen – The Victoria Falls. After a quick tour of Livingstone Island and a swim in the Devils Pool, we head over to Zimbabwe to see The Victoria Falls, 354 feet high over a mile-wide cliff forming the world’s largest curtain of waterfall. In high water, around 550 million litres of water fall over the lip every minute. Surrounding the falls is a luscious rainforest, sustained year round by spray created by the thundering falls. There are plant species here which are rarely seen elsewhere in the country – our guide will tell us how the Falls were formed, local customs and traditions which surround the Falls and will end with a visit to the local art and crafts centre (Keep small USD change handy!) before having lunch.

Later in the afternoon we will jump on a speedboat from The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa and whizz up the Zambezi River to The Elephant Cafe, passing hippos and crocodiles on the way and be met on arrival by a magnificent herd of rescue elephants. Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these gentle giants and sit on the beautiful wooden deck at The Elephant Café for some tea and tasty bites. This unique restaurant famously includes wild edibles in the food – it won the Best New Restaurant in Zambia for 2016. Tonight before dinner, we will meet our guides, receive our dry bags and discuss the next few days in detail. Rest well and look forward to the next few days on the Zambezi!

Accommodation: The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 

 

DAY 3:    WHITE WATER RAFTING EXPEDITION BEGINS RAFTING RAPIDS #1 – #10

  • Explore under Victoria Falls
  • White Water Raft rapids #1 – #10
  • Rapid Highlights: The section of river today is famous around the world for its spectacular white water, the highlights of the day being rapid #5, known as the Stairway to Heaven and rapid #7 known as Gulliver’s travels, both are grade 5, very different to each other and challenging in different ways.
  • Camp at rapid # 10 on a beautiful white beach under the African Stars

 

A good day for an adventure! After a relaxed breakfast, your dry bag is packed and your valuables are locked away before our safety briefing and equipment introduction starts. Then we are on our way! Walking down into the Batoka Gorge, our epic journey starts at the base of the Victoria Falls – we explore the basalt cliffs and pools underneath the Falls. This experience is guaranteed to be another highlight of the trip – visited by few people, the base of these magnificent Falls will undoubtedly one of the most dramatic spots you will encounter.

 

After a light lunch, it is time for us to meet the Mighty Zambezi River. The 10 rapids we encounter for the day will be fun, but will be challenging! Our experienced crew are there to see you through some of the most intense white-water on the planet, you will be tested by Class 3-5 Rapids with names such as Morning Glory, Stairway to Heaven, The Devils Toilet Bowl and the Mighty Muncher before our only portage of the day around the Class 6 rapid # 9 Commercial Suicide.

 

Tonight we arrive at our campsite on a beautiful white, sandy beach – after helping to build camp its time to relax, enjoy a hearty dinner and the spectacular view, celebrate an awesome day on the river and look up at the majestic African starlit sky. The Batoka Gorge is all ours tonight!

Accommodation: Zambezi Campsite at rapid #10 on a Full-Board basis. (local beer, wine and spirits included)

 

 

DAY 4: WHITE WATER RAFTING EXPEDITION CONTINUES RAFTING RAPIDS #11 – #26

  • White Water Rafting rapids #11 – #26
  • Rapid Highlights: Slightly more relaxed than day one, we paddle approximately 18km down to camp. However don’t be too relaxed, highlights today include a continuous section of white water incorporating rapids #12 A,B and,C and rapid #13, collectively known at the Three Ugly Sisters and the Mother. Other rapids include the Washing Machine and the world famous Oblivion.
  • Camp at rapid #26

 

After we awake to the sound of the soaring Fish Eagle, we make you a delicious cooked breakfast, have plenty of coffee and pack up the camp leaving only footprints behind. The section of the Zambezi River encountered today is a little less challenging than Day 1. Or is it? Meet the Three Ugly Sisters closely followed by the Washing Machine, Terminator 1 and 2 and the world-famous Rapid # 18 Oblivion. After the days excitement, we reach our second night’s campsite at Rapid #26 – tonight your only decision will be whether to put up your tent or even fall asleep on the beach beneath the stars for yet another unforgettable evening in the Batoka Gorge.

 

Accommodation: Zambezi Campsite at rapid #26 on a Full-Board basis (local beer, wine and spirits included)

 

 

DAY 5: WHITE WATER RAFTING EXPEDITION CONTINUES RAFTING TO MOEMBA FALLS

  • Lower Moemba Falls
  • Rapid Highlights: The geology of the gorge changes as we leave our camp at rapid # 26 also known as Closed Season. Some long straights of flat water are broken up with spectacular and diverse rapids, the highlights being Open season, the Narrows 1, 2 & 3, Chamamba Falls and Upper Moemba Falls.
  • Camp at Moemba Falls

 

Let’s get ready for a final day of adventure to our last destination – the stunning Lower Moemba Falls. You will encounter some of the Zambezi’s best rapids today 16 in total including. Open Season, The Narrows, Chamamba Falls, and Upper Moemba. As the gorge opens up today we may get the chance to glimpse at some wildlife, such as crocodiles and klipspringers plus a vast array of birdlife. When we reach Moemba Falls, take time to explore this remote area and soak up the last night of the Zambezi camping experience.

Accommodation: Zambezi Campsite at Moemba Falls on a Full-Board basis. (local beer, wine and spirits included)

 

 

DAY 6: FLIGHT OF ANGELS

  • Take a 20 minute helicopter ride out of the Batoka Gorge
  • 1.5hr massage at The Spa & Wellness Centre
  • Afternoon / Evening at Leisure

 

Goodbye Zambezi! This morning we leave the Batoka Gorge in true style. Jump aboard a helicopter for a 20 minute flight including the breath-taking ‘Flight of the Angels’ over Victoria Falls. We check back into the 4,5* David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa and take the rest of the day at leisure for some well-earned Rest & Relaxation! After 3 nights on the Zambezi, take advantage of a 1.5hr signature massage at the award-wining Spa & Wellness Centre on-site at the accommodation. Using a hot & cold compress with a traditional Zambian massage technique called ‘ukuchina’ for those aching muscles – well done, you made it! What an achievement!

Accommodation: The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

 

 

DAY 7: CHOBE SAFARI, BOTSWANA

  • Overnight in Botswana for a Chobe Safari experience – famous for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo.
  • Chobe River Safari
  • Big 5 sightings and over 460 species of bird!

Please check with your nearest Botswana Embassy or Consulate whether you are eligible to pay for a single-entry visa on arrival.

After a good night’s rest and sleep-in, we leave Livingstone mid-morning for an hour’s road-trip to Botswana, once we exit Zambia – we board a speed boat for a short river crossing ‘where four countries meet’. Welcome to Botswana! We will be staying at Bakwena Lodge – a 4,5* eco-luxury retreat on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. Bakwena, from Setswana meaning ‘people of the crocodile’ (one of the largest tribes in Botswana) embraces the surrounding culture and country as inspiration for its style and hospitality.

The staff are members of the local villages and form part of our responsible tourism initiative through investing in our local communities. The personal touch of owner-manager’s, Adam and Jen, can be felt on arrival and once you’ve unwound and settled in, chill out in the main entertainment area with its lounge, restaurant and Rain Tree bar overlooking the river, or to cool off in their unique eco-swimming pool.

This afternoon, we opt for a river safari on the Chobe River – the ultimate safari experience which boasts Africa’s Big Five and the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breath-taking in their sheer number. Not all sightings are guaranteed!

Accommodation: Bakwena Safari Lodge on a Full-Board basis (local beer, wine and spirits included)

 

 

DAY 8: CROQUET, ANYONE?

  • Safari Drive in Chobe National Park
  • Overnight at the 5* River Club
  • Afternoon Tea and Croquet

 

This morning’s land-based safari heads deeper into the Chobe National Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home. After breakfast, we check-out and bid Botswana farewell or “tsamayasentle!” Today we will transport you back in time to the elegant 5* River Club – an enchanting oasis located a short distance from Livingstone where a ‘spot of croquet’ or boules are a daily requisite with Afternoon Tea. The private and spacious suites are individually set within magnificent trees on the edge of the Zambezi River, overlooking the Zambezi National Park.

All rooms are west-facing and take advantage of the spectacular African sunsets. The lodge is set on a 50-acre secure property with manicured lawns and a magnificent rim-flow swimming pool and hammocks overlooking pods of resident hippo. Your stay includes accommodation in a River Suite with lunch on arrival, Afternoon Tea, dinner and breakfast, with local drinks and wine during lunch & dinner, laundry, unlimited Wi-Fi and a sundowner cruise with bar. Enjoy the time as you please!

Accommodation: The River Club on a Full-Board basis. (local beer, wine and spirits included)

 

 

DAY 9: BYE & FLY

This morning, have your coffee overlooking the Zambezi and soak it all in. Our departure transfer leaves The River Club at approximately 11h00 in time for your flight from Livingstone Airport.

Camping on the Zambezi River

Camping is a treat for all outdoor enthusiasts. Our Zambezi River rafting overnight trips are not all about the river. We want our guests to enjoy the entire experience, including the camping within the Batoka Gorge. We like clients to get involved with building camp, helping to prepare food and collecting fire wood. All meals are freshly prepared, local beers and local spirits are included. Feel free to bring your own bottle of your favourite malt.

Zambezi River rafting overnight trips operate in the low water season, usually from August through to the new year. The rains usually arrive mid November and, although we are equipped to run Overnight Rafting trips in the wet season, be aware it could be very wet camping.

We will run overnight trips with a minimum of 4 people any day of the Low Water Season, however we try to facilitate smaller groups of one’s, two’s or three’s by running trips over the weekends, departing Saturday and returning Sunday.

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