Throughout the safari the prevailing weather conditions and the physical ability of each client will be gauged to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the pace.

 

These canoeing safaris are totally self-contained with all equipment carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. As this is a semi participatroy trip, guides prepare meals while guests erect their tents, sort out the bedding and help with general loading and off loading of their canoes. However guides are on hand to help if needed.

 

In winter we aim to reach our over night island by 1700hrs, and in summer by 1730hrs.As this is a semi-participatory safari, everyone is expected to assist in setting up their tents and bedding and dealing with the contents of their canoes.

 

At the end of the safari connecting transfers can be made from Makuti and Chirundu taking clients to either Harare or Lusaka on the same day if required. However we suggest transfers out are caught the following day from Kariba

 

 

Depart Kariba for 2 hour road transfer to Chirundu on the Zambezi River. Here we meet up with any pre-arranged transfers from Lusaka or Harare at the Tiger Safaris Launch Site by 1030hrs. After launching the canoes the clients will have a briefing from their guide. This includes safety procedures, canoe orientation etc. 

 

Here we may also decide to have an early lunch before setting off on the river - if it is deemed necessary to save time by not stopping again before the evening camp is reached.

 

On this first day we cover a 15km stretch of river with some interesting channels to negotiate early on in the trip. Elephant frequently occur on the grassy islands that abound in the area. Clients help with the setting up of camp – tents, bedding and own canoe contents. 

 

 

To make the most of the cool part of the day we rise early with tea/coffee and biscuits. This usually calm time of day allows us to make reasonable head way before the wind picks up. After a few hours canoeing, we stop for an hour’s breakfast before setting off downstream again until we find a shady stop. Lunch is taken on mainland where we are more likely to find deep shade to retreat into, for the day is at its hottest between 1230hrs and 1430hrs. There is time for a quick lie down on the camping mattresses while we wait out the heat.

 

By 1500hrs we are on our way to our next island camp site which the guide will choose according to the progress that has been made so far. Should all go according to plan, and with no wind factor, we should cover approx 25km comfortably on this day, with a variable river current carrying us along at 4 km/h. 

 

 

On this day we strive to emulate the previous day’s distances with much the same routine. Today the scenery changes as the river splits into a multitude of interesting channels on the approach the Main Mana flood plain. Guides frequently take the opportunity to break off into these quiet back waters which open up an entirely different view of the fauna and flora along the river system.    

Camp on this day is set up on an island amongst a grove of Mahogany trees. Distance canoed approx. 22km

 

 

Today we break with routine and have breakfast on the island followed by a leisurely 5 km paddle to the take out point in Mana Pools where we meet our support vehicle and we load up the canoes and equipment for the return journey to Kariba. Having packed up we enjoy a short game drive in the park before the 4 hour journey back to Kariba. Approximately two hours of this drive out is through thick inland Mopani woodland and scrub. 

We generally aim to be back in Kariba by mid to late afternoon. Connecting transfers can be made from Makuti and Chirundu taking you to either Harare or Lusaka on the same day if required. However we suggest transfers out are caught the following day from Kariba.