Seven days of adrenaline on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls, with daily big‑water rapids, safety briefings and comfortable lodging in Livingstone, Zambia.
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Duration7 days
Travellers2
Best time to visitMay to October (dry season) – warm days, low rainfall, optimal river flow.
Estimated cost$2,500 - $3,800
Main airportLVI
Itinerary
Day 1 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Land at Livingstone Airport and take a pre‑arranged taxi to the lodge.
Cost: $20 · Travel time: 30 min · By car · Near Livingstone Airport
Options: Taxi
Professional guides review river safety, equipment fitting, and emergency procedures.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 0 min · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: On‑site
Leisurely walk along the Zambezi banks to watch wildlife at sunset.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Zambezi Riverbank, Livingstone
The Boma Restaurant — Riverfront eatery offering grilled fish, braai and salads.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Pan‑African cuisine with a view of the river, perfect for a relaxed dinner.
Where to stay
Livingstone River Lodge — Riverside lodge with comfortable rooms, breakfast included and easy access to the launch site.
Day 2 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Board the raft and start the descent through the first set of Class IV‑V rapids.
Cost: $150 · Travel time: 0 min · Near Zambezi Launch Site, Livingstone
Options: On‑site
Relax on a sandbank with a packed lunch provided by the lodge.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Sandbank near Confluence, Zambezi
Options: Walking
Return to lodge, shower, and enjoy a group debrief around the fire.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 15 min boat ride · By ferry · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: Boat
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Continues to serve fresh fruit, porridge and Zambian coffee.
Riverside Picnic (provided) — Packaged lunch with sandwiches, fruit and water.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Pan‑African cuisine with a view of the river.
Day 3 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Navigate the powerful cataract section with steep drops and turbulent water.
Cost: $150 · Travel time: 0 min · Near Cataract Section, Zambezi
Options: On‑site
Rest on a safe sandbank and enjoy a catered lunch.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Sandbank near Cataracts
Options: Walking
Relax with a cold drink and share stories of the day’s thrills.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 15 min boat ride · By ferry · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: Boat
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Continues to serve fresh fruit and coffee.
Riverside Picnic (provided) — Packaged lunch with sandwiches and fruit.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Pan‑African cuisine with river views.
Day 4 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Paddle through milder rapids while spotting elephants, hippos and waterbirds.
Cost: $150 · Travel time: 0 min · Near Mid‑Zambezi stretch
Options: On‑site
Enjoy a catered lunch on a safe riverbank.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Riverbank near wildlife zone
Options: Walking
Return to lodge for dinner and a short night walk.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 15 min boat ride · By ferry · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: Boat
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Fresh fruit, porridge and coffee.
Riverbank Picnic (provided) — Packaged lunch with sandwiches and fruit.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Pan‑African dishes with river views.
Day 5 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Conquer the toughest Class V rapids with expert guides.
Cost: $150 · Travel time: 0 min · Near Upper Zambezi Rapids
Options: On‑site
Refresh with a cold drink and light snacks on a shaded bank.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Shaded riverbank
Options: Walking
Enjoy a special dinner at the lodge celebrating the rafting achievements.
Cost: $20-30 · Travel time: 15 min boat ride · By ferry · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: Boat
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Continues to serve fresh fruit and coffee.
Shaded Riverbank Picnic (provided) — Cold drinks and light snacks.
Lodge Celebration Hall — Special dinner with live music and local dishes.
Day 6 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Enjoy a leisurely float through calmer sections, perfect for photos.
Cost: $150 · Travel time: 0 min · Near Lower Zambezi stretch
Options: On‑site
Final group lunch with local specialties.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Riverbank near lodge
Options: Walking
Prepare luggage for departure and enjoy a quiet evening.
Cost: Included · Travel time: 0 min · Near Livingstone River Lodge
Options: On‑site
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Fresh fruit, porridge and coffee.
Riverbank Farewell Picnic — Local dishes served on the riverbank.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Light dinner with salads and grilled vegetables.
Day 7 - Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Walk the viewing platforms of the world‑famous falls, hearing the thunderous roar.
Cost: $30 · Travel time: 30 min drive · By car · Near Victoria Falls Viewpoints
Options: Taxi or shuttle
Enjoy a final meal with a view of the falls.
Cost: $15-20 · Travel time: 5 min drive · By car · Near The Lookout, Livingstone
Options: Taxi
Private shuttle to Livingstone Airport for your onward flight.
Cost: $25 · Travel time: 30 min · By car · Near Livingstone Airport
Options: Shuttle
Where to eat
Mosi Café — Final breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee.
The Lookout Bar & Grill — Last lunch with a view of Victoria Falls.
Airport Café (optional) — Light snack before flight.
Estimated Cost
$2,500 - $3,800
Air transportation
$800 - $1,200
Ground transportation
$200 - $300
Lodging
$600 - $900
Meals
$350 - $500
Activities
$400 - $600
Incidentals
$150 - $200
Trip Highlights
Victoria Falls
Zambezi River
Livingstone Museum
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Visa Requirements
Zambia
Citizenship: General/US/EU/UK
Visa required: Visa on arrival
Stay allowed: Up to 90 days
Application process: Obtain visa on arrival at airport or land border; e‑visa available online.
Requirements: Passport valid at least 6 months, proof of onward travel, yellow fever certificate.
Processing time: N/A for visa on arrival; e‑visa 2‑3 business days
Fees: $50
Multiple entry: Single
Good to Know
High‑energy rafting requires good physical fitness; stay hydrated; follow guide instructions at all times; sun protection is essential; be aware of wildlife near the river.
Local Customs
Greet locals with "Muli bwanji?" (How are you?). Tipping 10 % in restaurants is customary. Remove shoes when entering homes.
Background
The Zambezi River has shaped the region for millennia, supporting the Tonga people and later becoming a key trade route. Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi‑oa‑Tunya, was discovered by David Livingstone in 1855.
Useful Phrases
Zikomo — Thank you
Muli bwanji? — How are you?
Budget Tips
Book flights early and consider departing on Tuesday or Wednesday for lower fares.
Use local taxi services or shared shuttles instead of private cars where possible.
Choose the lodge's half‑board option to reduce meal costs.
Time-Saving Tips
Pre‑book the rafting package and lodge together to secure launch times; arrive at the launch site 15 minutes early.
Getting Around
Fly into Livingstone (LVI) directly; use a single shuttle service for airport‑to‑lodge transfers and daily transport to the launch site.
Beating the Crowds
Travel in early May before the peak tourist rush for slightly lower accommodation rates and quieter falls.
Local Deals
Livingstone River Lodge offers complimentary breakfast and a 10 % discount on the second day's rafting if booked together.
Combo Deals
Combine rafting package with a guided Victoria Falls sunset tour for a bundled discount.
If the Weather Turns
If rain becomes moderate, switch river activities to a guided cultural walk in Livingstone and indoor museum visits.
Alternative Activities
Optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi, cultural tour of Livingstone town, or a visit to the Livingstone Museum.
Side Trips
Day trip to Chobe National Park (Botswana) for wildlife viewing – accessible via a short drive and border crossing.
Events While You're There
No major festivals during September; the annual Livingstone Jazz Festival occurs in November.
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