Zambezi Whitewater Rafting: The 7 Best Runs

1.Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · from $140Our pick

Start with hotel pickup and a safety briefing, then raft 14 miles through the Zambezi Gorge under guides such as JB, Terence, Steve, or Lawrence. Choose an oar, stern-mount, or paddle raft based on ability and water levels. Expect steep gorge hikes, powerful rapids, river swims, a barbecue lunch, and an open bar.

“The whitewater rafting was great. JB and his crew were amazing (special shoutout to Liberty)… very safe, friendly and informative. Also incredibly patient. The climb down the gorge to put in and back up at the end is no joke. It’s a lot of climbing over rocks, steps made of branches and loose gravel. I’m in good shape and I do some hiking, but I found this very challenging, especially in water shoes. But the team was very encouraging and helpful and didn’t rush us, literally holding my hand through portions. The barbecue chicken and beer at the end of the climb were a nice payoff.”

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2.Half Day Zambezi Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · from $140

You’ll paddle through the Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge with guides such as James and his crew, tackling rapids from Stairway to Heaven to the Washing Machine. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, photos, and videos are included. Expect strenuous paddling, cold water, and a demanding climb out of the gorge.

“Manno and his team are wonderful! The trip started off with us getting picked up and shuttled to Zambia from Zimbabwe (MAKE SURE TO BRING $30 CASH PER PERSON FOR THE VISA FEE IF YOU TRAVEL THE BOARDER - learn from our mistakRead more”

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3.White Water Rafting in Zimbabwe

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 88 reviews · from $120Best value

Join Wild Horizons for a seven-hour Zambezi rafting trip below Victoria Falls. You tackle grade V rapids with guides such as James or Colgate, eat lunch above the gorge, and climb roughly 750 feet back out. Transport, equipment, and lunch are included, but a $10 river fee is extra.

“Great experience. As water high unable to do the first 10 rapids or so. Be prepared to walk down from the plain the the river and back out again at the end of the rafting experience. Happy guides and good equipment. Water warm so no wetsuits needed. Very good day!”

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4.Full Day White Water Rafting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · 8 hours · from $1,000

Maano Adventures takes you through roughly 23 km of the Zambezi, with up to 25 Class IV and V rapids, including Stairway to Heaven and The Washing Machine. Guides such as James and Enock lead the rafting, safety briefing, gorge hike, and river games. Transfers, lunch, drinks, and photos are included.

“Me and my friend did the full day rafting activity with Maano team and was great. We got picked up at our place, drove to the falls park entrance , got the guidance about the practicalities/safety and started to go down to the water. We got ready and embarked on a super cool adventure down the beautiful Zambezi river … exciting day, with many rapids that keep you busy and wet haha our draft flipped 2 times (which was fun) but we got helped and got out of the water quickly and safely. Lunch was nice with a lovely view, team knows what they are doing and they keep it…”

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5.Whitewater Rafting Adventure on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · from $140

Start at 7:30 am for a full day on the Zambezi below Victoria Falls. You’ll tackle class III to V rapids with calm pools between runs, then enjoy lunch, snacks, and bottled water. Guides including Elvis and Kate have earned warm praise, but the steep gorge climb means you need moderate fitness and proper sports shoes.

“Elvis is the guy who made it fun for us... actually all the stuff were great. We really enjoyed and they were very professional...”

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6.5 Days & 4 Nights Whitewater Rafting Victoria Falls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $1,805

Join Shockwave Adventures for five days on Zimbabwe’s Zambezi, running class four and five rapids, portaging class six sections, and camping on white-sand beaches. Guides such as OG, Silent, Wellington, and Liberty lead the river days, while cooks prepare meals at camp. Pickup, tents, drinks, and return transport are included.

“The company took care of everything, they made it safe and fun. We had a raft that was good for everyone from those who wanted to "GO BIG" to those who wanted a smoother ride. The guides were knowledgeable, hard-working, and fun!”

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7.Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi River from Victoria Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · from $139

Start at Victoria Falls, hike to Boiling Point, and paddle through up to 19 Level 4 and 5 rapids in an eight-person raft. Shearwater’s qualified guides, including Gideon and his team, handle safety and river technique. Expect a demanding day, cold drinks, a barbecue lunch, and a steep climb from the Batoka Gorge.

“Absolutely brilliant trip with Gideon and the team. We were well looked after and it is value for money! Be aware that the gorge climb is pretty steep but such an amazing time going through the rapids. Well worth it!”

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