Tonight we meet at the airport for our much anticipated journey out to Africa. A Charity Challenge representative will meet the group of paddlers at the airport, before the team sets off on an indirect flight to Livingstone in Zambia.
Catch a first glimpse of the setting for our challenge as we transfer from the airport to our hotel, situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi. A late lunch will be followed by a full briefing – including the all-important safety information. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surroundings. Dinner will be taken in the lodge, before we retire to our chalets ahead of our adventure.
There’s a full safety briefing before we try paddling a makoro (traditional dug-out canoe) for several hours. Later, we transfer to two-person kayaks. Most of the day will be spent on the water, travelling a section which marks the borders of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. After lunch we confront the upper section of the Katombora rapids. It’s then a calmer paddle to our campsite for tonight.
We begin on flatter waters towards the Siankaba islands area. Listen out for lions and other wildlife as we pass alongside a deeply forested national park in Zimbabwe. Lunch will be on the Zambian river bank or an island, while dinner will be at our stunning riverside campsite. Despite aching limbs, the group is expected to set up camp, erect tents, collect wood and help with cooking.
The morning will be spent negotiating the braided river, which opens out, then breaks into narrower channels. Look out for crocs along the way here! Our skills and teamwork will be tested as the landscape becomes rockier, causing more rapids. Tonight’s camp is located near an area densely populated by hippos and elephants so extra care must be taken – it could be a noisy night!
The group will travel in bigger rafts due to the increasing threat of hippos. The route becomes trickier as we approach the Falls surrounded by spray. But the effort will be rewarded with a drive around the national park to view wildlife. The last campsite is situated at the top of the gorge overlooking the rapids – perfect for contemplating the ferocious rapids below Victoria Falls.
We descend steeply into the gorge and clamber into our last boat for the final challenge: white water rafting. Ranked among the toughest rapid in the world, the Batoka Gorge is a grade five and has been dubbed The Terminator. Afterwards we transfer by minibus to the lodge for a well-earned sundowner. The evening will be spent enjoying a celebratory team meal and checking out Livingstone’s nightlife.
N.B. At certain times of the year when the waters are high, we will only take on rapids 10-25, whereas at other times we will be able to run all rapids from 1 to 25.
After a leisurely start it’s off to Victoria Falls for a guided tour. Twice the height of Niagara, Victoria Falls are made up of five different waterfalls – four in Zimbabwe and one in Zambia. Subject to availability, we join an optional tour of Livingstone Island. Alternatively hang out at the lodge or cross into Zimbabwe (visa at participant’s expense). Celebrate over a final team dinner.
Please note that towards the end of the dry season when the river is low, there is significantly less water but this is more than compensated by the natural scenic beauty which is revealed by the lack of spray.
Midway through the morning we will be departing for Livingstone Airport for our overnight flight home. Take the time to rest those aching limbs and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Touching down in the UK, it may be harder than you expected to say goodbye to all your team mates. Be sure to swap details before heading home to share stories with family and friends.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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