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White Water Rafting Journey: Experiencing Zimbabwe's Majestic Victoria Falls
4.6
88 Ratings
Victoria Falls
Embark on an exhilarating white water rafting journey at Zimbabwe’s majestic Victoria Falls. Experience the thrill of navigating Grade 5 rapids and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Zambezi River gorge.
Embark on an exhilarating white water rafting journey at Zimbabwe’s majestic Victoria Falls. Experience the thrill of navigating Grade 5 rapids and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Zambezi River gorge.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Wild Horizons - White Water Rafting
- Victoria Falls Bridge - White Water Rafting
- Batoka Gorge - White Water Rafting
- Wild Horizons - White Water Rafting
- Victoria Falls Bridge - White Water Rafting
- Batoka Gorge - White Water Rafting
What's Included
- Transfers included for lodging in Victoria Falls Town
- Complimentary use of wet suits in winter
- Lunch provided
- Transfers included for lodging in Victoria Falls Town
- Complimentary use of wet suits in winter
- Lunch provided
What's Not Included
- Items of a personal nature.
- Visa Fees.
- River usage fee of US$10.00 per person
- Items of a personal nature.
- Visa Fees.
- River usage fee of US$10.00 per person
Additional Information
The Victoria Falls, a mile-long waterfall spanning across shimmering basalt cliffs, showers a misty spray before plummeting into the canyons beneath. These basalt cliffs, which harness the powerful Zambezi River, establish one of the world’s most magnificent river passageways. This territory is revered as the realm of the Nyaminyami, the Tonga people’s…
The Victoria Falls, a mile-long waterfall spanning across shimmering basalt cliffs, showers a misty spray before plummeting into the canyons beneath. These basalt cliffs, which harness the powerful Zambezi River, establish one of the world’s most magnificent river passageways. This territory is revered as the realm of the Nyaminyami, the Tonga people’s River God, and serves as our rafting path. The depth of the gorge at the Falls surpasses 100 meters, escalating to over 200 meters by the termination of a full day’s White Water Rafting journey. Despite its harsh topography, the gorges beneath the Falls are laden with lush flora and afford awe-inspiring views.
The Zambezi River’s rapids are formally classified as a “Grade 5” by the British Canoe Union, with “Grade 6” being non-navigable commercially. Participants should be in good physical condition for this activity, as it involves a steep hike both into and out of the Batoka Gorge, in addition to the White Water Rafting experience itself.
Kindly be advised: The activity has its origin in Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe.
- Minimum age: 15 years (This can be flexible, at management’s discretion i.e. if the child is of the right maturity, strength and will fit into a life jacket properly then younger children are sometimes accepted.Maximum age: There is no maximum age limit, however Wild Horizons retain the right to refuse to take a client who is clearly going to be unable to cope with the rigours of rafting.Low Water Rafting
- Approximate Dates: 10th August – 25th December
- Rapids: #1 to #19
- Lunch: Lunch at Top of Gorge at Rapid # 19High Water- Rafting
- Approximate Dates: 25th Dec – 10th August
- Rapids: #11 to #23
- Lunch: Lunch is served at the top of the gorge at Rapid #23
- is controlled and manoeuvred by the guide using “12 foot-long” oars from the middle of the raft. Guests are seated in the front and rear of the raft and hold on to the safety line around the perimeter of the raft.
- requires the passengers to actively assist the guide in manoeuvring the raft through the rapids and the calm stretches, they are seated around the perimeter of the boat and all paddle, but do not hold onto the safety line.
- The walk in and out of the gorge is steep and rocky. The walk out is approximately 750 feet to the top of the gorge and requires a reasonable degree of fitness. There is cold beer, soft drink and water top of the gorge for guests.
- Photographic and video coverage will be offered on every trip to guests for an extra fee.
- Tipping is not compulsory. If however you would like to leave a token of your thanks, the following is a guideline:
- Guide: US$10 per guest per day.
- Other Staff: US$5 per guest per day.
Location
Wild Horizons
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(88 Ratings)
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Matt
Nov 20, 2024
Do one thing everyday that scares you? Try this! - Having previously rafted from the Zambian side, albeit a long time ago, I was keen to give it a go from the Zim side too. The organisation was excellent. Good briefing at the Lookout Cafe, before being taken into the park to the launch point. Be aware that the route to the launch site is steep and requires the use of ladders. In my view, this adds to the experience.
The rafting was just as I remembered, except that we each had a paddle, and we were accompanied by three amazing kayakers who were there to ensure our safety.
We were given clear instructions on how we would progress through the rapids, and what to do in the event of a capsize, and then went through rapid #1 at the bottom of Vic Falls.
There were three rafts, two from Wild Horizons, and one from Shearwater, but they worked together as one, to make sure that everyone was safe, and we travelled down the river together.
You will get wet. You will probably end up in the river at some point. It can be a bit scary at times, but be assured that the team know what they are doing. But most of all, it’s great fun, and you will have the best time.
The climb out of the gorge at the end is tough. It will take you about 20 mins non-stop, on very steep rocky trails and home made wooden ladders. It’s worth it though, as at the end you’ll get food and a cold beer.
Thank you to the team for one of the best days in my life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_k
Sep 13, 2024
Excellent and a must do in Vic Falls! - Had the best time rafting!! James was so funny and kept us well informed so we knew what to do and when. Highly recommend! The walk out of the gorge is very tough so appropriate footwear!! The guides are so lovely, they stay with the slowest in the group (me on this occasion) and are so kind. They don’t make you feel like you have to rush and they give you plenty of breaks and water. Thank you James for an amazing experience and one I will remember forever!
Review provided by Viator
981jauns
Aug 24, 2024
Shearwater the best - Shearwater rafting by far the best company out there on the river! Had a amazing time with them, highly recommend this activity
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindspren
Aug 17, 2024
All around outstanding! - Spent several days in Vic Falls doing trips with Wild Horizons (Flying Fox, Falls Tour, and Zambezi rafting). Cannot say enough good things about this world-class company. Everywhere we encountered the staff – checking in, doing the activities, guides that accompanied us) the service was helpful, friendly, informative, and highly professional. Having been a guide myself, I recognized the highly detailed procedures used to ensure everyone was utmost safe and cared for, and the equipment is all in excellent condition and carefully maintained.
In particular, the day trip on the Zambezi was incredible. The Trip Lead, Sugar, and his crew of highly skilled boatmen (rafts and kayaks) are the utmost professionals. Everyone involved made sure all guests felt safe and happy while also having a blast on some of the best whitewater in the world. The team are trained paramedics in many cases and take safety extremely seriously, not something I have always observed when rafting around the world. I only wish I could come right back and do a multi-day trip, but maybe next year!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
419jacquip
Jul 24, 2024
What a ride! - Dad and two teen daughters, what an amazing ride! Guides were knowledgeable and we felt very safe with them. They also had great senses of humor. Our guide, Bruce, took a little extra care of one of our daughters, who was a bit more nervous. The hike down and back up from the gorge, was tough but manageable, and the food when we got to the top was delicious! The ride itself was exhilarating! definitely a must do, to check off the bucket list!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gwen
Apr 26, 2024
Epic white water rafting adventure - We had an amazing time white water rafting the mighty Zambezi with Wild Horizons. Our guide was Colgate, who was clearly very experienced, friendly and inspiring for the more nervous members of our group. His constant checks of 'are we together?' was reassuring and became a mantra of our whole holiday. We had a clear briefing before we started rafting. The views through the gorge are amazing and we saw some crocodiles and monkeys from the raft. The rapids we got to do were massive and so much fun! The only thing to be aware of is that you do have to get down into the gorge and out at the end, which is a steep and hot walk requiring reasonable fitness. However we were greeted at the top with cold beers and delicious lunch! I would really recommend this activity with wild horizons, and we'd love to come back and do the whole stretch of rapids in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daviifam
Jul 10, 2024
Amazing excursion, but the hike and drive are tough! - We loved our day on the Zambezi River! The BBQ lunch afterward was simply delicious. Be aware that the hikes down and up were challenging.....start training on a stair climber now! Our only criticism was of the long and very bumpy drive back to our hotel. We were driving for more than an hour which felt even longer after our hiking and white water rafting.
Suggestion: Your shoes will get very wet and muddy. Consider bringing an older pair that you can wear and then leave with the locals who help carry the boats and equipment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shelleygw3634je
Jul 25, 2024
Very difficult for person over 50 - Whitewater rafting the Zambezi River is amazing!!! Getting there is a huge trip down the side of a mountain. Very small walkways, very steep slopes, and I broke 2 toes with a slip & fall. After rafting you have to hike back up. It is extremely difficult for the average person, I'm over 50. It took over 2-3 hours to hike very slim trails, very steep incline. The handmade ladders to climb are rickety at best. I would not do it again. Once in a lifetime experience but no way again. Be advised, difficult.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer49138618492
Apr 14, 2025
THEY ARE SCAMMERS - So I paid a lot of money for this rafting trip. They cancelled due to high water levels, which is understandable. But they did not refund my money and are ignoring my emails. They are literally scammers. DO NOT PAY THESE PEOPLE MONEY THEY ARE SCAMMERS. STAY AWAY
Review provided by Tripadvisor
505mansam
Mar 24, 2025
Dangerous, irresponsible and negligent - My wife and I chose to do white water rafting at Victoria Falls, expecting a thrilling but well-managed adventure. What we got instead was a dangerously misleading and terrifying experience due to gross negligence from Shearwater.
Deceptive Description of the Hike
From the start, the company was completely dishonest about how difficult and dangerous the hike down to the rafts is—and even worse, the grueling climb back up at the end. They made it seem easy, but in reality, the hike is extremely demanding, especially for anyone who isn’t in top physical condition. The final ascent was brutal, with steep ladders and rocky terrain, making it nearly impossible for older participants or those with any health concerns.
Incompetent and Dangerous Guiding
The guide we had was shockingly unskilled. He failed to steer the raft properly, causing us to hit a rapid sideways—something that should never happen if a guide knows what they’re doing. As a result, our raft flipped in one of the most dangerous rapids. I was trapped under the boat for about 10 seconds, but my wife was stuck for a terrifying 30 seconds.
The most appalling part? The guides made no effort to ensure everyone had safely surfaced after the flip. When I told a guide I couldn't see my wife, he brushed it off, saying she had made it out. It wasn’t until another passenger spotted someone still trapped under the boat that a guide finally jumped in to help. That level of negligence is beyond unacceptable. My wife was completely traumatized, and I genuinely believed I was going to drown.
Crocodiles in the Water
We were assured that crocodiles wouldn’t be in the areas where we entered the water—only to see one lurking near the rocks after a rapid. Another outright lie that put everyone at risk.
Another Unexpected Grueling Hike
As if the experience wasn’t difficult enough, one of the rapids was deemed too dangerous, forcing us into yet another exhausting 2km hike over tough terrain to get back to the raft. This was never disclosed beforehand, making it even more frustrating.
Shearwater’s Shameful Dishonesty and Negligence
Despite claiming their guides have 15+ years of experience, Shearwater failed at even the most basic safety protocols. They refuse to disclose how physically demanding this trip is, misrepresent the dangers, and fail to execute the proper best practices to ensure safety on the rapids. The Zambezi River is already an intense and dangerous place to raft, and the company’s carelessness makes it even worse.
If you’re considering rafting in Victoria Falls, do your research. The river is infested with crocodiles, and there have been known incidents of attacks. The physical demands of the hike and rafting are far beyond what they claim. Shearwater should not be allowed to operate.
Do not book with them. This was by far the most terrifying and mismanaged experience of my life, and I would never recommend them to anyone—especially families or those without serious rafting experience. Absolutely disgraceful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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