Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls
4.9
197 Ratings
Victoria Falls
Experience the thrill of Class IV-V white-water rafting on the Zambezi River from Victoria Falls. Book a half-day or full-day trip and conquer the turbulent rapids in one of the world's best rafting rivers.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

You will be picked up from your Victoria Falls hotel in the morning and enjoy a light breakfast of tea, coffee, and toast. After an initial briefing from your guide, jump into the Jeep for the drive to the Zambezi River. When you get to the top of the canyon, you’ll be given your life jacket, windbreaker (if it’s raining), helmet, and paddle (if you’re in a paddle raft). Receive a full safety briefing from the head guide, and then begin the steep hike down into the gorge to begin your adventure.

Depending on the skill level of the group, there are three types of boats used. The first is an oar raft, which has an aluminum frame mounted in the middle and two long oars for the guide to row through the rapids. You do not have to paddlejust hold onto the safety line for the big waves. The second is a stern-mount raft with the frame at the back. You’ll paddle with the assistance of your guide, who rows the oars; the guide is in full control of the raft even if you do not paddle. The third is a paddle raft, the most hands-on option, where everyone has a paddle. There is no frame, and you navigate the rapids under your guide’s watchful eyes.

If it’s low water (August to December), start your 14-mile (23-km) journey over mostly Grade 4 or 5 rapids. Higher water rafting (usually mid-January to the end of March and again from June to July) may clip some rapids and overall distance. Please be aware that rafting operations may close in April and May, subject to water levels.

At the end of your journey, you will make the steep climb out of the gorge. Take your timeat the top, a cold beer and barbecue lunch with vegetables await you. At the end of your tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Points of Interest

  • Victoria Falls
What's Included
  • Hotel transportation included
  • Guidance by a local expert
  • Open bar with unlimited drinks
  • Lunch provided
  • Snacks during rafting
  • Complete rafting equipment provided
What's Not Included
  • National Park entrance fee ($10 per person)
  • Photos and Videos (available upon confirmation before the trip)
Additional Information

Seek out thrills in Zimbabwe by joining a white-water rafting excursion on the Zambezi River, departing from Victoria Falls. Guided by experts, you’ll navigate one of the premier one-day whitewater stretches globally. Here the river dives into a chasm at Victoria Falls, dividing the tranquil waters upstream from the churning white-water downstream. This gorge starts at an impressive depth of over 328 feet (100 meters) right by the falls and widens to surpass 650 feet (200 meters) by the conclusion of the entire day’s rafting journey. You can opt for either a half-day or full-day adventure, subject to what’s available. The water level at the time of your trip will determine if you’ll be embarking on either low- or high-water rafting.

  • No age restriction as long the child can swim, weighs at least 50 lbs (23 kg), fits in a Class 5 youth life jacket, and has a parent’s permission; if weight is less than 50 lbs, he or she can only do Level 3 rapids and must skip the Level 5 rapids (this will also depend on the guide’s decision on which rapids or sections your child can do)
  • Please make sure to wear a T-shirt, shorts, and proper shoes for rafting and hiking up and down the canyon
Location
Shockwave Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting Adventures
We are at the town center just behind Bata Buildings, behind Marula Cafe and East of Econet Offices
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(197 Ratings)
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Peckhamdc
Mar 31, 2024
Fantastic rafting - This rafting experience was the highlight of our trip. Can’t recommend highly enough. The shockwave team are fantastic - they kept us safe and entertained throughout. They are so much fun to spend time with and know the river intimately - the rafting is exhilarating and the scenery stunning. We did a day of rafting - if we could, we would have done more. Go! Do it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U2572ouandrewg
Mar 29, 2024
Zambezi river rafting - First tine rafting, very fun. Guides were a fun group, lunch was great. Excellent time! Adding an extra sentence here because the review "must have have 100 characters". You're weird, TripAdvisor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jade_m
Mar 26, 2024
Highlight of our trip + WONDERFUL crew ! - GREAT ACTIVITY — but very physically demanding lol. They picked us up at our hotel and dropped us off at the top of the canyon. We took our gear (PFD, helmet and paddle) and started to go down the hill (very steep, hard on the legs but overall not too bad, being moderately fit is more than enough). Quick security class before going in the raft and a second one once in the raft. The rapids were really fun and we got to swim in a bunch of them as well. We had brakes for sunscreen or water if we were thirsty and overall a GREAT activity to do (the view is also so beautiful). NOW, going UP the canyon back to the top — I’ve never struggled so hard, it is very physically demanding HOWEVERRR, the crew was more than amazing. They went to our pace, kept reminding us that we could take all the time we needed, as many breaks as we wanted to. They took our gear when we were too tired, they sent people from the top with cold water and sodas to boost our energy, they were extreeemely patient and caring, they really made sure we were okay and didn’t feel rushed at ALL. Mind you, I went with my father and the both of us had a pretty nasty cough — some people from our group said it was “challenging” yet they climbed pretty easily. Once you’re at the top, we had a super tasty barbecue and talked with the whole crew who were super friendly. OVERALL : would recommend to anyone I met, this was the highlight of our trip but just keep in mind that the hike up can be very demanding (I still had fun !! It just took me by surprise!).
Review provided by Viator
Roving814815
Mar 25, 2024
10/10 Recommend - This was SO fun. A highlight of our trip. I went with two of my girlfriends and we had the raft to ourselves. Our guides, OG and Pumba, were fantastic. The ride and views were amazing. We were initially a bit hesitant with the potential of the raft flipping, but we felt super safe and even got to swim through some rapids. This is a MUST do in Victoria Falls!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teodoraz820
Mar 19, 2024
Excellent experience in Victoria Falls - This was an excellent experience. I had a fun and thrilling time rafting (it was my first time rafting). The entire team that was with us, the group, was super professional and friendly. I felt safe all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_p
Mar 10, 2024
A must do in Victoria falls - This must one of the best experiences of my life looked after by a very experienced and safety conscious team led by JB thanks for everything Richard and Faith
Review provided by Viator
Jodi_g
Mar 10, 2024
Know before you go… - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Siabuwad
Mar 6, 2024
Simply breathtaking. Magnificent, harmonious and glamorous. Out of this world. - This was truly an amazing experience. I always wanted to visit, but fear always gripped, until Shockwave Adventures encouraged me. This is the best activity in vic falls. I am ready for April. Shockwave, keep up the hospitality and safety standards. i really loved this experience. imply breathtaking. Magnificent, harmonious and glamorous. Out of this world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
511luuks
Feb 11, 2024
Great rafting experience - Joined a group for the wild water rafting. There were 4 people of staff (including a trainee) joining us on the river, so we had a great time with no worries, even when we almost dropped into the water on an unexpected drop
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zafira786
Jan 30, 2024
Good experience - Not as fancy as the the other tour companies, but good value for money. Team was safety conscious and no one was left behind. was excellent fun
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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