White water rafting businesses in Zambia

An exhilarating sport in the rapids. Requires teamwork and courage. White-water rafting is the activity of riding on a raft over rough, dangerous parts of a fast-flowing river. As Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River, there are most definitely crocodiles in Victoria Falls. The Zambezi River has a very high population of crocodiles and if you visit Victoria Falls and go on a boat cruise you will without a doubt see one of the creatures.

The basis of difficulty in white water rafting, the rivers are graded in five grades, ranging from easy and simple to extremely dangerous. The Zambezi has rapids in grades three to five. Participants' have to have average fitness to be able to walk down and up the gorge. It is physically demanding sometimes on you have to walk partly on wooden ladders. Minimum age limit of 15 years. Maximum weight of 120 kg

A rafting adventure can be for half a day, a full day or for several days and this includes camping and sleeping under the stars. You will experience the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet! The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best rafting river in the world. A deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3 to 5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools.

You will need a personal pack of sandals, running shoes or tennis shoes that don’t mind getting wet sun cream, quick-drying shorts and personal medication if required.

This trip enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet!!! Trips on offer vary from only a couple of hours to a full six days adventure all the way to Lake Kariba. The Zambezi will keep you on the edge every step of the way... A helicopter flight out of the gorge is available as an option.

You can extend your rafting experience for a 2-3 days adventure and experience the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet! The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is a deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3 to 5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools.

Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate down a river. White water is the term used to describe rough water, caused by large volumes of water rushing over and around obstacles in a river. Rafting on this type of water can be likened to riding on a very wet roller coaster!

There are six classes of river difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to very dangerous. However, the overall risk level on a rafting trip with experienced guides using proper precautions and equipment is low. Hundreds of thousands of people safely enjoy white water rafting trips every year, but you should be aware of the level of water you are going to experience.

These are the whitewater grades and their definitions:

• Class 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight manoeuvring. Beginners can enjoy this type of water.
• Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some manoeuvring. Basic paddling skills are needed to enjoy this type of water.
• Class 3: Whitewater, in that the water does appear white due to all the bubbles, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. This class may require significant manoeuvring in the raft. Experienced and strong paddling skills are needed at this level. This level is not recommended for people under the age of 12.
• Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp manoeuvres may be needed. This level should not be attempted without experience. This level is not recommended for people under the age of 16.
• Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, the possibility of large rocks and hazards, the possibility of a large drop, requires precise manoeuvring. This level should be attempted by people with advanced whitewater experience. Only adults in good health should attempt this level.
• Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous as to be effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter huge waves, rocks and hazards, and substantial drops beyond the safety limitations of almost any type of rafting equipment. Rafting a river with Class 6 rapids has a much higher likelihood of ending in serious injury or death.

Successful completion of Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is often considered to be due to luck or extreme skill. Only adults in good health, with excellent rafting skills and top-quality equipment, should try this level, and then only with great caution.

There are several adventure companies in Zambia that provide professional and highly skilled teams to ensure your safety in this high adrenaline sport. These will be listed here.