The Zambezi is alive and ready to host you on its waters.
Flowing more than 2,500 kilometres from northwestern Zambia to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique, the Zambezi cuts through six countries and some of the wildest landscapes in Southern Africa. While Victoria Falls often steals the spotlight, the rest of the river holds its own kind of magic. From the still stretches above the falls to the meandering channels of the Lower Zambezi, it offers a safari experience that trades roaring engines for rippling water and quiet encounters.
A different kind of safari
For many, a safari means early mornings, open 4x4s and the rhythmic rattle of gravel roads. However, on the Zambezi, the pace is slower. Travellers drift past pods of hippos, watch elephants wade through reed beds and listen to the haunting cry of fish eagles. Every bend reveals a new scene, and every stop is dictated by the flow of the water rather than a vehicle’s timetable.
This is the essence of a canoe safari: an intimate and immersive way to experience the African wilderness. Whether you paddle for a few hours or embark on a multi-day expedition, the perspective from water level offers a refreshing sense of connection. From the calm upper reaches in Zambia to the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park, the river becomes both pathway and destination.
Canoe safaris on the Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi National Park, lying opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, is one of the best places in Africa for canoe-based exploration. Here, the river divides into a network of channels lined with winterthorn trees and lagoons. Canoe safaris are led by experienced guides who navigate the currents while pointing out wildlife. Guests might spot buffalo grazing on the banks, crocodiles basking in the sun or even a lion stopping for a drink.
Trips can last from a few hours to several days, with mobile camps set up on sandbanks or secluded islands. Nights on the river are unforgettable. The sound of grunting hippos, the flicker of lanterns and the soft lapping of water against the shore create an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and deeply peaceful. Popular operators such as Royal Zambezi Lodge, Chongwe River Camp and Sausage Tree Camp combine luxury with adventure, offering guided paddles paired with gourmet meals and riverside sundowners.
Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia Commons
Cruising the Upper Zambezi
Upstream of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi flows wide and calm, its surface broken only by the occasional ripple of a fish or the shadow of a soaring bird. This section of the river, shared by Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia, is perfect for river cruises. Travellers can board comfortable houseboats or smaller vessels for leisurely journeys that blend wildlife viewing with relaxation.
Cruises around the Sioma Ngwezi area or near Livingstone often include game sightings, fishing excursions and visits to local villages. Sunset cruises are especially popular, as there is something timeless about watching the sky turn gold while elephants cross the river in silhouette. For longer stays, luxury houseboats such as the MV Matusadona or Zambezi Queen offer floating accommodation with panoramic decks, private cabins and fine dining on the water.
The rhythm of the river
What makes a Zambezi journey special is not only the wildlife but the rhythm of the river itself. It sets the pace, reminding travellers to slow down and simply be. Canoe safaris and river cruises offer the rare chance to see Africa from a gentler perspective. Instead of chasing sightings, travellers surrender to the flow and in doing so, discover the river’s deeper beauty.
The Zambezi remains one of Africa’s last great wild waterways. It still feels remote and untamed, a place where the modern world fades away. Regardless of what your Zambezi travel style is, this river invites you to reconnect with nature and to remember that sometimes, the best safaris are the quietest ones.
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