White Water Rafting – Safpar

White water rafting down the Zambezi is one of the top activities in the region. Naturally there are several operators offering trips of differing types. The one constant that all these operators have in common is the river. So whilst prices may vary to some degree between operators, the rapids that you experience will be the same no matter who you go with.

Safpar have been rafting the Mighty Zambezi since 1988. The biggest rafting operator in Livingstone with the most experience, Safpar has a 100% guide certification with the International Rafting Federation. There are several options available with Safpar including half day trips, full day trips and overnight trips. All the trips include refreshments and lunch (breakfast and dinner included for overnight trips). They will also collect you and drop you off at your Livingstone accommodation.

Safpar provide free video footage and photos of your trip. Each video is professionally filmed and edited. In fact, they are so good at this aspect of their trips that by the time you get back to the Waterfront the video is ready for you to watch on the big screen in the bar.

Multi day trips and full day trips are only available at low water levels, usually between August and the end of December. Half day trips are available most of the year except when the water gets too high and the river closes for rafting, usually sometime between April and June. Make sure to check with your booking agent about water levels and which trips are available at your intended time of year.

For an extra $30 to the price of your trip you can experience some river boarding on selected rapids. This enables you to “surf” certain waves within a rapid giving the sense of riding a never-ending wave whilst you remain stationary to the land beside you. All river boarding equipment is provided by Safpar.

The minimum age is 15 years old. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual’s general state of health and physical fitness.

No previous rafting experience is required, the ability to swim is necessary. At the beginning and at the end of the half day and full day raft trips clients have to negotiate a steep path in and out of the gorge. The walk out is 750 vertical feet up a gradient of 1 in 3, and a person of average fitness can manage this in approximately 20 minutes.

Recommended dress for the day’s rafting is light outdoor sandals or trainers, shorts and T Shirt. Because you are in the gorge with sun streaming down all day, sunscreen and even a chitenge (material) wrap can help prevent your legs and arms from severe sunburn. A cap can also be worthwhile beneath the helmet. Clients should not take any valuables with them on the river. Valuables may be placed in a secure container and will be looked after by Safpar for the duration of the day’s activity. On your return your valuables can be reclaimed.

All clients are covered by Specialty Emergency Services (S.E.S) through Safpar; however this only covers you for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover hospitalization and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. Please ensure you bring the details of your insurance policy with you.

Full Day Trips – Between August and New Year

US$170 pp – Excludes $10 National Heritage Park Fee. No under 15’s.

Half Day PM Trips – Between August and New Year

US$160 pp – No under 15’s.

Half Day AM Trips – Between August and New Year

US$160 pp – Excludes $10 National Heritage Park Fee. No under 15’s.

Half Day PM Trips – Between New Year and August. The river may be closed to rafting at high water between May and July.

US$160 pp – No under 15’s.

2 Day/1 Night Zambezi River Rafting Overnight Trips – Operate between August and New year – from: $310

Rapids: #1 through to Moemba Falls

Pick up time: Between 8am & 8.30am depending on location.

Drop off time: 5.30pm approx. the next day.

Minimum Number: 4 pax

Maximum Number 16 pax

Minimum Age: 15 years

Included: All transfers, guides, safety equipment, camping gear, meals and drinks

Not included: Sleeping bags, park fees ($10)

3 1/2 Day Whitewater Rafting Trips. Operate between August and New year – from: $935

Rapids: #1 through to Moemba Falls

Pick up time: Between 8am & 8.30am depending on location.

Drop off time: 11am approx. day 4

Minimum Number: 4 pax

Maximum Number 16 pax

Minimum Age: 15 years

Included: All transfers, guides, safety equipment, camping gear, meals and drinks

Not included: Sleeping bags, park fees ($10)

5 Night Zambezi White Water Rafting Experience. Operate between August and New year – from: $2,285

• Day 1 – High Tea at the Elephant Cafe incl. jet boat & elephant interaction. 1st night at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (B&B)

• Day 2 – 5 – White water rafting 3 nights: from rapid #1 through to Moemba Falls. Rafting Pick up time: 8am at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge. Camping in the Batoka Gorge each night. Drinks, meals and camping equipment included. Sleeping bags not included.

• Day 5 – Helicopter flight out of the gorge and over the Victoria Falls. 1.5 hour massage at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Sunset river cruise on the Lady Livingstone. Last night at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (B&B)

• Day 6 – Breakfast and morning coffee before departure.

Minimum Number: 4 pax

Maximum Number 16 pax

Minimum Age: 15 years

8 Night Ultimate Livingstone, Zambezi & Chobe Experience. Operate between August and New year – from: $3,600 per person sharing ($4100 per person single)

• Day 1 & 2 – at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (B&B). Includes a swim in the Devils Pool, Falls Tour in Zimbabwe, Sunset Cruise and High Tea at the Elephant Cafe incl. jet boat & elephant interaction.

• Day 3 – 6 – White water rafting 3 nights: from rapid #1 through to Moemba Falls. Rafting Pick up time: 8am at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge. Camping in the Batoka Gorge each night. Drinks, meals and camping equipment included. Sleeping bags not included

• Day 6 – Helicopter flight out of the gorge and over the Victoria Falls. 1.5 hour massage at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Accommodation at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (B&B).

• Day 7 – Chobe safari. Includes a morning river safari followed by an afternoon game drive in the Chobe National Park. Lunch included. Overnight at the Bakwena Safari Lodge on a Full-Board basis (local beer, wine and spirits included).

• Day 8 – Chobe safari game drive in the morning before heading back to Zambia. All transfers included. The final night spent at the 5* river club on a full board basis (local beer, wine and spirits included).

• Day 9 – After a 5* breakfast depart back to Livingstone town.

Minimum Number: 4 pax

Maximum Number 16 pax

Minimum Age: 15 years

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