Questions & Advice

The advantage of doing a canoeing safari from the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River, is that not only do you have the opportunity to experience 'up close and personal' the vast stretches of the Mana Pools flood-plain rich with diverse wildlife, bird species, flora and fauna, but you have the added beauty of the Zambezi Escarpment on the Zambian side which provides a dramatic backdrop to the River.

On: 17 October 2011

Neither, do it from Botswana. The Selinda Canoe Trail was set up in 2009 to take advantage of the Selinda Spillway flowing for the first time in 30 years. This is an untouched and largely uncharted wilderness experience where you will not see any other boats, camps or vehicles. Just you and the wildlife experienced by canoeing and walking down a 45km stretch of a meandering watercourse connecting the Okavango and Linyanti Rivers. 4 days/3 nights all inclusive only USD1760pp between May and October each year. www.greatplainsconservation.com

On: 17 October 2011

Go to the lower Zambezi, in Zimbabwe. Here’s why: Zambezi canoeing is done on a very limited scale on the upper Zambezi above Victoria Falls. The main action is on the lower Zambezi stretch of around 240km from Lake Kariba, past Mana Pools and onwards to Kanyemba on the Mozambique border. This entire stretch of the river is within the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve (on the Zimbabwean shoreline). So you need to be thinking about the lower Zambezi for real Zambezi canoe safari action! You’ll find very limited options on the lower Zambian shoreline – one 4 day “full participation” trail and a few short canoe trails from local lodges and camps. The best options are found on the Zimbabwean shoreline. There’s a 56km stretch from Kariba to Chirundu. This runs through the scenic Kariba Gorge and isn’t game rich. It’s a short 3 day “full participation” camping option. The 70km stretch that continues from Chirundu to Nyamepi in Mana Pools takes 4 days and includes excellent game viewing within Mana Pools itself. This is also a camping option. The 3rd canoeing stretch runs from Mana through what’s known as the Mana Pools – Sapi – Chewore complex which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This safari for a total of 120km runs past the dramatically scenic Mupata Gorge to Kanyemba near the top of the Caborra Bassa dam on the border of Mozambique. All said and done, the most productive stretch is what’s known as the “Mana Shoreline” from Ruchomechi at the upstream point of Mana Pools down to Chikwenya. This is usually a 4 day trail on the river. Game conditions are outstanding and you have options that range from full participation camping to comfortable “backed up” safaris. Here we’re able to combine canoeing with walking safaris in the company of some of Africa’s top professional guides. Lower Zambezi canoeing rates amongst the top ten best things you can do on safari anywhere in Africa! Happy trip planning! John Berry

On: 17 October 2011