White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Enjoy a Rafting Adventure in Livingstone, Zambia
Sep 29, 2009
The Zambian city of Livingstone is one of the world's famous adventure capitals. Offering an abundance of choice, from scenic flights over Victoria Falls, to walking with lions or bungee jumping off the ZimZam bridge, there is something for every adrenaline hunter. If dangling helplessly above the Zambezi River doesn't appeal, why not try rafting down it?
White Water River Rafting on the Zambezi
The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa and one of the best rivers in the world for white water rafting. No experience is needed for a river rafting trip, only courage! There are plenty of adventure companies in Livingstone that offer rafting packages to suit all time schedules. Two of the main operators are Safari Par Excellence and Shearwater Adventures. These companies both offer half and full day rafting options, as well as overnight expeditions.
A standard full day excursion will cost between US$110 - $145, depending on the season. It will usually include rafting equipment, an experienced guide, transport and lunch. The course will cover rapids of varying difficulty, with several grade 5 or "extremely difficult" rapids.
The River Rafting Experience
The day begins with the allocation of helmets, life jackets, paddles and a quick briefing. River rafting is a group activity, so individual travellers will be placed with others to make up numbers. After meeting the group's guide, rafters will be transported to the starting point of the trip. Applying a good, waterproof sunscreen at the beginning of the day is highly recommended, as the African sun is not forgiving. It may also be worth wearing a sleeved t-shirt over swimsuits for some added protection.
Once on the river, the guide will position group members in the raft and give some quick paddling lessons. These consist of three simple instructions: "paddle forwards", "paddle backwards" and "get down". After a brief practice session, the group will soon experience their first rapid and have the chance to try out these new skills.
Faced with a wall of water or steep drop, adrenaline kicks in and the excitement of the rapids becomes real and immediate. The feeling of being at the mercy of the waves is exhilarating; there is little sense of control as the raft pitches down and is thrown back up, or is pushed sideways and doused with water. The moment of impact is anticipated, but the group must first wait for the command to "get down", at which point there is a mad scramble to get into position.
Despite the group's best efforts, there is still a chance that the raft may capsize. As part of the day's briefing rafters are told what to do in this situation - the best course of action is to grab hold of the safety line which circles the raft. However, any member of the group that is swept away can rest assured that the forerunning safety boat will pick them up, along with any paddles that float abandoned on the current.
A Rafting Adventure Worth Remembering
The day's excursion is not all action-packed rapids: there are also some long stretches of still water in which old fashioned muscle power is needed to arrive at the next rapid. These lulls will give the group the perfect opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery that surrounds them. The river traces its way down the middle of a massive gorge with spectacular rock walls rising above the raft on either side.
To remember the day, check if the adventure company running the trip offers a film and photography package. If they do, then during the day there will be photos and rafting footage taken on all the main rapids. These will then be compiled and available for purchase -- a memento of all the adrenaline-filled moments!
A Local Myth Offers Protection for Zambezi River Rafters
River Rafters who are worried about throwing their vulnerable selves upon the mercy of the mighty Zambezi should consider purchasing a Nyaminyami necklace. Sold in markets around Livingstone, the necklace is a representation of the Zambezi River god who supposedly resides in the river and controls the fate of those who enter it. Shaped like a dragon with a snake's torso, those wearing the Nyaminyami necklace are fabled to receive the River Spirit's protection.
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