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Canoe & Island-Camp the Zambezi
Private Tour 3 days

Canoe & Island-Camp the Zambezi

Paddling by day, camping on the islands by night

3days
1region
8max guests

Overview

Paddle your own canoe through Mana Pools, camping on Zambezi islands. Elephants wade across channels, hippos surface beside you, fish eagles call from every tree. Safari at its most raw and beautiful.

Multi-Day Zambezi Canoe Trail
Island Camping Under Stars
Hippo And Crocodile Sightings
Riverside Birdwatching

Why book direct with ZimTravellers?

No middlemenBook direct with the operator
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Private by defaultYour guide, your vehicle
Always availableWhatsApp Josh, 7 days a week

Itinerary

Day by day.

Paddle your own canoe through Mana Pools, camping on Zambezi islands. Elephants wade across channels, hippos surface beside you, fish eagles call from every tree. The journey begins and ends in Harare.

Day 1

Riverside Camp & Afternoon Walk

Arrive at Mana Pools and set up a riverside camp where the Zambezi's murmur becomes your evening soundtrack. The afternoon brings a walking safari introducing the landscape—floodplain, pools, and the trails of the elephants and predators you'll pursue over the next days.

Day 2

Full Day Zambezi Canoe Adventure

Paddle canoes down the Zambezi River channels in silence, moving through Mana Pools' heart. Elephants wade in the shallows and drink at the water's edge, apparently unmoved by your presence. Hippo pods surface nearby, and crocodiles bask on the banks. Lunch is eaten on a sandbar, Africa surrounding you on all sides.

Day 3

Sunrise Paddle & Departure

Your final morning brings a sunrise paddle capturing the mist and the light before breaking camp. Transfer out knowing you've experienced one of Africa's most intimate wildlife encounters—the Zambezi River as your passage through wilderness.

Things to know

Cancellation policy

30% charge (deposit) — 90+ days out.

50% charge — 61–90 days.

75% charge — 31–60 days.

A 30% deposit commits guides, permits and remote capacity.

Full policy

Booking basics

Requested and confirmed within 24 hours.

Prices per person, based on two travelling together.

Private (max 8 guests).

How booking works

Participation & safety

Age, fitness and equipment requirements form part of the booking.

The operator may cancel for weather or safety — new date or refund.

Physical level: Challenging.

Learn more
Remote and specialist journey cancellation
  • A 30% non-refundable deposit is required because specialist guides, equipment and remote operating capacity are committed when your booking is confirmed.
  • If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 30% of the total booking price.
  • For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
  • For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
  • For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or if you fail to join the journey, the charge is 100%.
  • Any permit, flight, private camp or specialist service carrying stricter terms will be identified before payment and will apply to that component.
Participation requirements
  • The age, weight, fitness, mobility, health, clothing and equipment requirements shown on this page form part of the booking conditions.
  • A traveller who cannot participate because they do not meet a clearly disclosed requirement is not entitled to a refund.
  • Please disclose any relevant medical, mobility or accessibility requirement before booking so that we can confirm whether the experience is suitable.
Weather and safety
  • The final decision to operate rests with the licensed operator responsible for the activity.
  • If the operator cancels before the activity begins because conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, you may choose an available replacement date or receive a refund for the cancelled activity.
  • A route, departure time or activity sequence may be adjusted for safety without creating an automatic right to cancel, provided that the essential experience remains substantially the same.
  • If you choose not to participate while the operator confirms that the activity can operate safely, the normal customer-cancellation policy applies.
How booking works
  • Send your dates and party size — we confirm availability within 24 hours, usually sooner.
  • Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
Deadlines are measured in calendar days, Central Africa Time, from the scheduled start of the first affected service. Cancellation must be submitted in writing. Full booking terms: zimtravellers.com/terms-of-service · Policy version 2026-07-11.v1

What’s included

OfferBucket List Experiences · Signature Journeys — ask Josh for details when you enquire.

Included

  • All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Professional guide and backup canoeist
  • All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, life jackets)
  • National park entry fees
  • Transfers as described in the itinerary
  • Camping equipment (if camping itinerary)
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Direct WhatsApp line to Josh — before, during and after the tour

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
  • Sleeping bag and personal camping gear
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature

Practical

Best timeMay to November (dry season, stable river levels)
PaceChallenging
StartsHarare
EndsHarare
Group sizePrivate (max 8 guests)

3 days · From $1,350 pp

WhatsApp Josh Enquire