Below Victoria Falls, the Zambezi cuts through the Batoka Gorge in a series of Grade 5 rapids that have no equal in Africa. The single-day trip gives you a taste. The 2-night expedition gives you the gorge — camping on white sand beaches, rafting sections of river that almost no one reaches, and a stillness in the evenings that makes the thunder of the day's rapids feel like something dreamed. The original pioneers of Zambezi rafting started here in 1985. This is still the best stretch of white water in the world.
Grade 5 rapids — the most exhilarating white water in Africa
White sand beach camping in the Batoka Gorge
Sections of river almost no one reaches on a day trip
Cold beers and fire-cooked meals after a hard day on the water
28km of river across the expedition
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Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
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Itinerary
Day by day.
Below Victoria Falls, the Zambezi cuts through the Batoka Gorge in a series of Grade 5 rapids that have no equal in Africa. The single-day trip gives you a taste. The journey begins and ends in Victoria Falls.
Day 1
Day 1 — Into the Gorge
Safety briefing at 7:30am. Descend into the Batoka Gorge and begin at Rapid 1 — within minutes you are in the boiling pot directly below Victoria Falls. The first day covers the most famous rapids: Morning Glory, The Mother, Gnashing Jaws of Death, Oblivion. Set up camp on a white sand beach as the gorge walls turn gold. Dinner cooked over fire.
Day 2
Day 2 — Deeper into the Gorge
Raft further downstream into sections rarely reached on a day trip. The rapids continue but the gorge opens slightly — towering walls, fig trees rooted in the rock, kingfishers. A second night on the beach — the silence here, far from any road, is remarkable.
Day 3
Day 3 — Final Rapids & Extraction
Final section of rapids in the morning. The climb out of the gorge (equivalent to a 7-storey building) with a series of rest stops. A helicopter flight option is available for those who prefer a spectacular exit from above. Transfer back to Victoria Falls.
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.
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
OfferBest Seller · Bucket List Experiences — ask Josh for details when you enquire.
Included
2 nights camping on gorge beaches
All meals, soft drinks, local beers and wine
All rafting and safety equipment
Professional raft guides (swift water rescue trained)
All transfers
Direct WhatsApp line to Josh — before, during and after the tour
Not included
National park fees (~$20pp)
Gratuities
Personal items
Practical
Best timeAugust to December (low water — most rapids active)
PaceChallenging — Grade 5 rapids. Minimum age 15. Good fitness required.