Transfer Option:

You can book the full 6 day safari (launch is in Kariba) or the last 4 days from Chirundu only.
The first 3 days from Kariba to Chirundu  take you through a very scenic stretch in the Kariba Gorge. The game is not extensive - and with the exception of hippos and crocodiles the chances of seeing elephant, buffalo, cats etc. is slim. There is a very interesting historical aspect to this section with the discovery of the Ingombe Ilede archaeological site in 1960 - general literature is thin on the subject. Birdlife is very good with Black Eagle nests in the gorge. If you're short on time and keen to experience the Zambezi River then this is the best option. The overnight sites are on islands in the middle of the river.
The second half  from Chirundu to Mana Pools is the most popular stretch on the lower Zambezi River. The game is superb especially in the dry season. Overnight stops are on both the mainland and on islands. The trip passes along the Urungwe Safari Area and goes into Mana Pools. This is where canoeists encounter the most game and birdlife on the entire Zambezi River from source to sea. Mana Pools is closed from November to April, and the only way to see the area out of season is via canoe.

Day One (18 km)
We will collect you on the morning of your safari in time for a check-in at the Kariba office at 0800hrs to hand in extra luggage and valuables.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR PASSPORT ON THE RIVER WITH YOU!
Your safari will depart at 0830hrs for shopping to purchase any extra drinks for your trip before setting off for the river and the start of the canoe safari. After arriving at the start point, luggage will be portered to the river and your group will walk the 1.5kms down to the River. Here you will meet all the canoes and camping equipment that has been carried down already.
A safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle a canoe will be given to your group and at 11am paddling will begin until a stop is made for lunch at 1300hrs. Lunch is picnic-style with time for a siesta afterwards to pass the heat of the day until around 1430hrs or 1500hrs at which time paddling recommences.
The river routine establishes itself within a few hours and before long the first night stop is reached. Camp setups are done to a formula (kitchen set up with all equipment and utensils laid out strictly, shower unit up, tents and mosquito nets laid out) - almost military precision in about 20 minutes.
At around 1700hrs you will set up camp on an island in the middle of the River named Crocodile Rocks. There is time to have a bucket bath, relax and have dinner after a brief safety talk on camping.
Overnight : Crocodile Rocks
Day Two (27 km)
Your group will be woken at 0530hrs for tea, coffee and biscuits before a short morning's paddle. Breakfast will be served either on the banks of the river or on an island at 0830hrs. At 0930hrs the group resumes canoeing until lunchtime around midday and a brief siesta taken on the banks until 1500hrs. Canoeing then continues until early evening when you will stop in the channels. The pace of the afternoon's paddling session depends largely upon whether or not a morning wind came up or not. Usually it's a leisurely paddle until an hour or so before sunset. Zambezi Valley sunsets compare with amongst the best in the world and that applies throughout the year whether it's smoke haze from bush fires in the winter months or crystal air and cloudy backdrops in the summer.
Overnight : Twin Logs Island
Day Three (20 km)
The Programme is as per day two, with the night stop being made early evening.
Overnight : On an island called Kakomarara
Day Four (27 km)
The Programme is as per day two, with the night stop being made early evening.
Overnight : Lone Acacia Island
Day Five (23 km)
The Programme is as per day two, with the night stop being made early evening.
Overnight : Trichelia Island
Day Six (6 km)
The group will be woken at six for tea, coffee, biscuits and breakfast before paddling starts at 08h00.
The group arrives at Mana Pools at 10h00 where the canoes are loaded on to the vehicles for the return trip to Kariba. Arrival time in Kariba is approximately 14h30.

Experience Level:
No previous canoeing experience is necessary but we do require our guests to be reasonably fit and healthy. The canoes are Canadian-style two-man canoes that are 5.5 metres long and 0.92 metres wide. There 5 buoyancy tanks so the canoe does not sink if overturned or damaged. The canoes have proper seats with backrest and canvas cushions. Canoes are very stable and can carry up to 420kgs with ease. The paddles are American Carlisle, lightweight single-bladed.

We have a luggage room and safe facilities for any extra luggage - the maximum luggage limit on the River is 10 kg (22 lbs).

We prefer guests to be in Kariba the day before and the day after their safari.

Animals seen on the trip usually include elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile and plentiful birdlife. Lion, leopard, painted hunting dog etc. are more difficult to see but they are certainly in the area. We do not guarantee that plenty of game will be seen on safari, especially during the green season. 

Some basic canoeing rules...

• never start a water fight downwind, 
• always be prepared for a water fight when you're most relaxed, 
• always be very wary when the guide suggests a social raft, 
• always gang up against the guide, 
• always punish over-enthusiastic paddlers - drinking cups on a short lead make ideal "sea anchors", 
• never openly celebrate a birthday on the river - elephant pats are aplenty on the Zambezi
• always have your camera ready
• definitely get out there and have some fun

1. Please keep your luggage to a maximum of 10kg per person, packed in a soft bag, not a suitcase.
2. We recommend you pack the following for your safari:
   • Swimming Costume Shorts Shirts (including one with long sleeves for sun protection)
   • Canvas shoes or rafting sandals
   • A hat with a wide brim
   • A jacket or cardigan for the evenings
   • A kikoi or length of cloth to cover your legs to protect them from the sun
   • Personal toiletries and towel
   • A torch/flashlight and extra batteries. Film and spare camera batteries. Binoculars
   • Sunscreen
   • Insect repellant
   • Socks for winter nights
   • Warm clothes to sleep in for winter nights
3. We provide all camping equipment and food as well as cordials, and wine for dinner. Should you wish to take any hard liquor, beer or carbonated drinks, we will take you to a shop in Kariba to purchase these before the trip departs. Dome tents are available on request.
4. Please ensure that you have begun a course of anti malaria tablets before your arrival in Zimbabwe and that you continue with the medication for four weeks after arriving home.
5. Please ensure that you advise us of any dietary preferences or requirements at least a week before your trip departs. Please ensure you advise us of any medical disorders which may require special attention.

Fishing tackle is a good idea for more active participants - be sure to request this specifically when making your reservation, alternatively bring a light rod and a no.3 Mepps spinner (bacon pieces are considered a delicacy by the local Tiger Fish).

Overnight stops are on islands or the river bank and usually on a sandy beach. All the equipment is provided and carried on the canoes during the day. Luggage is kept to a minimum of 10 kg (22 lbs) per person.
Bed mats with sleeping bags and liners are provided and the zipped tents are made of mosquito proof netting.
"Doug" and "Lucy" are standard ablution tools. Doug is a small spade, Lucy is a fold up toilet seat. (Doug has a brother called "Wunderbar".) Shrubs, reeds and trees afford plenty of privacy - some of the views into the mountains and across the river during moments of deep contemplation are spectacular. Avoid undertaking your own "private safari" in order to maximise privacy. All tissue and toilet paper is burnt. The campsites are hygienic and show no sign of over use - operators police conditions and are quick to raise complaints if any stopover site is left untidy.

Meals are more than adequate and there are plenty of leftovers for the fish.  Mealtimes always provide a good opportunity to put your bush cooking skills to the test - and if you don't care to subject your companions to anything dodgy then you can just clean up instead... 

• Breakfast consists of cereal, tinned fruit, bacon, eggs, sausages etc. (Fresh fruits are not permitted in Mana Pools - they attract the attention of some of the larger raiders.) 
• Lunches are usually made up of cold meats and salads. 
• Suppers vary: spaghetti bolognaise, beef stew, roast chicken etc. with vegetables. 
• Vegetarian and other dietary preferences are catered for but must be specified when making your reservation. Complimentary wine is usually served with dinners. 

Other alcoholic and special softdrink preferences need to be arranged in advance - alcohol should be consumed in strict moderation on safari. There is no shortage of cordials and fresh drinking water in the canoes. The river water is considered safe to drink but the risk of a tummy bug jeopardising a trip isn't worth it so use what's supplied or take your own. 
Fishing on the river is excellent, the river Tiger put up a better fight than on those on Lake Kariba. The day's catch, if any is prepared at night.

Before and after the Safari
For nights before and after the safari in Kariba, we recommend the Carribea Bay Hotel
Situated on the Lake Kariba shoreline with southerly views across to Matusadona National Park and the Zambezi escarpment in the east, is Caribbea Bay. This Sardinian-style resort with its sprawling complex is reminiscent of a Mediterranean resort with facilities and entertainment for the whole family. This hotel makes an ideal overnight stop before or after a canoe safari on the Lower Zambezi river or Mana Pools National Park.
Caribbea Bay offers guests a sun-filled holiday in relaxed comfort. Linger over sundowners on the pool deck, enjoy an informal dinner in the restaurant or play the tables at the intimate casino.
The hotel has 80 attractively furnished deluxe suites and casitas which are fully air-conditioned. Guests can cool off in any of the two swimming pools, whilst children can play on the small sandy beach, in the playground, amusement centre or on the waterslide. The resort has two restaurants and three bars. Conference facilities for up to 100 people are available.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Three blank pages are needed.
Passport Note
All visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta;
(b) passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area.

2. Nationals of the following countries may obtain visas valid for up to 90 days on arrival in Zimbabwe, provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
Note: Due to the current political situation and ever changing regulations - we do recommend to aquire a visa in advance - it will save you time at the entry.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa at port of entry: cost dependent on nationality, British nationals £36 or US$55 single-entry, US$70 double-entry; contact consular section at embassy for further details.
Validity
Six months from date of issue.
Applications to:
Embassy; see Contact Addresses. For multiple-entry visas, travellers must apply direct to the Chief Immigration Officer in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Working Days Required
Seven.