Transfer Option:

Day One (18 km)   We will collect you on the morning of your safari at 0800hrs, in time for a check-in at the Kariba office 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. Please note that credit cards are not a recommended payment option in Zimbabwe.
Transfers are by open 4x4 vehicles to Chirundu, arriving at approximately 1130hrs at which time the canoes and kit will be unloaded.
Following this a safety talk and demonstration of how to paddle a canoe will be given to your group and at around 1200hrs. Lunch is a packed lunch taken on the River.
At approximately 1700hrs you will set up camp on an island named Kakomarara, there is time to relax and have dinner after a brief safety talk on camping.
Overnight : Kakomarara Island

Day Two (27 km)  Your group will be woken up at sunrise for tea, coffee and biscuits before paddling for a couple of hours to the breakfast stop.
At approximately 0930hrs canoeing will resume until midday and a well earned lunch & siesta, time to catch up on reference books until mid afternoon (depending on the weather).
Canoeing continues until approximately 1700hrs
Overnight : Lone Acacia Island.

Day Three (23 km)
The programme is as per day two.
Overnight : Trichelia Island

Day Four (7 km)  This morning is a more leisurely wake up and then after tea, coffee, biscuits and breakfast, camp is broken and you will set off at approximately 0800hrs.
The group arrives at Mana Pools at 1000hrs where the canoes and equipment are loaded on to the vehicles for the return trip to Kariba.
Arrival time in Kariba is approximately 1400hrs. 

THIS IS AN EXPLORER CANOE SAFARI AND THERE ARE NO FIXED ABLUTION FACILITIES ALONG THE WAY. ALL TIMINGS GIVEN IN THIS TRIP DESCRIPTION ARE APPROXIMATE AND WILL VARY FROM TRIP TO TRIP.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Our explorer safaris are self-participatory which means that camps are not already set up and that everyone helps set up their tents each evening (very easy to set-up two-man dome tents).
•We can take a minimum of 2 pax and a maximum of 8 pax.
•We have a minimum age limit of 14 years - there is no maximum age limit but discretion must be used. No previous canoeing experience is necessary but we do require our guests to be reasonably fit and healthy.
•We have a luggage room and safe facilities for any extra luggage - the maximum luggage limit on the River is 10 kgs. We suggest guests should 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. 

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.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		No previous experience needed however a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 15
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS
No previous experience needed however a reasonable level of fitness is required.

CANOE SPECIFICATION
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.

You will be able to leave excess baggage and your passport in the Kariba office before you depart. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PASSPORT ON THE RIVER WITH YOU!

You will be able to purchase extra drinks in Kariba before you depart as a limited amount are supplied by your guide.

INCLUDED
Road transfers to and from the safari from Kariba - e.g. from Chirundu / to Mana Pools –in open 4x4 vehicles – these transfers can be dusty and bumpy.
• All meals - we do cater for dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or diabetic however we require advance warning – at least four weeks
• Drinks - cordials not minerals. There is no alcohol, other than wine with dinner each evening. If guests would like to take their own alcohol, minerals and bottled water - we do supply adequate cooler boxes
• All canoeing equipment - the canoes are two-man Canadian-style canoes, and the paddles are American Carlisle paddles.
•All camping equipment - two-man dome tents, sleeping bags, liners, mattress, mosquito net, fly sheet, ground sheet and tarpaulin (in case of rainy weather).
• Fully qualified canoe guides.

The price EXCLUDES National Parks fees and River usage fees - this is paid in cash to National Parks direct whilst canoeing.

Some basic 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

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.