Journey to Zamiba: Rafting the Mighty Zambezi River

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 6: Rafting the Mighty Zambezi River

The Zambezi (also spelled Zambesi) is the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean. The area of its basin is 1,570,000 km² (606,000 miles²), slightly less than half that of the Nile. The 2,574 km (1,600 mile) long river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the border of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean.Source

On our last day we were faced with a dozen different ‘adventure’ activites at the falls. Everything from helicopter flights, zip line, skydiving and bungee jumping. We decided the best adventure to take would be to tackle the mighty Zambezi river on a rafting trip. The trip was a great value and included breakfast and lunch. The photos enclosed cost a little bit extra but I believe well worth it since bringing a camera along would certainly be the last time you used it.

Rafting gear.

After training we hit the river. One of the other rafts actually flipped completely sending all of the rafters into the rapids. That group was all of British origin and I don’t think they were too impressed.

Crossing the ‘Mother’. The Mother is a name for one of the larger rapids. Our guide explained that if we were not good to our mothers the Mother would take care of us!

Shortly after this point I was propelled out of the raft. I actually think that I let myself fly out for the adventure appeal. Sebastian tells me that as I was going overboard I plugged my nose! Instinct? I hate water in my nose!! I came up under the raft, I had no idea where I was and the current was so strong. The thankfully experienced guide reached under and pulled me up. I was completely dazed from the experience.

After the trip we were served refreshments as we dried in the warm sun. This was truly an indescribably experience!!!