“Escapes” Prize winners in Livingstone Zambia the Victoria Falls.
Travel Prize to the magnificent Victoria Falls. In October 2017 “Escapes” Magazine held a competition for its readers. The grand prize…three nights for two at the Victoria Falls Waterfront in Livingstone Zambia, Victoria Falls. Fast forward five months on, and we were thrilled to welcome Franky Du Plessis, the savvy prize winner, and her traveling friend Tania Hosking. The two classy South African ladies spent three nights and four days with us. They enjoyed the “Sunset cruise”, toured the magnificent Victoria Falls and enjoyed a salubrious dinner at the Elephant Cafe’ after meeting our herd of Elephants. From all the staff and management here at Safari-Par-Excellence it was a pleasure hosting you Franky and Tania and we hope to do so again soon.
Victoria Falls Accomodation, Continental B/F now included,Victoria Falls Waterfront
Something for all budgets Budget-friendly Victoria Falls accommodation, right on the banks of the Zambezi River in Livingstone Zambia, just got even better. Victoria Falls Waterfront just included continental breakfast in their USD 30 per person sharing tent rate. If you enjoy the outdoors this is a spectacular offer. Situated just inside the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park directly on the river. During the peak season, the Victoria Falls spray is easily seen. The Victoria Falls Zambezi Waterfront is renowned for breathtaking sunsets and incredible pizza. This is a great option for travelers and guests seeking a budget Victoria Falls accommodation option. The Victoria Falls Waterfront amenities The tents contain a fan, lights and two comfortable beds. This option also gives you access to all the goodness that is the Victoria Falls Zambezi Waterfront. Fully stocked bar and restaurant, a superb sundowner deck right on the banks of the river. With open and cool garden’s complete with a rambunctious vervet Monkey population and regularly visiting elephants. We run a shuttle service every day direct to the majestic Victoria Falls. So transport is not a problem. We also run a daily shuttle to town if there is something you need to get. Breakfast with the falls as a backdrop before heading out on your daily adventures. Activities can be booked on site in our Safari-Par-Excellence Activity center. Safari-Par-excellence is the leader in the area’s activities, the pioneers of the rafting in the Batoka Gorge and the owner-operators of the infamous “Elephant Cafe”. There is also a renowned pizza oven called Pepino’s, firing up spectacular authentic Italian Pizza. After a great day at the majestic Victoria Falls, this is a great option to unwind. Crack open a Mosi Lager, sit back and enjoy the view.
Put Foot Countdown begins,
The Put-foot countdown begins! Waterfront and Safari-Par-Excellence are always thrilled to welcome the Put-Foot Rally to Livingstone Zambia. On or around the 25th of June (the route is “route-ish”). We can expect to see this eclectic bunch of philanthropic African travelers, descending on our small town. Ready to take on everything the region has to offer and to view the magnificent Victoria Falls. The rally see’s teams of four traveling through nine countries in seventeen days. Clocking up around 9000km’s in a large collection of vehicles. Take a look at the “Put foot rally’s”, website for more information. One major aspect of this epic road trip is that the rally donates shoes to our local children in need. Daryn Hillhouse the organizer, traveler, adventurer and a long time friend of Safari-Par-Excellence. Is in town and has just been up measuring the kid’s feet. The children of Nakatindi and Sawmills schools are ecstatic to be receiving a new set of shoes from the Rally’s foundation. Hat’s off from us to Daryn, he does this all on his own. That’s eight hundred kids, listed and measured and duly noted! In what can only be described as a particularly uncharacteristic heat wave this time of year! https://www.facebook.com/safpar/videos/10155770002566917/
Zambezi Canoeing, “Mosi-oa-Tunya” Park, Livingstone Victoria Falls Safpar.
Victoria Falls, the first tourist. In 1855, on November the 17th (or thereabouts, the actual day is contested), Dr. David Livingstone departed “Kalai” island on the Zambezi River and headed off to view what the local Makololo people called, “Mosi-oa-tunya”. Or as translated today “the smoke that thunders”. In true keeping with the staid, stiff-lipped, Victorian pioneering spirit, prevalent at the time. The good doctor notes he kept a brave face, and a level head, on the no doubt, hair rising approach up to what is today known as Livingstone Island. Absolutely determined that he could endure whatever his local,”mokoro” (a wooden canoe made from a single tree trunk), paddling guides could. It is interesting to note that Livingstone’s companion Chief Sekulute, of the Makololo people, did not accompany him on this short foray to the edge of the 105m chasm. Which Livingstone, later christened “Victoria Falls”, after his beloved monarch. According to Livingstone, on the morning of departure for the falls, the second manned canoe the chief had ordered up for the trip failed to arrive. Whereupon the chief solicitously let David, who was arguably the regions very first tourist, carry on alone with his guides. From this humble canoe beginning over a hundred and fifty years ago. We now have a plethora of daily boat and foot expeditions, to the very spot where Dr. David Livingstone first lay enraptured, staring down into the falls. Allegedly uttering the phrase “a sight so wonderful that Angels must have gazed down on it in flight”. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambezi River. While the name “Victoria Falls” and “Mosi-oa-tunya”, are widely accepted as the name of the Seventh natural wonder of the world. The description of the Makololo people of the rising mist “Mosi-oa-tunya”, directly translated as the “smoke that sounds”, is also the name of Zambia’s smallest national park. At just sixty-six square kilometers, the “Mosi-oa-Tunya” national park also includes twelve kilometers of pristine Zambezi river frontage. Stretching up to the Sinde river mouth and including the falls themselves. While demand for following the footsteps of Dr. David Livingstone onto “Livingstone Island” and the sights thereon, has grown exponentially over the past years. The upper reaches of his journey, up to and including “Kalia” island have not been offered to the same extent, until now. Safari-par-Excellence canoeing trips. From the 1st of April 2018, Safari-Par Excellence has begun offering canoe trips into the Mosi-oa-Tunya national park. In an area arguably in much the same condition as that which Dr. David Livingstone, Chief Sekulute, and his two-hundred Makolole retainers would have found it. While following in the paddle strokes of the acclaimed explorer and his companions, the expedition style trips on the Zambezi River also offer the modern day adventurer some superb game viewing opportunities. In the dry season, the small Mosi-oa-Tunya national park has been known to have up to three hundred elephants at any one time within its borders. The park is also home to large populations of hippopotamus and Nile Crocodile, which are seen on most trips. While the park itself is not home to the big African cats, it has a wide range of wildlife easily seen from the river, these include among others, Buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, foraging baboons, Nile monitor lizards and a huge variety of birdlife. The Mosi-oa-Tunya park is also synonymous with sightings of large family groups of Giraffes. Famous recent descents of the Zambezi. Perhaps one of the most recent, famous descents of this section of the Zambezi River. Has to be that of the team from “Comic Relief” in 2013, where celebrities Mel C, Jack Dee, Dara O’Briain, Greg James, Chelsee Healey and Phillips Idowu took on the mighty Zambezi River expedition in the name of charity. The group was under the instruction of Safari-Par-Excellence’s River manager Andrew “Sven” Bolton. Raising over 570,000 GBP for good causes the world over. One of the schools close to the canoe “put-in”,”Mundia school” is still sponsored by this event. Safari-par-excellence still contributes greatly to the school through various fundraising activities. While the canoeing trips on the Zambezi are of a much more luxurious, relaxed nature, than that done by the red nose celebrities. The transition to using the park’s river frontage as a resource is also vital to the survival of the park. Conservation in practice. The Mosi-oa-Tunya national park is administered and run by the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife. The entry fees, park usage, and river usage all guests indirectly and directly pay. Are vital to the continued existence of the countries wild places and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National park in particular. The park is also home to the majority of the countries endangered white Rhino population, the contribution of low impact sustainable tourism cannot be understated. Safari-Par-Excellence already operates the “The Elephant Cafe’” in the Mosi-oa-Tunya national park and the Cafe’s rescue herd of ten elephants live within the park on the banks of the river. References: David Livingstone(1873).MISSIONARY TRAVELS AND RESEARCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved April 04, 2018, from www.gutenberg.org[EBook #1039]. Image Credits Images © National Library of Scotland. Creative Commons Share-alike 2.5 UK: Scotland https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/scotland
Self drive Kazungula Ferry crossing 4 by 4 by Safpar.
The Zambian and Botswana governments are currently constructing a bridge across the Zambezi at the Kazungula border. Intended to ease the massive congestion experienced here. It is rumored the bridge will be operational to some extent by 2019. However, the mooted completion date is 2021. Until then, be warned the border is exceptionally busy with truck traffic, you will see trucks backed up for kilometers before each of the respective border posts. Why is the Kazungula ferry crossing so busy? These trucks are mainly loaded with copper exports and mining supplies. Making the long trips between Africa’s Southern seaports and the Northern Zambian copper belt and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is not uncommon for drivers to wait for five to ten days to make the crossing at the Kazungula ferry crossing. Though the average is usually five days. The drivers all have interesting stories about their trips, they tend to be a wealth of information on road conditions and regional happenings. Interestingly, during high flow years, as we are currently experiencing on the Zambezi. There is even more pressure on the ferry time as each crossing is against the current and takes even longer. What should I do in event of a problem in the border area on the Zambian side? Driving these routes is a tough job and there is a very seedy underbelly at a lot of the truck pinch points in Southern Africa. As a general rule, the senior drivers and family men will have their cook pots out in the open. Besides their vehicles, in groups, traveling/crossing together. Their trucks are usually clean and in good order. They are fiercely protective of each other and their loads. If you do have an issue, offering to pay the small fee for the truck group’s communally appointed guard, being polite and open. Will get their assistance and a good safe place to sleep in or on your vehicle. Should I queue with the trucks? As a non-commercial small vehicle at the Kazungula ferry you are free to pass the trucks; don’t queue behind the trucks on either side of the river, go straight to the border. Are both border sides difficult? Crossing into and out of Botswana at Kazungula is not really an issue. Though occasionally, there are long queues and border staff can be lethargic. Try and avoid 0700-1100 in the morning, as tourists are crossing for the “Chobe day trips”. Zambia and Botswana both operate ferry services across the Zambezi River at the Kazungula border post. At the time of publishing, Botswana has one ferry in operation. Zambia has a total of four ferries, though one is being used for the bridge construction. While two are currently down for maintenance, so only one is operational. The ferry’s nationalities are easily discernable as they carry their flags. If you are in a Zambian or Botswanian registered car, stick to your country’s ferry for a cheaper crossing. Otherwise, there is little difference from a cost point of view. However, the Botswana ferry is in a better state of repair. The huge build-up of truck traffic is due to the slow operation of the river craft. As a light non-commercial vehicle you are given preference over the trucks. Usually, it will be your vehicle and two trucks making the crossing together. Where do I park to get to the Ferry? After doing your exit formalities drive down to the loading area on the banks of the river. Park away from the trucks and wait for the ferry staff instructions. It can be chaotic, the staff on the boats are usually in overalls of some sort, and have an ID card on a neck ribbon. They may or may not acknowledge you, but they have seen you, and you will be in the line-up. Ignore obvious touts giving you mindless instructions. The staff will call you down when it is time to load. You will load first or with another light vehicle. Try and park out of the way if you can, space is at a premium and there is a lot of big vehicle shifting which could damage your vehicle. What you need to do, to board the Kazungula ferry: Unclip your seat belt. All of your passengers must get out of your vehicle and will be required to walk onto the ferry. You will be called to drive onto the ferry first, before other trucks; foot traffic/your passengers will board last. Simply drive up onto the ferry, the driver is adept at docking so the loading ramp is usually easily navigable. Be warned at some water levels it can be a high step up, or the ramp tracks may not be exactly square. If you feel you can’t get up it or may damage your vehicle. Don’t do it. Ask them to re-dock and stand your ground or take the next ferry. On the ferry, they will direct you to your spot, it is a squeeze, while you should follow the instructions of the staff, be warned if you ding your vehicle, there is no recompense from them. Keep that in mind. Once your vehicle is in position make sure the handbrake is on and it is in gear. You can then get out while they load the other vehicles. You will need to present your receipt for the ferry to the cashier on the ferry, or make payment. Why are there so many formalities? Zambia is a conduit country for stolen vehicles and the illegal movement of people. Particularly through her Northern borders, so be advised there is a lot of security and processes in place, which you have to go through. What you need to do, to enter Zambia at the Kazungula ferry crossing. Be sure to have multiple copies of all your vehicle documents and have a pen! Find a safe place to park, while theft is not a huge issue. It is a busy border with dubious perimeter security. There is potential for
Top 5 Livingstone Victoria Falls travel tips.
1) Know your Visa requirements If you are not from the SADC region and require a Visa when visiting Zambia, and the Victoria Falls, there are a few options you should be aware of depending on your itinerary. Those passport holders who qualify to purchase a visa at the port of entry have the option of a “Single entry Visa” for USD 50, a “KAZA Visa” for USD 50 or a “multiple entry Visa for USD 80. Generally speaking, the best option is the “KAZA Visa”. This allows multiple-entry travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and a day trip to Botswana and is valid for a month. It is important you specifically ask for the “KAZA Visa” at the port of entry. Additionally, be sure to check the number of days you have been given in your passport and that of any dependents. Overstaying is a serious problem and can be easily avoided by checking the number of days before leaving the desk. Some of the entry ports can take payment by card, but this can be hit and miss. Aim to have the right cash amount on hand for your party; in the correct denominations. Check if you are eligible for a KAZA Visa on arrival here. Some nationalities will be required to apply for a visa in advance of travel to Zambia – if you are one of those passport holders who want to do more than a day-trip to Zimbabwe or Botswana. Tt would be best to apply for a multiple-entry Zambian Visa at USD 80 pp. (Please check in advance whether you need to pre-apply for a visa to your day-trip country too!) Check if you require a visa in advance of travel to Zambia here. Addendum: Please be advised that if you are NOT from one of these countries you will need to apply for a Visa for Botswana regardless of having the KAZA visa. 2) Book in advance Some activities that the region is famous for, have limited space and you could be disappointed during peak season. Be sure to book “The Elephant Café”, the microlight “Flight of the Angels” and “Devil’s Pool” in advance. Other iconic activities such as the “Whitewater rafting” and the “River cruises” can usually be booked while in the region. However, early booking confirmation allows you to make the most of your time without having to shuffle things around. 3) Plan your “Falls Day” Prior planning for your visit to “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (the “Smoke that Thunders”) as “Victoria Falls” is locally known is important. Travelers often get carried away with everything the region has to offer. Often ending up rushing the falls in a morning before they fly out. A good way to do the “Victoria Falls” is to plan your visit around the “Devil’s pool” or the “Micro-light flight”. Both of these activities can take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon and augment a “Day of Thunder”. You can see the waterfall from these incredible vantage points and then enter the park on foot. Also be aware that around the full moon during high water, the park is open for guests to view the “moonbows”, nighttime rainbows. The cost to enter the park for this is an additional USD 30, take a small picnic and a bottle of wine; be courteous with your flashlight, you don’t need to put it on, the moon provides plenty of light. Start off with visiting the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side, entry for international visitors is USD 20 per person. Depending on the time of year, allow an hour and thirty minutes for the walk around the viewing points. If you are physically fit it is worthwhile to hike into the “boiling pot”. This is where you can view the historic Victoria Falls Bridge and the Batoka Gorge just below the face of the falls. Ask for directions from the National Heritage staff on-site. This is particularly worthwhile during the high water season from February-June. Allow an extra forty-five minutes for this and make sure you take drinking water with you. From the Zambian Falls gate, the Zambian Exit border is a short walk away. Once you have stamped out of Zambia you can easily walk to the Zimbabwean border, this is worthwhile as you can walk across the Victoria Falls bridge, which offers some great viewing opportunities. There are taxi’s, usually charging about USD 3 per taxi if you would rather not tackle the 1.3km walk. On the way across the bridge, you can stop at the “Bridge Café” for a beer or refreshment. From here you have a great view of the bridge and the bungee jumpers. As you stamp into Zimbabwe the entrance to the Victoria Falls is a 100 meters from the border. The Entry Fee is USD 30 per person for International Residents and USD 20 for SADC Residents. Allow for 2 hours to view the falls from this side. Once this is done, a “High Tea” at the colonial era “Victoria Falls Hotel” is a great experience. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the Victoria Falls entrance. The balcony area looks onto the Victoria Falls in the distance and the hotel itself is worth a look around. Complete the day with a cocktail at “The Royal Livingstone” deck, back in Zambia, this hotel has an unhindered view of the spray from the falls and is a salubrious end to a great day. 4) What to bring. Livingstone can be really cold from May-July in the evenings and early mornings, while the rest of the year it is generally hot. Hats and sunscreen are a must year round. The “rainy” season is from November to Mid-April. Livingstone is not a high malaria area, if you choose to use them, be cautious with your choice of prophylactic and discuss the side effects with your Doctor. Doxycycline, in particular, seems to have issues with sun sensitivity in a lot of people and you will
10 Things you should know before rafting the Zambezi River
1) Water levels vary seasonally-Dates for your trip are important. Thankfully the Zambezi is a free-flowing river, the water level is not affected by any dams. It is however, heavily affected by seasonal natural flow variations. Our rafting trips adapt to the changing water levels by “putting on” at different entry points. Generally Late-July to Mid-January our trips put in at the “Boiling pot” directly below Victoria Falls. At this time the Zambezi River is at a relatively low flow, where more of the bedrock is exposed. Creating the huge crashing rapids the Zambezi is renowned for. From Mid-January to July, Safpar operates on a “high-water” run, which is generally from rapid number 7B, rapid number 10 or rapid number 14. At this time the bedrock in the riverbed is covered and these trips are characterized by big eddy fences and boils. Highlights of a high water run are that some huge features on the river banks come into action, namely rapid 16B, a colossal set of breaking waves. The river is always changing so no two trips are ever the same. If you fancy big demanding water, high adrenaline, then book your trip as the low water season opens or closes, Late July/August and end Dec/January. Interesting Fact: [su_pullquote]The Zambezi reaches her lowest point in the gorge during the first week of November and starts to rise after that. At this time of the year, you are rafting only 5% of the rivers peak flow.[/su_pullquote] 2) You should gift your friend a Nyami-Nyami necklace. The Nyami-nyami necklace carving is a symbolic representation of the god of the Zambezi. Legend has it that wearing the necklace will grant you safe passage through the gorge. However, in order to work the necklace must be a gift. These necklaces are available in bone, wood, stone and lately in aluminum. They are excellent keepsakes, and if you see one being worn anywhere in the world; it is an indication that the person has rafted the Zambezi River. The origins of the legend are contentious. The most well-known story is that “Nyami-nyami” is trapped by the Kariba dam wall, and his wife is downstream, below the wall. While the Kariba dam was being built, the “Ba-Tonga” people foretold of Nyami-nyami’s anger at man’s folly in damming the mighty Zambezi River. The subsequent floods that destroyed the first stages of the wall were seen as an expression of his anger. In our area, it is believed that in times of great hardship and drought “Nyami-nyami” will show himself to the people, allowing them to take portions of his body to alleviate hunger. This legend perhaps has some basis in our local African grey mottled eel, which resembles the Nyami-nyami’s carving. When the Zambezi has an extremely low year, normally due to drought, some pools get cut off from the main river and these eels are easily hunted by a fishing spear. However, it has been some time since this has happened. Interesting Fact: [su_pullquote]In 1989 “The Damned River” was filmed on the Zambezi, the film crew painted a Nyami-nyami on a high rock face below rapid 5b for the movie, it can still be seen clearly today. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097146/[/su_pullquote] 3) The Zambezi offers superb Multi-day options If you plan on journeying to the Zambezi River to experience the Victoria Falls (known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya “The smoke that thunders”) and take part in the world’s greatest rafting trip. You should consider the various multi-day options available. Overnight and four-day trips let you cover more of this amazing river. There is a strong “expedition” type feel to the trips. Untouched camping spots, on remote pristine white beaches, make this a must. Explore under the Victoria Falls, soak in the serenity and raft some incredible rapids downstream from the commercial day section. The astrology is amazing as the light pollution is non-existent, easy to see how the gorge got it’s “a thousand stars” rating. Interesting Fact: [su_pullquote]We encourage guests to sleep outside of their tents under the stars if they wish. The gorge is extremely underpopulated and underutilized. Meaning that the critters that feed on us are not usually present on our carefully selected camping spots.[/su_pullquote] 4) Your raft may Flip or you may go for a “swim” The Zambezi is affectionately known as the “Slambezi”, as big water flips are more the norm than the exception. This is mitigated by the river conditions. The Zambezi is a “warm-pool drop” river. What “warm” means is that we don’t have to deal with the huge issues associated with cold water immersion. If you go for a dip or have a flip we pull you back on, or one of our kayakers will rescue you and the trip continues, absolutely no big deal. “Pool Drop” means that the rapids generally empty out into relatively calm pools. So if the raft does go over, we have time to collect everybody, get you all back on your raft and take a break before the next rapid. On other rivers of a similar class, a flip is a calamity, as the rapids often feed into each other. Interesting fact: [su_pullquote]If you can count “One Zambian Banana, Two Zambian Bananas, Three Zambian Bananas” and still haven’t broached the surface for a breath, beers are on us.[/su_pullquote] 5) The river is in a steep-sided gorge The “Middle Batoka Gorge” on which we raft, is formed from the action of the river eroding through fault lines in the basalt rock. The result; a very steep sided gorge with limited access points. You will be required to hike in and out of the gorge to enjoy the rafting. By hike, we mean you will have to ascend steep paths for up to 30 minutes, to reach roads and infrastructure. Be sure to bring footwear that allows you to hike up and down. We have made these paths easier to egress with “Mopani” (a local tough tree) wood ladders. It is tiring, and in the heat, the climb can
Zambezi White Water Festival Update
What an awesome two days of rafting mayhem and fun on the mighty Zambezi. The Zambezi White Water Festival; a huge thank you to all our participants and incredible sponsors that made this such an incredible event. Pushing the button, taking some incredible lines, this is why the Zambezi is one of the best one day trips on the planet. You guys rock. To our entire Zambezi Community, thank you; we are proud to be part of such an incredible collection of people in such an incredible part of the world, thank you Livingstone Zambia, lets keep innovating and pushing the limits. DJ Claudous Hunt, you were amazing, thank you for tirelessly keeping the party going. To our musicians who rocked out and made the off-river party such a success Shyman Shaizo, Chickenbus, Alistair Burton. SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR! A special shout out and a big thank you to our sponsors: [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2407″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://shearwaterbungee.com”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2405″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://livingstonebackpackers.com”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2403″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://www.seasonsinafrica.com/adventure-activities-zambia/victoria-falls-activities/livingstones-adventure/batoka-sky-helicopters/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2412″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://www.facebook.com/MosiTrulyZambian/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2410″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://www.jadeiteeventsplanning.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2409″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://www.facebook.com/zuga.kruger?fref=mentions”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2408″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://zambeziexpedition.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2404″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://backpackzambia.com/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”2406″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_blank” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/victoria-falls”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Zambezi Rafting Festival at Victoria Falls
Le Mans meets the raging White Water [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]By Glen Byrom Chief Explorer at The Explorer Club Africa Group[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Adventure teams from around the globe have been invited to the inaugural Zambezi White Water Rafting Festival at Livingstone (Victoria Falls) Zambia from November 9-11 this year. Registration is still open for teams of six who will compete, in a series of events, for the Zambezi Champions Trophy over a stretch of water widely acclaimed as the finest in the world for one-day grade 5 white water rafting. Steve McCormick, managing director of festival organisers Safari par Excellence, said this would be “fun in the sun and an annual adventure event to match the best on the world’s adventure calendar.” The Zambezi White Water Rafting Festival format features four distinct events – three races and a grand finale of a “surf and turf” competition for the “best surf and carnage” on the iconic grade five “Oblivion” rapid 18 to be judged on live-streaming from patrons at the Zambezi Waterfront bar. First evening festivities, on November 9, will feature the teams bidding for the most experienced, or their preferred, rafting guide to spearhead their challenge. All proceeds will be split equally between three charities – Ebeneezer Children’s Village in Livingstone, Conservation Centre for Wild Africa (CCWA) and International Rivers. After a full training day on Friday November 10 the action happens the next day, opening with the “Test of the Best” – a timed race featuring two rafts at a time over a 2,300-metre course from the base of one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, to rapid number four. The second phase of the Zambezi White Water Rafting Festival is a mass start of all rafts in the “Zambezi Le Mans Sprint” over 700 metres between rapids five and seven to be followed by the Slalom Race where one raft at a time competes against the clock over a 900-metre course that includes various tasks.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text] You may also be interested in [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][nectar_portfolio layout=”3″ category=”white-water-rafting” project_style=”3″ load_in_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”page-sidebar”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”3/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][recent_posts style=”default” category=”all” columns=”3″ posts_per_page=”3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
