Riding the wild waters: Zambezi White Water Festival 2018
Safari Par Excellence held their annual whitewater festival from 25th – 27th of October and I was lucky enough to attend. The weekend festivities started off with Registration where all the contestants were given their merchandise and participant wristbands and we were ready to go. The Festival kicked off with a Zambezi cruise on Thursday where rafters and paddlers were briefed, and got to know each other and their skippers as they sailed into the sunset with ice-cold gin and tonics in their paws, and grins on their faces. Little can beat a cold sundowner on the MV Makumbi The Zambezi put on its best show with hippos dancing in the water, crocodiles surfacing to see what all the fuss was about and elephants sharing a drink with us on the river’s edge. Back at the Victoria Falls Waterfront, we were welcomed by groovy tracks performed by the local and talented DJ, Claudous Hunt, and it was impossible not to shake one’s hips on the dance floor. Friday: Practice Day. We were greeted by the smell of bacon and egg rolls and coffee wafting through the early morning air, and the sight of the placid Zambezi as it drifted slowly past above Vic Falls, the calm before the storm. While fueling excited stomachs, the eight international teams listened to a hilarious, but informative safety briefing and gear check. We all hopped onto the safari vehicles and headed for the Boiling Pot at the base of Victoria Falls. Soon the teams were set and in their rafts, adrenalin pumping, ready to rumble, all still taking in the idyllic, breathtaking view. Ready to rumble Practice Day gave everyone the chance to get a feel for the river – the Zambezi is like no other river in Africa, a beast one needs to respect and understand, it has great power and is full of life. Every rafter had been gifted a hand-crafted image of Nyami-Nyami, the Zambezi river god, fastened securely around their necks to protect them. Then off we went. That day there were some epic flips, a few crocodile sightings and a delicious lunch at Rapid 10, the lunch spot with the best view I’ve ever seen – by far. Surf and turf challenge on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ There were some total wipe-outs and plenty of complete styling at Rapid 18, aka “Oblivion”, where we were shown Superman jumps from rafts, wave surfing and carnage as boats were flipped and happy rafters went swimming, all getting a taste of what was to come on Race Day. Everyone had their first taste of the hike out of the Batoka Gorge, which is a whole other mighty beast. Some left in style on a helicopter charter and others slowly trekked up the gorge, following the ways of our big friendly giants, the elephants, slow and steady while getting the opportunity to witness a view very few are privileged to ever set eyes on. Superman on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ Team Gravity styling on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ October 27, 2018: Race Day… Up bright and early, excited chatter as the rafters headed for the Falls. What a day it was, not only for the contestants but also for the local and international guests back at the lodge. At the Victoria Falls Waterfront, there was a diverse craft and food market where local entrepreneurs from far and wide came to join the day’s festivities, as well as a kids’ zone. Local artisanal products were on full display, like those from Wayawaya. Wayawaya “empowers Zambian women without formal education and with few job options,” the organisation says. “Most women live in poverty and being unemployed is a luxury they cannot afford. However, Zambian women are unquestionably resourceful, talented, strong-willed and hard-working. To invest in women is to invest in their children, their fellow sisters, their neighbours and their communities. ‘By women, for women’ is a concept inspired by the fellowship between Zambian mothers and sisters. Together, we carry out vocational training, artisan programs and form viable employment,” Wayawaya says. WAYAWAYA goods on display Hats for Africa at the market Other NGO stalls sold beautiful bags and kids’ toys, beads made from recycled glass bottles, and a mouth-watering smorgasbord of food, including from De Canton – Livingstone’s famous ice-cream shop. As the day continued, guests gathered to hear Zambia’s iconic Jay Rox perform a taster set, setting the tone for the music to follow that evening. As the sun started to set, the one and only Black Mamba Man headed on stage to give the guests a performance they wouldn’t forget. Alistair Burton, aka Black Mamba Man, is a Zimbabwean musician who performs iconic cover songs as well as his own comical and satirical original pieces, which are brilliantly witty and hilarious. His performance was followed by the eagerly anticipated prize-giving. Here a video of the competition highlights was shown, there was the raffle reveal, and finally the prize-giving. Cape Town’s Team Gravity were the winners of The Zambezi Whitewater Festival 2018, the team members won helicopter flips over the Falls, courtesy of Batoka Sky. Winning team Gravity, skippered Andrew Kellett The party rocked on into the early hours of the morning. Everyone celebrated to the sound of live music performed by Harare rock band, Evicted, who ended their gig with a Nirvana cover which sent the crowd into a complete state of frenzy. The closing act for the night was Jay Rox, and his unforgettable performance made the 2018 festival one for the books. Participants of 2018 What an epic weekend it was! Although the competition is an international one and of a very high standard, it is by no means exclusive to professional rafters and kayakers – I can confirm that. As a complete amateur, I enjoyed every minute on the river and felt fully included. This festival is one I will be telling my friends and family about for years to come. If you weren’t there this year, add it to
Livingstone Motorbike Festival 2018
Are you ready for the Livingstone Motorbike Festival – a unique motorcycling festival set around the Zambezi! Festival-goers will enjoy great food, music and mass ride-outs in one of the worlds most unique settings. Be a part of a community of like-minded bikers for an unforgettable Easter weekend – all ages/skills welcome! Dates – Easter Weekend, 30 March to 2 April, hosted by The Waterfront, Livingstone, Zambia and proudly sponsored by Zambezi Expeditions. Enjoy this Easter weekend of motorcycle action in Livingstone on the Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls. The Livingstone Motorbike Festival consists of off-road racing for all skill levels on Sat/Sun and outrides for adventure bikes. There will be entertainment all weekend, including live bands and DJ’s. March 30th-April 2nd 2018 Off-road racing March 31 Extreme enduro April 1 Kids/Novice/Expert riding to suit everyone Activities and entertainment for all road/adventure bikers and families. Bring the entire family to the tourist capital of Zambia and enjoy an unforgettable Easter break! To stay at the Waterfront book early to avoid disappointment. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday 30th March – Arrival Day 10h00 – Registration will be open at The Victoria Falls Waterfront 12h00 – Tech inspection opens for racers, fuel for P1 and Quarry to be put out by racers 15h30 – Bridge that Thunders – mass ride-out to Victoria Falls Bridge via Livingstone loop. 19h00 – Welcome & Race Briefing 19h30 – Entertainment by Evicted Saturday 31st March – Off-Road: Day of Dirt Venue: Quarry Site Overview: Championship (xx kms); Novice (xx kms); Junior (xx kms) Participants – please move vehicles early if you have no support crew – Racers trucks pit kit/fuel/small junior’s J2 bikes to go to secure quarry site on Lusaka road. We will arrange a 07h30 pick-up from this location in order for participants to get back in time for start. 08h30 – Liaison section to start line. Racers will be accompanied by road/adventure bikes (23km) 09h15 – First bikes depart 10h00 – Those not following or participating in enduro, meet at Post Office. 10h30 – 10h45 – First championship bikes expected through quarry entertainment area. Refuel and continue on Championship Loop 2. 11h10 – 11h45 – First novice/clubman/J1 expected at quarry entertainment area. Riders under 2hrs will then refuel and start Novice Loop 2. 12h00 – 12h30 – Anticipated time for Championship Loop completion. 13h30 – Junior-class race starts at quarry (approx. 1h30) J2 14h00 – Fun Competitions SLOWEST RIDE OVER 20 METERS BITE THAT SAUSAGE (PILLION RIDER) IN THE QUICKEST TIME DOWN – DOWN COMP FOR MALE AND FEMALE ARM WRESTLING COMP FOR MALE AND FEMALE TYRE THROW COMP FOR MALE AND FEMALE TUGG OF WAR FOR CLUBS (MIXED) THROW THAT BALLOON 15h00 Return to The Victoria Falls Waterfront Notes: Transport truck for J1 will leave from the Victoria Falls Waterfront to follow convoy out at 08h10. Bikes must be loaded Friday evening and name-list at race control. Junior racers and parent / guardian get first option. After the race start the same truck will take juniors to quarry pit stop area arriving around 10h00. Spectators driving to watch bikes through first serious bumps on Makunka road must have passed start line to get to area before 08h45 and can only leave area once sweeper has gone past (est. 09h30) 10km on sandy road to spectator spot. Liaison to first fuel stop is around 65km Route Overview – Championship (approx. 120-150kms) Liaison to Start Line – 23kms and to complete Loop 1 is a total of 91kms Loop 2 (from quarry) for Championship approx. 30km Route Overview – Novice (approx. 91-111kms) Liaison to Start Line – 23kms and to complete Loop 1 is a total of 91kms Loop 2 (from quarry) for Novice approx. 20km Route Overview – Fun (91kms) Liaison to Start Line – 23kms and to complete Loop 1 is a total of 91kms Route Overview – Adventure Bikes (96kms) Liaison to Start Line – 23kms and to complete Loop 1 is a total of 91kms For Adventure bikes the same route but includes about 6km of tar just before quarry 90km from start line – estimate 3 hours. Refuel Points Start to Refuel 1 – 40kms Refuel 1 (Makunka) to Quarry pits – 51km Track Description A true Off-Road track. Riders will start with a liaison from Waterfront to race start (23km) Race start to refuel 1 (40km) is a fast sand road with sections of bumps and the odd surprise puddles between some of the natural big bumps in the sand road. Riders will briefly stop at Makunka for an unassisted fuel top up then continue on a much smaller road that turns into single track winding through villages and farms reaching Dambwa Forest reserve the track is mainly narrow single track through the forest. Riders will reach the Quarry entertainment area where they will complete a loop and some obstacles* (championship) and those riders will then refuel and head out on the next loop. Novice/clubman that arrive after 2 hours end at the quarry. Novice/clubman will race for 2 hours min. Championship will race for 3 hours min. The first leg of 91km will be relatively easy riding with a few technical sections late in the loop. Loop 2 for Championship has a multiple technical hill section aprrox. half way through the loop Loop 2 for novice/clubman has sections of harder riding for those that have made Loop 1 in good time. Small Junior class will take place at the quarry at approx 1330 when other racers have arrived in. The Quarry area is set up so spectators can get food/drinks/shelter and a good view of some action, the championship class has several tough sections to complete here in front of the crowd. As we are riding out from The Victoria Falls Waterfront racers will need to have trucks driven out to quarry for finish line. (We are offering transport back from quarry Saturday morning before race so people can drop trucks off prior to race/ride.) J2 Riders will have transport to
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]
