Experience A Great Adventure In Zambia And Zimbabwe

As most travelers know, Zambia and Zimbabwe share that iconic attraction, Victoria Falls. However, there is more adventure to be had besides visiting “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or the “Smoke That Thunders.”

Besides the great Zambezi, Zambia has a series of rivers, as does its neighboring African country, Zimbabwe. Each offers a wildlife adventure, as the Big 5 comes to drink, while others offer powerful whitewater experiences.

Meanwhile, most of Zimbabwe rests on a high plateau, forming a watershed boundary between the mighty Zambezi and that other great river, the Limpopo. Again, the rivers offer great wildlife experiences for those on safari. They also offer a great whitewater adventure, while the many mountains in the Eastern Highlands offer great trekking opportunities.

Whitewater rafting on the Zambezi

One of the best whitewater experiences can be enjoyed in the roaring Zambezi, immediately downstream from Victoria Falls. In fact, this is one of the finest whitewater rafting destinations in the world.

The Zambezi is best at low water, between July and mid-February when the 21 rapids (mostly Grade V) offer some huge drops stretched out over 25 km (15.5 mi). For those who want more than one whitewater adventure, overnight stays are available. Meanwhile, as the Zambezi separates Zambia and Zimbabwe here, the rafting options are pretty much identical in both nations. Basically, the only difference is which side of the river you stop on.

Canoe safari on the Zambezi River

Staying on the water, a canoe safari is a gentler journey through the river where at any moment, wildlife can appear. Here crocodiles and hippos pop their heads up to see who is passing. Meanwhile, elephants and other wildlife stop by for a refreshing drink.

Whether visiting Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, or Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, the banks of the Zambezi also offer lions and a variety of local birdlife. Meanwhile, sitting in your canoe, you feel incredibly close to the amazing wildlife, which can be scary but is also exhilarating.

Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park

Staying on dry ground, a walking safari is a glorious adventure, especially in South Luangwa, the birthplace of the activity. Of course, you are not walking alone, as you follow well-trained, armed guides through the bush as they track the wildlife. The walks often lead you to incredible sightings of wild dogs, buffaloes, elephants, and even leopards and lions.

However, it isn’t all about the large creatures living here. Your expert guide will also inform you about the nature of the bush. For instance, they will tell you how lion ants catch and kill their prey, and other tales about the smaller creatures in South Luangwa. Meanwhile, similar safari adventures can be enjoyed in Mana Pools National Park in neighboring Zimbabwe.

A trek through Chimanimani National Park

Chimanimani National Park lies in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands and is a very different experience from the dry bush. Here, the green hills and quartzite peaks are often cloaked in mist.

A variety of trekking trails make their way through Chimanimani National Park, taking you along rivers and past waterfalls. Trails also offer incredible panoramas of Wizard Valley in neighboring Mozambique.

When visiting Chimanimani National Park, make sure you bring everything you will need as the infrastructure here is typical of basic Africa. In fact, it might feel like you are getting back to humankind’s roots, which makes it all worthwhile.