Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | Victoria Falls | Mana Canoe and Walking Trail (4 days)

Canoeing safari complemented by fully serviced dome tent Adventurer camping along the fertile floodplains of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park.  One of the most exciting ways to experience Africa, this safari is perfect for adventurous travelers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past more than a thousand hippo on the way! Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, finishing 65km (40 miles) downstream and many adventures away from the start. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff set up a fully catered & serviced camp each day prior to arrival.

This camping safari offers a unique adventure for the traveller seeking an iconic African safari and an opportunity to enjoy one of the wildest stretches of the lower Zambezi River and the game that depends on its life giving waters and ensures a back to nature experience. By means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simplicity), Adventurer camping brings the guest closer to nature. Such camps are specifically outfitted to create that sense of wilderness with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.  The entire safari is guided and hosted by a professional and passionate river guide, who shares in-depth knowledge of the lower Zambezi ecosystem with the guests, to present a seamless, well-rounded experience. Years of experience in the field and a depth of understanding of animal behaviour and the environment will leave you with a sense of complete wonder. Our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. They are also available to lead private safaris and specialist trips

Day 1: Start of the Trail, close to Ruckomechi, Zambezi River
Guests are transferred to Ruckomechi by air from Victoria Falls or Harare, or road/boat transfer from Lusaka (at an additional cost), arriving at around midday. At approximately 14h00, after meeting the guide and going through a thorough safety briefing, canoeists start paddling downstream in sturdy Canadian canoes to our mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance and the first afternoon of paddling covers about 10 to 11 kilometres (6.2 – 6.8 miles). This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available (partly because we always paddle downstream) and gives canoeists a chance to familiarize themselves with the canoes and the various paddle strokes required.

Days 2 & 3: Zambezi River wild camping
Canoeists are woken just before dawn each day with tea/coffee and biscuits and get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquillity is amazing. After paddling for usually about 2 hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around mid-day. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad, bread and cold meats. We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on and arriving at the next camp at dusk. The camp and guest luggage is moved each day by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 to 25 kilometres (12 to 16 miles) and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movement

Day 4: Transfer to Chikwenya Airstrip, end of services
After breakfast by the river, guests will either be transferred by Land Rover or a walk to the nearby Chikwenya airstrip for the flight out (the flight is at an additional cost). We highly recommend that you drive back to Ruckomechi for an additional few nights, where guests can enjoy the wonderful Zambezi Valley by extensive game drive, adding significantly to the overall experience.