Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Upper Zambezi Canoeing worth booking?
Upper Zambezi Canoeing is a 7-hour experience in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from $120 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $120 per person
What truly sets this canoeing safari apart is the way it brings you into the heart of Africa’s wilderness not just to watch it, but to live it from the water itself. Unlike typical wildlife tours where animals are viewed
What you get
- All canoeing gear (life jacket, and paddle) Canoeing guide
- Light Breakfast, lunch & Refreshments
About this experience
What truly sets this canoeing safari apart is the way it brings you into the heart of Africa’s wilderness not just to watch it, but to live it from the water itself. Unlike typical wildlife tours where animals are viewed from a vehicle or boat, this experience places you at river-level in a canoe, gliding silently through the Upper Zambezi’s channels above Victoria Falls. This peaceful mode of travel lets you encounter elephants drinking at the water’s edge, hippos surfacing nearby, crocodiles basking on banks, and an incredible array of birdlife all with a sense of intimacy and immersion that larger boats or safari jeeps simply can’t match. Many travelers describe the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime journey,” noting how the slow, quiet pace lets them absorb the rhythms of nature, watch wildlife in peaceful coexistence, and enjoy meals riverside moments often described as highlights of their entire Victoria Falls trip. It’s a genuine African safari experience via canoe.
What's included
Included
- All canoeing gear (life jacket, and paddle) Canoeing guide
- Light Breakfast, lunch & Refreshments
Not included
- National Park fees/ River usage $15 per person
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Victoria Falls Canoeing Company
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infant seats unavailable
- Infants must not sit on laps
- No public transportation nearby
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Not wheelchair accessible
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Upper Zambezi Canoeing. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience on the Upper Zambezi
7 of us had a great time rafting on the Upper Zambezi with Prince & his team. The journey to "launch" site is quite long & bumpy but the whole trip was amazing. We had breakfast by the river first then a gentle meander for about 2.5 hours - so peaceful and a fun way to see both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Lunch awaited us at the docking point - very enjoyable. I'd recommend this trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Victoria Falls Canoeing Company for your Upper Zambezi adventure. It was truly a pleasure hosting you and your group. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the peaceful canoeing experience, the scenery along both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the river, as well as the breakfast and lunch served during the trip. The Upper Zambezi really is a special place to relax, connect with nature, and take in the beauty of the river at a gentle pace. We also appreciate your understanding regarding the journey to the launch site the road can indeed be part of the adventure, but we’re happy to know the experience made it worthwhile. From Prince and the entire team, thank you once again for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Victoria Falls again for another unforgettable experience on the Zambezi River.
via Tripadvisor
A real highlight
This was the best activity I did while in vic falls. There was just 4 off us in group plus 2 guides and so it felt like private tour and it was a lovely group of people. We started off with a bumpy drive through Zambezi national park to upper section off river. Then a light breakfast snack and then onto the serious business of safety dos and dont's and how to steer the canoes. The trip was just wonderful. It was so peaceful out there as it was just us the hippos and the birds. We had s few mini Rapids which were fun. You will certainly get wet. The bird life was beautiful. The trip ended with a lovely lunch that our driver had ready for us on the river Bank. Guides zenzele and prince were pleasant and professional with a great sense of humor. Highly recommend this trip.
via Tripadvisor
Best introduction to Africa
We arrived in Zimbabwe from the United States, and this canoe trip became our very first night in Africa an introduction we will never forget. What we expected to be a simple transfer to our campsite quickly turned into something far more magical. Along the way, we enjoyed an incredible game drive, spotting a variety of wildlife that made us feel like the adventure had already begun before we even reached camp. When we arrived, the campsite took our breath away. It was even more beautiful than we had imagined, with stunning views stretching across the landscape. As the evening settled in, we gathered around a glowing campfire and enjoyed a wonderfully prepared dinner. The meal was simple yet absolutely delicious, and the setting made it unforgettable. Sitting around the fire with our guides, sharing stories under the African sky, felt truly special.
via Tripadvisor
A highlight our trip
After coming across a rather concerning review online, I must admit I was initially a bit hesitant about booking our canoe trip. Naturally, you want everything to go smoothly when planning an experience from all the way in Australia — especially when it’s something you’ve been looking forward to as part of your African adventure. However, after reading through the many other positive reviews and seeing how highly rated the experience was overall, I realized that one review doesn’t always reflect the true standards of an operation. We decided to take a leap of faith and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we arrived, everything was handled professionally and seamlessly. The canoeing experience itself was absolutely incredible and easily one of the highlights of our entire trip to Africa. The scenery, the calmness of the river, and the knowledgeable guides made it both relaxing and memorable. It turned out to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that you talk about long after your trip is over. We’re truly glad we didn’t let one review deter us from what became such a fantastic experience.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day out !!
We had an exceptional experience with Lloyd on the Zambezi River. We were fortunate to spot hippos and truly appreciated seeing the river and surrounding wildlife from a unique and refreshing perspective. As active individuals, we found the canoeing experience quite manageable, even with a strong headwind on the day. It’s a rewarding adventure—just be sure you’re ready for the
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $190
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Upper Zambezi Canoeing: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Victoria Falls.
How much does Upper Zambezi Canoeing cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Victoria Falls usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Upper Zambezi Canoeing take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Victoria Falls is not rushed.
Is Upper Zambezi Canoeing worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Victoria Falls, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Upper Zambezi Canoeing?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Upper Zambezi Canoeing suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Upper Zambezi Canoeing?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Victoria Falls can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Victoria Falls and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Upper Zambezi Canoeing start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Victoria Falls within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Victoria Falls?
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On Outty we rank every Victoria Falls experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Victoria Falls Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls Theatre Featuring Simunye: The Spirit of Africa, Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Victoria Falls?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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