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Lower Zambezi – Island Trail Canoe Safari
This popular canoeing safari is spent camping on selected islands along the This unique river experience encompasses much of what the best of the Zambezi Duration: 3 nights / 4 days Area: Chirundu to the Chongwe confluence | Lower Zambezi map Distance: approx. 72 kms During the hot summer months, early morning departures are encouraged to make in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Canoeing continues to DAY ONE Unless otherwise arranged the trips depart from the canoe launch site at After an hour of canoeing there is a riverbank stop for lunch before paddling average of 3-4km/hour river flow rate. Arrival at the island is around 17h15 and camp is then set up. DAY TWO The full day of canoeing, approx 25km Approx. 06h30 tea/coffee and biscuits then depart 07h30 downstream Stop for Breakfast 08h30 – 09h00 Stop / lunch approx 12h30 – 14h30 in shade out of mid day sun Proceed to Mtondo Island campsite to arrive early evening as in Day 1 DAY THREE Canoe through lower Zambezi flood plain region Daily routine as Day 2 Overnight at Nyamangwe Island Breakfast is on the island on this morning before a leisurely 5km paddle to the departing for the return journey to the Zambezi camp site in Chirundu arriving Equipment Supplied Fiber glass 18ft two man Canadian style Canoes are used for their robust structure, with single bladed paddles. Each canoe has five buoyancy chambers with fixed bucket Two-man industrial mosquito net bow tents are used, which allows for a full view of Other equipment includes: cooler boxes, tables, chairs, gas cookers, melamine crockery, Four-wheel drive vehicles are used as support vehicles for the return transfers. FOOD AND DRINK Three meals a day, cordial soft drinks and treated water are supplied on every safari. |
EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS
No previous canoeing experience is necessary. This short Island hopping canoe safari is generally relaxing with little physical exertion required. However, at certain times of the year strong winds may occur which makes paddling more difficult.
Should this occur the guide will decide whether it is feasible to carry on canoeing or wait until it is safe to proceed. Guides have ultimate jurisdiction when
determining the course of action required for the safety and welfare of the guests.
DAILY MEAL PLAN
The meals will follow the program below, should there be any notifications.
Please note that prior warning of at least 2 weeks is needed to cater for special diets or
allergies to certain ingredients etc. The main dinners are in most cases part pre-cooked and deep frozen prior to the safari, so it is important to have sufficient notice of what is required.
Early mornings: These start with tea/coffee biscuits before setting off down stream after packing up canoes and clearing camp.
Breakfast: Generally after several hours of canoeing, the trip will stop for everyone to stretch their legs while the guide prepares an hearty breakfast of tinned fruit, eggs, bacon or sausages, and Fried Tomatoes, and toast with marmalade or jam. Tea and coffee is served before starting off again.
Lunch: An assortment of cold meats, green salads, rolls and cheeses are served,
along with a variety of sauces and pickled vegetables to complete the meal.
Dinner: Assortment of Crisps or Popcorn is served followed by a full dinner consisting of beef, chicken or Pork as main course options with two green vegetables and a carbohydrate of potatoes, rice or pasta.
Cordial and Water are always available throughout the day with fresh fruit for mid morning and afternoon snacks.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
As a guide line on what to bring on your safari, clients are asked to keep luggage to
minimum of +/ – 7kgs. Excess baggage may be kept for safe keeping at our office for
the duration of the canoeing safari.
• Neutral colored shorts and T-shirts, swimming costume for summer months.
• Personal Toiletries and small towel or Optional personal pillow.
• Canvas shoes or rafting sandals, a comfortable pair of hiking shoes where walks are involved
• Hat with a wide brim
• Jacket or sweater for the evenings
• Shirts (including a long sleeved one for sun protection)
• A kikoi (or sarong) to cover your legs to protect them from the sun
• Torch or flashlight and extra batteries
• Camera and accessories
• Binoculars, sun glasses
• Sunscreen, Insect repellent
• Warm clothes to sleep in for winter nights/light waterproof clothing for wet season
• Dry bags for personal items.
Luggage on Safari should be kept to a maximum of 7kgs p/person where possible. Excess luggage may be stored safely at our base for collection at the end of the safari
HEALTH
Malaria: The Zambezi Valley is a malarial area, but your doctor can advise you on the appropriate prophylactics to protect you.
Any health concerns or medical conditions such as allergies, epilepsy etc should be
brought to the attention of the management prior to the start of the safari.
Nuisance Insects: We recommend the use of insect repellents especially from dusk onwards, together with wearing trousers and long sleeved tops.
Sun Protection : The use of wide brimmed hats and plenty of sunscreen are strongly advised on all trips, bit in summer and winter months. Long sleeved shirts and kikois/towels also protect arms and legs from sunburn during canoeing.
First Aid : All safaris carry medical supplies and guides are trained in first aid.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
On these semi participatory safaris, there are no fixed ablution facilities.
Clients are provided with a trowel, toilet paper and matches.
For bathing, clients use a bucket of water from the river.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
The minimum age of clients is 15 years. There is however no maximum age,
although the client must be reasonably fit.
The age limit may be flexible for a specific group booking with prior consent.
SAFETY
All guides have had extensive and lengthy training on the river and have undergone
examinations before leading these expeditions.
Guides are able to communicate with base camp via cellular
connections. Life jackets are supplied but all clients must be able to swim.
INSURANCE
Travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. All clients must have
pre arranged insurance in their own country prior to leaving so as to cover any
unexpected medical expenses and loss / theft of personal effects.
Clients bring the details of these insurance policies with them as they will need
to provide proof of insurance should they wish to claim for any losses or medical expenses.
VISAS
Please check visa requirements with your agent to departure. Most visas
can be obtained at the point of entry into Zambia.
SEASON RUN
Year round – however, for those chartering flights in, we suggest pre flight checks on runway conditions to ensure the strip is serviceable.
Temperatures are at their highest in September and October with the onset of the rains from December through to April where light weight, water proof clothing is required. Winter runs from May to August where warm clothing is necessary in the evenings.
On line quote / booking for Lower Zambezi – Island Trail Canoe Safari
the afrisafari group
Skype – africa.travel
Email: safari@afrizim.com
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