The Zambezi River
The Zambezi, more than any other river, evokes the mystery and excitement of Africa. Few rivers remain as pristine or as little explored. For centuries, elephants have stamped tracks deep in the sandy beaches and hippopotamuses wallowed in its calmer reaches. Native boatmen have long fashioned canoes from trees that grow along the banks of the upper river, but their path downstream has been inhibited.
The 3,500 km long river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and then on to Mozambique where it empties into the Indian Ocean. Its unique value is that it is less developed than others in terms of human settlement and many areas along its banks enjoy protected status.
The beauty of the Lower Zambezi lies in its state of absolute wilderness – this is real, wild Africa with no fences. The riverine landscape is spectacular with dense woodlands of ebony trees, leadwoods, acacias and figs. The wildlife is diverse and gathers near the river. Large numbers of elephant and buffalo can be seen grazing on the islands and zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, kudu and impala are common along with their ever present predators such as lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Walks, day and night drives and boat cruises are all different and exciting ways to enjoy the abundance and diversity of game. The fishing is good and is offered as an activity at most of the camps. Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro Bushcamp and Tena Tena Camp are some examples of the camps that offer unique and authentic safari experiences in the Lower Zambezi.
At Victoria Falls, the entire river leaps wildly into a cataract creating Musi-oa-Tunya or smoke that thunders. On a clear day the spray from the falls rises hundreds of metres skywards and the resounding thunder is heart stopping. The waterfalls remain unchallenged, but rafting in the gorges below is now one of the world's greatest whitewater challenges. Other recommended activities include micro lighting, a luxury trip on a classic steam train, sundowner cruises and hot air ballooning.
