This short canoeing safari is ideally suited to those wishing to get a feel of the area but don’t have the time to cover the longer stretches of the river. Hippopotamus, elephant, buffalo, crocodile, various plains game and an array birdlife can be seen on these safaris. This canoeing trip is totally self-contained with all equipment and supplies carried in the canoes for the duration of the trip. Guides prepare meals while guests participate in erecting their tents,
sorting out their bedding and helping with the general loading and unloading of their canoes.
Daily Routine
During the hot summer months, early morning departures are encouraged to make the most of
the cooler time and also to cover a reasonable distance before the wind may pick up. Deep shade
is sought in the hottest part of the day for lunch breaks and rest. Canoeing continues to overnight
stops as it becomes cooler again in the late afternoons
DAY ONE
Unless otherwise arranged, trips depart from the Chirundu launch site at Zambezi Breezes at
1030hrs on the morning of departure, after clients have been briefed by their guide. After an hour
of canoeing there is a riverbank stop for lunch before paddling on to the first evening’s island
camp site. This is a total canoeing distance of approximately 15km, mainly through the network of
channels visible on the above Google earth map. ETA at Kakomalala Island is around 1700hrs and
camp is then set up.
DAY TWO
The full day of canoeing, approx. 25km. Approx. 0630hrs tea/coffee and biscuits then depart
0730hrs downstream. Breakfast approx. 0830hrs – 0900hrs. Lunch approx. 1230hrs – 1430hrs in
shade out of mid-day sun. Proceed to 2nd Island camp - Magurumeno Islands or beyond.
DAY THREE
Canoeing is the same as Day 2 exiting the river by approx. 1200hrs followed by lunch enroute.
On the return road transfer a visit to a traditional village is made before crossing the Kafue River
pontoon by barge before reaching the Zambezi Breezes Camp.
Meals included
Three meals a day, with cordials and safe, treated water is supplied on every safari. However those wishing to bring their own bottled water may do so. Cooler boxes are provided should clients wish to bring their own selection of beverages for the duration of the safari.
Daily Meal Plan:
Unless notified, meals will follow the program below. Please note that we require prior warning
of at least 2 weeks 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:
Start with tea/coffee biscuits before setting off downstream 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 English breakfast of tinned fruit; eggs, bacon, sausages, fried
tomatoes, toast with marmalade or jam; tea and coffee.
Lunch:
An assortment of cold meats, green salads, rolls and cheeses are served, along with a variety of
sauces and pickled onions or gherkins to complete the meal.
Dinner:
Assortments of crisps or popcorn for snacks are served followed by a full dinner consisting of
beef, chicken or mutton as main course options with two green vegetables and a carbohydrate of potatoes, rice or pasta.
