Victoria Falls

Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls

Badge of ExcellenceVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Whitewater Rafting from Victoria Falls

From $140.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Paddle down the Zambezi River on a 14-mile (23-kilometer) whitewater rafting course from Victoria Falls. With a guide, maneuver over Class IV and V rapids in a gorge reaching depths of 650 feet (198 meters) in the heart of Zimbabwe’s wilderness. Your tour includes lunch, open bar, and round-trip hotel transport.
  • 14-mile (23-kilometer) course with options for intermediate to advanced passengers
  • Class IV and V rapids present year-round
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch including drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Victoria Falls included

What's Included

  • All rafting gear (helmet, life jacket, and paddle)
  • Local guide
  • Light refreshments during rafting
  • Lunch
  • Unlimited drinks (open bar)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • National Park entrance fee ($10 per person)
  • Photos and Videos (available upon confirmation before the trip)

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • Shockwave Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting Adventures
    Number 6 Bata Buildings, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    We are at the town center just behind Bata Buildings, behind Marula Cafe and East of Econet Offices

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

07:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

# We do pick from any hotel reception in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe # We Do Not pick from any hotel or lodge outside Zimbabwe, please make special arrangements with the our reservations as this will attract an extra transfer fee

What To Expect

Begin your adventure with morning pickup from your hotel in Victoria Falls. Enjoy a light breakfast of toast with coffee or tea, and then climb into a Jeep for a drive to the Zambezi River.

Upon arrival, gear up in a provided life jacket, helmet, and windbreaker (if needed), and go through a full safety and instructional briefing before hiking down the steep gorge to the river banks. Depending on your group’s abilities, you will either complete the 14-mile course (23-kilometer) in an oar raft controlled completely by your guide, a stern-mount raft controlled by passengers and the guide, or a paddle raft where everyone paddles under your guide’s watchful eyes.

Passengers who visit during low-water season from August through December can expect Class IV or V rapids throughout the journey, while those who visit in the high-water season from mid-January through March and June through July may clip some rapids and overall distance for safety reasons. Please note that due to fluctuating water levels, rafting operations may cease in April and May.

At the end of your trip, make the steep climb out of the gorge — an open bar and barbecue lunch reward your effort at the top. After lunch, return to your hotel.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • No age restriction as long the child can swim, weighs at least 50 lbs (23 kg), fits in a Class 5 youth life jacket, and has a parent's permission; if weight is less than 50 lbs, he or she can only do Level 3 rapids and must skip the Level 5 rapids (this will also depend on the guide's decision on which rapids or sections your child can do)
  • Please make sure to wear a T-shirt, shorts, and proper shoes for rafting and hiking up and down the canyon
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Operated by SHOCKWAVE ADVENTURES

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Jade_M
GREAT ACTIVITY — but very physically demanding lol. They picked us up at our hotel and dropped us off at the top of the canyon. We took our gear (PFD, helmet and paddle) and started to go down the hill (very steep, hard on the legs but overall not too bad, being moderately fit is more than enough). Quick security class before going in the raft and a second one once in the raft. The rapids were really fun and we got to swim in a bunch of them as well. We had brakes for sunscreen or water if we were thirsty and overall a GREAT activity to do (the view is also so beautiful). NOW, going UP the canyon back to the top — I’ve never struggled so hard, it is very physically demanding HOWEVERRR, the crew was more than amazing. They went to our pace, kept reminding us that we could take all the time we needed, as many breaks as we wanted to. They took our gear when we were too tired, they sent people from the top with cold water and sodas to boost our energy, they were extreeemely patient and caring, they really made sure we were okay and didn’t feel rushed at ALL. Mind you, I went with my father and the both of us had a pretty nasty cough — some people from our group said it was “challenging” yet they climbed pretty easily. Once you’re at the top, we had a super tasty barbecue and talked with the whole crew who were super friendly. OVERALL : would recommend to anyone I met, this was the highlight of our trip but just keep in mind that the hike up can be very demanding (I still had fun !! It just took me by surprise!).

Reviews

5.0
202 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
0
0
0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 202 reviews
Exciting and safe rafting
Wesley_K, Apr 2024
Absolutely recommend to experience exciting, fun yet safe rafting with experienced guides. Depends on the water level and season, you can do either the half stretch or full (but beware you will get very tired). You can even go into the water and free swim in the stable current segment. Lunch with delicious chicken and ice cold beer drinks included. Just note you will have to hike down and up 300m before and after.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us, we are glad you had a good time on the river and we hope to see you again in the near future. All the best!
Highlight of our trip + WONDERFUL crew !
Jade_M, Mar 2024
GREAT ACTIVITY — but very physically demanding lol. They picked us up at our hotel and dropped us off at the top of the canyon. We took our gear (PFD, helmet and paddle) and started to go down the hill (very steep, hard on the legs but overall not too bad, being moderately fit is more than enough). Quick security class before going in the raft and a second one once in the raft. The rapids were really fun and we got to swim in a bunch of them as well. We had brakes for sunscreen or water if we were thirsty and overall a GREAT activity to do (the view is also so beautiful). NOW, going UP the canyon back to the top — I’ve never struggled so hard, it is very physically demanding HOWEVERRR, the crew was more than amazing. They went to our pace, kept reminding us that we could take all the time we needed, as many breaks as we wanted to. They took our gear when we were too tired, they sent people from the top with cold water and sodas to boost our energy, they were extreeemely patient and caring, they really made sure we were okay and didn’t feel rushed at ALL. Mind you, I went with my father and the both of us had a pretty nasty cough — some people from our group said it was “challenging” yet they climbed pretty easily. Once you’re at the top, we had a super tasty barbecue and talked with the whole crew who were super friendly. OVERALL : would recommend to anyone I met, this was the highlight of our trip but just keep in mind that the hike up can be very demanding (I still had fun !! It just took me by surprise!).
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you Jade for taking your time to review us and share your experience with other travelers. The hike in and out requires one to be physically and mentally ready but we are glad you enjoyed and had a good time. We hope to see you again in the near future! All the best!
A must do in Victoria falls
richard_p, Mar 2024
This must one of the best experiences of my life looked after by a very experienced and safety conscious team led by JB thanks for everything Richard and Faith
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other travelers. We hope to raft with you again in the near future . All the best in 2024!
Know before you go…
jodi_g, Mar 2024
The whitewater rafting was great. JB and his crew were amazing (special shoutout to Liberty)… very safe, friendly and informative. Also incredibly patient. The climb down the gorge to put in and back up at the end is no joke. It’s a lot of climbing over rocks, steps made of branches and loose gravel. I’m in good shape and I do some hiking, but I found this very challenging, especially in water shoes. But the team was very encouraging and helpful and didn’t rush us, literally holding my hand through portions. The barbecue chicken and beer at the end of the climb were a nice payoff.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you Jodi for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience. We are glad you had a wonderful time with us and we hope to raft with you again in the near future. Thank you for choosing us to host you. All the best!
Two enthusiastic thumbs up
Dayna_T, Jan 2024
We loved our white water rafting experience with shock wave, the guides were great, we tackled all of the rapids really well together as a team and I felt safe, the setting is beautiful, with lots of opportunities to jump in for a bonus swim also, including a cliff jump if your game enough. We did the half day and that felt like enough for us as we had an action packed few days in the area. The walk there and back is challenging but achievable as long as you are moderately fit. The braai afterwards is worth the trek back up the hill, and the view from the top is a stunner. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other travelers. Thank you again for choosing Shockwave Adventures! All the best!
Something not to be missed!
Zak_P, Nov 2023
Unbelievable experience, you will not be disappointed. Our guide JB and his team were very professional and friendly. A little heads up of the extreme climb up at the end but totally worth it!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you for the wonderful review , we are glad you had a good time with us on the river. We hope to see you again in the near future! All the best!
Wild Ride
Sarah_M, Nov 2023
This was a crazy trip to take. I had a blast but I must say it is advisable to go white water rafting once before you do this since you are going on level 4 and 5 rapids which can be quite intimidating. The staff was very good at getting us prepared and making us feel safe but it is quite the adventure. Make sure you eat a good breakfast and are in decent shape since you have to climb down and up 700 feet before and after the trip which can be exhausting. The pictures and videos are a must to document the trip!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you for the wonderful and sharing your experience with other travelers. We hope to see you again in the near future
Incredible activity, easy logistics
Joshua_A, Sep 2023
This was a fantastic experience from start to finish and I highly recommend using this rafting company. Having completed white water experiences multiple times, I can definitively say this is the best destination I’ve ever rafted. The staff was professional, courteous, and outrageously fun. Transportation and communication throughout the experience was stress free and the meal served after was one of the best I had throughout my vacation in Africa. If you go, be sure to ask for Terence as he was a wonderful guide who will take great care of you!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you for such a good review.We are glad that you had an exhilarating rafting experience. Thank you once again for choosing Shockwave Adventures to host you!
Highlight of Vic Falls!
Karolyn_H, Sep 2023
The full day rafting experience with Shockwave was one of the highlights of our trip! I was extremely nervous and TT, Silent, and the rest of the rafting team made me feel safe and well taken care of. It was a once in a lifetime experience - highly recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you Karolyn for taking this time to review us, we are glad you had a good time. We are hoping to see you again in the near future!
Spectacular
John_S, Aug 2023
The crew on the Raft were knowledgeable, experienced and fun. It was a spectacular day and ride. Definitely would recommend Shockwave to my friends. John
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you John for taking your time to review us. Our team is experienced to give quality services to all our guests , most of them with about 20 years on the river. We hope to see you in the near future! All the best
Awesome experience!
LeighAnn_K, Aug 2023
It was a great trip down the river. We all felt totally safe. The lunch and beer were pretty good too! :) a definite must do!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you for the wonderful review and for choosing Shockwave Adventures to host you! All the best!
Amazing experience
Nicolas_H, Aug 2023
Great experience. This is a must if you go to Zimbabwe, and the staff is very polite and knowledgeable. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for taking your time to review us . We are glad you had a good time. We hope to see you again in the near future.
The Magic expérience
Thierry_C, Jul 2023
A must-do experience, a very professional team, we were very well looked after, magnificent scenery, the climb up the gorges was a bit physical but the panorama was well worth it, and finally the meal was simple but excellent. We recommend this memorable experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you so much Thierry for the review , our team is highly dedicated to give personalized services to all our guest. We are glad you felt at home and experienced our wonderful service.Our guides are well trained with experience . We are looking forward to hosting you again in the near future!
Make sure you are in a good shape
Paul_P, Jun 2023
The rafting is very good to bad there is only 1 class 5 rapit because off the high water. . The climb into the gorge is tough, also the hike arround rappit "the narrow"is difficult, so is getting out the gorge at the end very heavy. It took me 25 minuten, but a one of the other participans 1,5 hours. Make sure you are in a good slapen.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with other travelers .We hope to see you again in the near future
Must do experience 5*
GemmaE, Jun 2023
If you only have a day do this The staff were all incredible. Our captain is so knowledgable about the river and rapids and the whole team worked together to keep us safe and make sure everyone had fun. I cannot recommend enough
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for taking your time to review us , it was our pleasure to host you and we are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed ! We hope to host you again in the near future .
The staff with shockwave...
Nicole_B, Jun 2023
The staff with shockwave was wonderful and so much fun! Rafting the Zambezi river was an amazing experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you so much for the wonderful review , we are glad that you had a wonderful time . Hope to see you again in the near future
Rafting the Zambezi
Terence_S, Feb 2023
The team were great , from safety briefs too assisting rafting down river , enjoyed whole experience, lunch provided was great certainly loved after walking up mountain at end of rafting
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for the wonderful review, we are glad you had a good time on the river with us. Hoping to see you again in the near future. All the best in 2023!
The best river rafting I've ever experienced!
Travis_D, Aug 2022
We conquered the raging level 5 rapids of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. This was hands down the craziest white water river rafting I've ever experienced! The Zambezi River is well renowned for it's rafting and it's rated in the top 5 places in the world to river raft. What starts off as a casual level 2 rapid turns into a washing machine monster! I actually got thrown into the crocodile infested water on a level 5 rapid called the Terminator and got swept downstream for quite a distance until I was saved, it was scary! If you want some crazy adrenaline on the water, do this! Don't hesitate!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you Travis for taking your time to review us. We are glad you had a good time on the river. We looking forward to hosting you again in the near future. Thank you once again for choosing Shockwave Adventures
Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting
Matt_G, Aug 2022
Company had a late cancellation from another couple and moved us to Shearwater Rafting. Good communication in this process and nice that they gave us options to join another group. Rafting was very fun, the higher class rapids gave us quite the ride. I would encourage having people in the front of the boat that understand better English from the boat guide. Everyone is supposed to follow their lead and they 2 in front were not often in sync or paddling in the correct direction or obeying commands. The entire raft needs to work as a team. Still, overall it was a fun experience. Again, great whitewater, beautiful scenery and our guide Zalawi (not sure on the spelling) was very good. Know that the hike in and out isn't for everyone, it is a long way in and out of the gorge. The lunch at the end once we climbed out was tasty and well earned. Also know it was about an hour ride to get back to Victoria Falls once we left.
Zambezi Snake
Karen_C, Jul 2022
Great adventure, water class 4 ,5, professional staff, safety first. The trip was terrific, I have rafted or canoed about 20 rivers USA & Canada…this was special.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you Karen for choosing us to host you.Thank you again for taking your time to review us. All the best!

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