30 Day Kayak Trip, Zambia

Lets face it, some of us just want to hang out at a cool destination for as long as we can, checking out all the lines, surf spots and changing water levels. For those of you with a month to spare or you just wanting to put your paddling holiday on your student loan... this trip is the answer to get your "fix" of the Zambezi River.

With anytime between July and January being the ideal time to paddle this river, it fits in with most people's vacation or holiday time. The trip includes all your accommodation whilst you are here, plus your airport transfers on arrival and departure, plus 25 paddling days in the 30... this is the kayak junkies dream trip!

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day One
Welcome to Livingstone! With your kayak gear in tow (or you can rent it from us) we'll take you into town and show you around your new home and playground for the next month. Often our paddlers decide to come and get on the river immediately on a "Booze Cruise" on the Upper Zambezi where you may well see hippo, elephant giraffe and other wildlife. The cruise includes dinner and all your drinks and is the perfect intro to Africa. (this is NOT included in the trip price and can be paid directly to your guide)

Included: Airport transfer. No meals or sunset cruise.

Day Two
Time for your first taste of the Zambezi River! We require all paddlers to be accompanied by one of our guides on your first day to show you the lines, points of interest, take outs, supreme surf spots and where we collect you at the end of the day with a cold beer. This trip is for paddlers who are independently minded and can look after yourselves on the river.

Included: Guide, transfers, porters, park fees and a cold beer

Days Three - Twenty Nine
From here on in, its up to you to decide which days you want to paddle and we make it happen. You have 24 more days to paddle... we normally just have a get together on your last day and do a run from 1-25. Each and everyday, you can choose any section to paddle provided there are at least 4 of you on that section. Surf 12B all day, or spend your time running from 1-10, 1-25 or surfing at 3 1/2 at low water. We don't provide shuttles further down river than 25 but can offer a multiday for a surcharge. Paddle hard and party harder...

Included: Porters, park fees, transfers and a cold beer

Day Thirty
We will take you back to the airport for your flight back home, no doubt with plenty of stories of your past month's adventure on the Zambezi River.

Included: Airport transfer

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Fawlty Towers or Jollyboys offers the best budget accommodation in Livingstone and you will be housed in dormitories with either four or six beds. This package offers 29 nights accommodation at Fawlty Towers or Jollyboys. Twin and double rooms are available but will carry an extra cost.

We suggest to paddlers arriving into Lusaka that they stay at Chachacha Backpackers on arrival and then catch the bus the next day to Livingstone.

Transfers to and from the river.

This package includes 25 transfers to and from the river, park fees, porters and river usage fee. Any days not used will NOT be refunded.
Guide

On the first river day a guide will accompany the group explaining put ins, take outs, each rapid, playspots and dangers to look out for.
Airport Pickups and Drop-offs

Free Livingstone airport pick-ups and drop-offs are included.

Your "Kit" List
River wear:
* A pair of Chacos or similar sandals
* A pair of River shorts or swimming costume
* Your personal river wear – such as shorts, lycra rash vest and thermals
* Paddling kit – such as helmet, spray deck, paddle and PFD (type III) this must be under 2 years old and a small drybag for carrying small items in your kayak
* Sunglasses
* Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased from your river crew
* Nalgene or similar water bottle – can be purchased from your river crew
* Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat – can be purchased from your river crew
* Thermal Top. Medium weight capilene or polypropylene is the best for trips in July and August and November - January
* Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and in town:
* Lightweight long trousers.
* Lightweight long sleeved shirt.
* Fleece jacket – it can be quite cool in the mornings and evenings
* Zambia is still quite colonial and many restaurants require a collared shirt for meals.
* Underwear.
* Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
* Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
* Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturiser
* Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
* A 3-season sleeping bag – these can be hired from our river crews
* Travel Pillow.
* Small pack towel.
* Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
* Any medication you may be taking.

Optional:
* Your favourite book.
* Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film.
* Waterproof disposable for the "action" kayak shots
* Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman (not in carry-on!)
* An iPod or other music preferences.
* Many backpackers have wireless internet so bring your laptop if you have to. Otherwise if you can do with no contact with the outside world, leave it behind!
* The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, personal items, gratuities and beers in town.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Visas:-
At present a single entry visa can be purchased at Livingstone Airport, Victoria Falls Road and Rail Bridge and Kazungula Border for USD$50 for a single entry. A double entry is USD$80.

01226 740444