White Water Rafting on the Mighty Zambezi River is high up on many thrill seekers bucket list.
Rated one of the best one day rafting experiences in the World, and home to some of the largest category five rapids out there, it’s not hard to see why!
This adrenaline filled activity takes place in the infamous Batoka gorge. 300m cliffs that have been carved out from centuries of the turbulent water passing through its relatively narrow openings.
Downstream from the incredible Victoria Falls waterfall, spilling millions of gallons of water per second and forcing its way through the gorge. It’s no wonder this White Water Rafting experience draws people from across the globe who try to conquer the beats that is the Zambezi River.
What is White Water Rafting?
White Water Rafting sees individuals climb on board inflatable rafts and attempt to navigate their way through the tumultuous rapids caused by fast flowing water.
First made a commercial activity in Victoria Falls in the 1980’s it is one of the earliest adrenaline activities to make its mark in this area.
The most common form of White Water Rafting is to sign up for this adventure with a local operator who will coordinate and guide you through this experience. Exceptionally well trained guides, with an impeccable safety record and will ensure you leave this experience with memories that will last a lifetime.
With up to 8 people per raft, this is a great activity to do with family and friends. Alternatively, if you traveling alone, you can make new friends with your fellow raft mates, as you share a common goal of rafting the Zambezi.
Another way in which thrill seekers tackle these white waters, is on a solo mission in a kayak. Whilst not offered commercially, this is something that can be organized if one is an experienced kayaker. There is a large contingent of locals that regularly hoist their kayaks and enter the rapids as a means of recreation and fitness.
There have even been one or two daring individuals that have taken on these world famous waters on a surf board. Whilst the waves aren’t very high. The rapids sure do make for a challenging surf!
When is the best time to go White Water Rafting?
There are two major White Water Rafting seasons in Victoria Falls, and both are completely determined by the level of the river.
The Zambezi River goes through both a high water season and a low water season. This not only based on how much rainfall the immediate area has received, but also how much rainfall has been received further up North in the rivers catchment area.
Low Water Season
This generally spans from August through to December, with the river being at its lowest around towards the end of October or early November. Just before the season rains kick in.
During the Low Water Season all 23 rapids are open and accessible for avid adventure seekers. Whist the river is considered low, rest assured it is still a violent thundering force, with added obstacles of exposed rock faces normally underwater.
When it is Low Water rafting season, you experience starts right under the Might Victoria Falls, at a rapid called the “Boiling Pot”. A half day experience sees you finish at rapid 11 after about 2 hours on the river, where as a full day rafting experience will see you finish at rapid 23.
The benefits of White Water Rafting during the low water season are that the entire stretch of river is open, unlike in high water when sections are closed off for safety reasons. It also offers a far more scenic experience, with less turbulent waters in parts, as well as exposed rock faces adding to the beauty of the gorge.
For those seeking maximum thrill, the low water rafting season is the option for you. With the lower water level, the underlying rocks are closer to the surface, and these are what cause the rapids and white waters.
High Water Season
This generally spans from January through to July when the river is at its highest. The Zambezi River is quite unique in that it has two seasonal floods. The first usually starts around March, and is caused by localized rainfall and the swelling of inlets and tributaries in the immediate area. In average rainfall conditions this usually only last a month or so, and begins to subside.
The second burst of water comes from further up North in a place called the Barotse, which is the primary catchment area and source of the Zambezi River. These floods come down anytime from April to June depending on how much rainfall has been experienced.
During the high water months, only the half day rafting experience is offered, with adventurers starting their journey at rapid 11. Rapids 1-10 are just too dangerous this time of year and for safety reasons are not available.
The major benefit of White Water Rafting during the high water season is that you are facing the Mighty Zambezi River at its most fearsome. Water levels are up, and the sheer force of the rapids are a thing to behold. All try to navigate these waters without getting wet, but none have succeeded. All inevitably flip at some point and end up in the river.
Whilst high water rafting may not be as hectic as low water rafting, it has the added benefit of being able to make a claim to conquering the mighty Zambezi River at its most impressive
Rafting closes for some months
At the very peak of high water, the river is just too dangerous to raft. As such there is a period in which the river is closed and White Water Rafting is not available.
It is very difficult to give exact times when this happens as it is completely dependent on the levels of rain received both locally and in the catchment area. However, as a guideline, April and May are the most common months in which this adventure activity is not available.
The period of time the river is closed is also very dependent on the rainfall. Sometimes it can be just for a week, other times it can be as long as a month.
If White Water Rafting is your reason for coming to Victoria Falls, than be sure to visit outside of these months to avoid any disappointment.
Environmental Conditions to Consider when deciding the best time to White Water Raft!
This adventure filled activity is one where you are going to get wet. Best be prepared for that, its inevitable.
With this in mind, there isn’t really much of a concern when it comes to wet weather, but there are a few conditions that are worth mentioning.
Rain Storms
As mentioned above, getting wet isn’t really an issue. You will be wet anyway. However, rain is something that needs to be considered for various reasons.
Africa is renowned for its impressive, violent thunderstorms. These are great to watch from a distance, but not something you want to experience whilst down in the gorge on the Zambezi River.
Lightening and water do not go well together, and if there is the change of an impending electrical storm, the chances are that your rafting experience may be postponed.
Similarly, and particularly well into our rainy season, flash floods are an area of concern. With the gorge being over 300m deep, all the surface run off from a recent or current storm finds its way into the gorge at some point. This can cause flash flooding and not something you want to experience whilst on your raft.
Sunshine and Sunburn
On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, an element that you must take into consideration is the intensity of the Sun. When down in the gorge and on your white water rafting experience, there are not many opportunities to get away from the sun.
To make matters worse, you won’t really its intensity as you are caught up in the moment of trying to keep afloat, and constantly being splashed and soaked by the water.
It is a must that you cover yourself in sunscreen, and even wear long sleeved shirts to help combat the intensity of the sun.
Animal Activity
The Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River are home to a variety of animals. This adds a great dynamic to your rafting experience, as between rapids, and when the water is calmer you have a chance to scan the cliff faces in the hope of catching some of the local wildlife.
Crocodiles do inhabit the waters, so always important to keep your eye out. Whilst these are considered dangerous animals, they have not been known to approach the rafts, and rather steer clear. In Fact, you will be lucky if you see one.
Don’t underestimate the climb in and out of the Gorge
As mentioned above, the Zambezi River flows 300m below in the Batoka Gorge. This means that you will need to climb down the gorge to start your White Water Rafting adventure, and climb out again when you are done.
Whilst the accent and decent are steep, there are steps carved out into the side of the cliff to make it easier, and a great motivator is watching the rafting guides literally run past you carrying the rafts!
Regardless, the hike is not to be underestimated, especially for those that aren’t the fittest. Make use of the breathtaking scenery to stop and catch your breath from time to time.
Best time to White Water Raft based on General Tourism Trends
This next section will be based entirely on you as an individual and how easily you get along with other people.
White Water Rafting has a minimum number before the activity goes ahead, so inevitably, if you are traveling alone, you will be with other, like-minded people.
The Peak tourism months for Victoria Falls are June through to September. This is when the area experiences its highest amount of travelers.
The benefit of doing your White Water Rafting adventure during these months is that you can almost be guaranteed that the activity will be happening, and minimum numbers are much less of a thing during these months.
With as many as 10 rafts on the water at any one time, it’s also a much greater experience when there is a larger group going.
Quiet travel months are from December through to March. There are not many people around during these months. Whilst this does give for a much more personalised experience, there is the risk that the activity may not happen of minimum numbers are not met.
The major benefit for taking on the white water rafting during the quieter months is that there may be more scope for negotiating a discount.
Regardless of which tourism season you pick you will undoubtedly have a blast.
Final Thoughts
The best time to do the White Water Rafting in Victoria Falls will be up to you and your preference. Each season offers its own pros and cons, whether it’s related to the level of the river or centered on how busy the region is with other guests.
Our final advice to you is to fully prepare yourself for this incredible adventure.
Pack light, you don’t want to lose anything in the turbulent water. Wear protective clothing, especially for the hotter months and particularly cloths that are reasonably comfortable when wet.
Aside from the two months of there year where the river may be closed due to the dangers of the high water season, rafting is a year round opportunity that is not to be missed.