Kayaking

Kayak School

The Zambezi River has quite the reputation for river runners, however the "drop, pool" nature of the river allows plenty of flat areas to train you up on what can only be described as the the world's premier whitewater river. We have a range of courses to choose from, including a "Half Day Taster" to a "Four Day Intensive" course. Our instructors share a passion for the sport, and many of our past clients have gone on to paddle many rivers around the world, including The Futaleufu, Morocco and The Nile in Uganda. If you are after an adventure whilst you are on holidays, to carry on with at home, this is your perfect activity in Livingstone.

Kayaking

Half Day - Four Days

2-8 paddlers

GBP £50- GBP£250

Other Adventure Activities Available

Half Day Taster (Afternoon)

Learning to eskimo roll is not a pre-requisite of any of our courses. We will drive you down to Rapid 6 where there is a perfect area to practise paddling in flat water and gentle moving water and for the more adept paddlers, your chance to paddle your first Zambezi Rapid in a kayak, "The Devils Toilet Bowl". But dont worry, it is not as scary as it sounds! With a couple of paddle strokes, you will be through the two waves and have a smile on your face that wont go away for days!

Full Day Taster

We will spend the morning in the swimming pool, teaching you all the basic strokes and giving you your first attempt to roll a kayak. This can be really easy when you are taught ther right way by our insructors. After lunch, we will head down to rapid 6 for some practise in moving water and several runs through, "The Devils Toilet Bowl", rapid 6. This rapid is absolute fun and will be sure to leave you with the inspiration to continue with this infectious sport.

What You Need To Bring With You

Most people have all that is required with them for your kayak school. The following is a brief list of what we recommend.

Water bottle
Swimsuit and or shorts
Thermal Top for cooler days in August and November - January
Sunscreen
Sturdy Shoes or sandals (we recommend Chaco or Keens)

Many of these items may be purchased from www.zambezirafting.com/riverwear

Pick Up Point & Time

Our full day taster, you will be collected at 8.30 from your hotel and return at 5pm. This will include lunch at midday and a cold drink at the completion of your day.
The half day taster you will be collected at 12.30 from your hotel and be back in town at 5pm.

The Small Print

Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: None... go for it!
Kayaking Ability Required: None
Swimming Ability: Preferred although not essential.
Kayaking Equipment: Provided
All guides are fully certified and trained in river running, first aid and swiftwater recue.
A satelite Phone, comprehensive first aid kit and stretcher are carried on all trips
We strongly recommend Travel Insurance from your home country in the unlikely even you are injured and need to return home.
All clients will be required to sign and indemnity form before they can go on the river.
Please notify us of any dietary requirements whilst booking. Failure to do so may result in your option not being available.

We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:

A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
Wide brimmed sunhat.
Sunglasses.
Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
Nalgene or similar water bottle.
Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp

Lightweight long trousers.
Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
Fleece jacket.
Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
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 moisturizer.
Hand wipes
A 3-season sleeping bag.
Travel Pillow.
Small pack towel.
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
Insect Repellent.
Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items

Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
Sketchpad.
Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending

The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.