Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
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
- Entrance fee - National Park$10.00 per person
- Video and photos$80.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.7:30 am
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.
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.
1
Shockwave Adventures
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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Cecilia_H
As other reviewers have said, the trail down to the river and later back up is quite difficult and requires shoes with good tread and some energy. However, I am 72 and did it and the rafting trip was SOO worth it. The entire crew but most especially our guide OG were amazing.
Reviews
4.9
based on 261 reviews
Mike_D, Oct 2025
An adrenaline fueled paddle through some spectacular scenery, physically pretty tough! Great guides and support from other rafts and canoeists working together.
There is 300m walk down to the river and back up at the end, but you can wear proper shoes for this which are carried in a dry bag on the raft and take your time.
It is worth going for the photo package as opportunities for your own shots are pretty much non existent.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking your time to review us. We are glad you had a good time on the river. We hope to see you again in the near future.
Cecilia_H, Aug 2025
As other reviewers have said, the trail down to the river and later back up is quite difficult and requires shoes with good tread and some energy. However, I am 72 and did it and the rafting trip was SOO worth it. The entire crew but most especially our guide OG were amazing.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other
travelers. We are pleased to hear how helpful and knowledgeable the guides and the whole crew were. We hope
to see you again in the near future.
Terri_G, Jul 2025
A top-notch rafting experience but the decent and accent from the gorge are quite a challenge. We are in our mid-sixties and in good shape but the hikes down and out of the gorge were tough - boulder and ladder climbing included. Just a warning. And good shoes are important. That aside, the guides and all of the crew were the best, the rafting was super fun and the scenery was gorgeous! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other
travelers. We are glad to hear how helpful and knowledgeable the guides and the whole crew were. We hope
to see you again in the near future.
Martin_M, Jul 2025
amazing, but also challenging. bring suitable foodwear that cannot fall off. Friendly staff. Good lunch efter rafting
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other
travelers. We hope to see you again in the near future.
julesdacanay, Apr 2025
Excellent rafting experience. Fairly difficult hike down to water. Wear the right shoes. Crew was friendly and accommodating. They charge 80$ usd for the video and photo coverage which is really overpriced. Brutal, difficult hike up from the valley up to normal ground so be prepared. Lunch was satisfactory. Felt safe the entire time and will recommend except for the over priced pics.
Jared_G, Dec 2024
Good operator. Seamless and on time pickup. Combined with shearwater due to not enough people in group. Good guide and great experience. Communicated good allergy perfectly. The hike up is fun :)
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us. All the best!
MariaTeresa_D, Oct 2024
It is truly one of the most thrilling and exciting white water rafting adventure we ever had (around the world). Thanks to the well experienced staff of Shockwaves especially our Captain Lawrence, Safety officer Silent (Yes, Silent is his first name😉) and the rest of the staff who made sure to keep us all safe and secured while going through the crazy water waves of Zambia river.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌊 We’re overjoyed to hear that your white water rafting adventure with us was one of the most thrilling experiences you've ever had—what a heartfelt compliment!
A huge shoutout to our amazing Captain Terrence and our safety officer, Silent! Their expertise and dedication made sure you were safe and secure while conquering the exhilarating waves of the Zambezi River. 🙌💙
We truly appreciate you choosing Shockwave, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for even more unforgettable moments and adventures together! 🚣♂️✨ Until then, take care, and keep the spirit of adventure alive! 💖
Scott_M, Sep 2024
From the moment I was picked up until I was dropped off in the afternoon I loved every second. The staff, OG, Clement, Phulani, Phumba (there were a few other guys assisting too) were absolutely incredible. They educated us about the rapids, briefed us on safety and had as laughing the entire day. These guys are amazing and made the day out one I will never forget. I will without a doubt be booking another Rafting experience when I'm next in the country. Thank you to the team, you guys made this experience one that I will remember forever. If I could give 10 STARS I would!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hie Scott, thank you a million times for your most encouraging review. It is people like yourself who motivate and fuel our drive to create unforgettable experiences, memories and connections on the Mighty Zambezi River.
We are happy you had an awesome time with one of our best Rafting Guides OG, Safety Kayaker JB Pumba and trainee Guide Clement. Shockwave Adventures prides itself in providing excellent services in all our endeavours. We hope to see you again in Victoria Falls, hopefully next time around you will go for a multi-day Rafting trip (2-5days) and explore the hidden gems along the mighty Zambezi River and through the towering Gorges between Zambia & Zimbabwe.
Sending greetings from your second home- Victoria Falls, Hope to see you again soon.
With love and lots of smiles - Shockwave Adventures Team.
Dave_K, Sep 2024
My daughter (22) and I joined our guide Steve and the rest of our crew for the whole day ride down the Zambezi and it exceeded our imagination and expectations! The attention to our safety was top notch by both Steve and all the support crew in single kayaks along the entire trip. The river is quite calm in places and the rapids definitely live up to their being world class. The Stairway to Heaven (#5) was the biggest challenge on our way - our boat flipped which while adding additional adrenaline, Steve/Mandrich (sorry if spell name wrong) did expert job to get us all back into boat safely and unharmed. This did not tarnish day much, rather gave us better appreciation for Zambezi River.
The climb out of the canyon is steep prolonged stair master like challenge. It is not to be underestimated. While I was slower than other people, Steve and others were understanding, patient and supportive of me and we enjoyed the views on the climb and got to know each other more.
My daughter and I both think experience on the mighty Zambezi and its beautiful canyons was incredible and unforgettable. Highly recommend
Joanna_W, Aug 2024
Pumba, JB, and team were great. Very knowledgeable about navigating the rapids and responsible about safety and fun. The rafting is really fun and drifting through the river is beautiful. The rock formations and scenery is just amazing. The team was also flexible and offered to drop us off at the falls, which we wanted to visit after rafting rather than our hotel. 11/10 would recommend. Great experience!! Group (two 60 year olds and two mid-20s) agreed this was a major highlight of our trip. Arguably more memorable than seeing the falls themselves.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Wow! Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! It truly warms our hearts to hear that you and your group had such a fantastic time with us at Shockwave Adventures.
Pumba, JB, and the team are passionate about what they do, and they’ll be overjoyed to know that their knowledge and care made your rafting experience so enjoyable. We believe that the beauty of the river and its surroundings is something special, and we’re thrilled you felt that magic too.
We’re especially happy that our team could accommodate your plans to visit the falls afterward. It’s those little touches that make the experience even more memorable.
Knowing that this adventure was a highlight of your trip means the world to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back to your second home-Victoria Falls, for more unforgettable moments!
With warmest wishes,
Shockwave Adventures Team.
Alessandro_B, Aug 2024
Great team work with a great captain for an absolutely must do when in Victoria Falls. Pure adrenaline!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us . We are glad you had a good time with us .
Looking forward to hosting you again in the near future!
All the best!
Heather_R, Jun 2024
What an amazing, once in a lifetime experience! The Shockwave team was incredible and made our rafting experience so memorable. Amazing guides and we felt safe and cared for the entire time. Communication from the time we booked until we were dropped off at the end was impeccable.
Thank you so much for making our family feel like your own!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us and sharing your experience with other
travelers. We are looking forward to hosting you again in the near future.
Maris_G, Jun 2024
Experience was wonderful! Just maybe organized should be bit better. Before experience, I have been taken to agency office at least 1 hour earlier before others arrived. Don't know why.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for the taking your time to review us, we apologize for the incident that occurred on the day. The other guests delayed and that was the reason you had to spend that much time at our offices.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused.
All the best!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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
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 .
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
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!
From $170.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls
261
6 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$170.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Helicopter Tours
- Safaris
- Bus Tours
- Outdoor Activities
- Private and Luxury
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Victoria Falls
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Livingstone
- Helicopter Tours - Livingstone
- Safaris - Livingstone
- Bus Tours - Livingstone
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Kasane
- Safaris - Kasane
- Bus Tours - Kasane
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Maun
- Safaris - Maun
- Bus Tours - Maun