12 Jun 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
Single from £2,117
Escorted tour
Zambezi Canoe Safari: Lower Zambezi & Mana Pools – 8 Days
Three days canoeing the Zambezi with island wild camps, plus Mana Pools views, a night drive and a walking safari.
8 days
From £1,788
Tour overview
This 8-day canoe safari is one of the most exciting ways to experience African wildlife, paddling quietly along the mighty Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with nights spent camping on remote islands under the stars. Groups have between 4 and 12 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader throughout, and no previous canoeing experience is needed. You stay seven nights: three wild camping on river islands in two-person dome tents, two at a fly camp in the Chiawa Game Management Area and two at riverside camps with showers and toilets. All breakfasts are included, with six lunches and seven dinners prepared by the crew.
From Lusaka you transfer to the banks of the Zambezi, stopping on the way to stock up on snacks, as there are no shops on the river, before a welcome dinner at camp. For the next three days you paddle downstream in open canoes, starting early to avoid the heat of the day and the afternoon headwind. You pass pods of hippos in the deeper water, elephants feeding on the banks and crocodiles basking in the sun, while African fish eagles call overhead. Meals are taken on islands and riverbanks, and nights are spent at wild camps beneath a sky full of stars.
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On the fifth day you paddle to a fly camp in the Chiawa Game Management Area, overlooking the Mana Pools across the river in Zimbabwe, where animals come down to drink. After dark you head out on a 4×4 night drive in search of nocturnal animals such as genets, civets, hyenas, porcupines and, with luck, the elusive leopard.
The next day, by canoe or motorboat depending on conditions, you reach Lower Zambezi National Park for a ranger-led walk, learning to read tracks and discovering the park's plants and wildlife. Your final night is at a riverside camp with a pool and a bar, with the option to upgrade to a chalet, and a farewell dinner, before the transfer back to Lusaka.
The physical rating is medium, with daily paddling and simple wild camps with no facilities. This trip suits adventurous travellers who want an intimate, close-to-nature safari.
Trip highlights
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Three days canoeing the Zambezi (Days 2–4)
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Wild camping on river islands (Days 2–4)
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Hippos, elephants and crocodiles from the water
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A fly camp facing Mana Pools (Day 5)
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A night game drive (Day 5)
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A ranger-led walk in Lower Zambezi National Park (Day 6)
Your route
5 stops from Lusaka to Zambezi Breezes
- Lusaka Days 1 & 8
- Zambezi River (wild camps) Days 1–4
- Chiawa (fly camp) Days 5–6
- Lower Zambezi NP Day 6
- Zambezi Breezes Day 7
Why choose this tour
A safari by canoe, with nights on remote river islands. No canoeing experience needed and most meals included.
Best suited to
- Adventurous travellers
- Wildlife lovers
- Travellers who enjoy camping
- Solo travellers looking for a small group
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Lusaka, Zambia to Lusaka, Zambia
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Day 1 · Lusaka, Zambezi River To the Zambezi
A transfer and welcome dinner.
- Hotel
- Campsite
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Zambezi River Canoeing
Paddle past hippos and elephants.
- Hotel
- Wild camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · Zambezi River Canoeing
Another day on the river.
- Hotel
- Wild camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 · Zambezi River Canoeing
A final island camp.
- Hotel
- Wild camping
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · Chiawa Game Management Area, Mana Pools Chiawa
A fly camp and a night drive.
- Hotel
- Fly camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 · Lower Zambezi National Park Lower Zambezi
A ranger-led walk.
- Hotel
- Fly camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 · Zambezi River Zambezi Breezes
A riverside camp and farewell dinner.
- Hotel
- Riverside camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 · Lusaka Airport Lusaka
The transfer back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Zambezi riverbank (1 night) Campsite
- Zambezi islands (3 nights) Wild camping
- Chiawa Game Management Area (2 nights) Fly camp
- Zambezi Breezes (1 night) Riverside camp
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 3 nights wild camping and 4 at riverside and fly camps
- Meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Open canoes and all transport
- Group transfers from Lusaka airport
- Night game drive in Chiawa
- Ranger-led walk in Lower Zambezi National Park
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Chalet upgrade
- Drinks from the bar
- Visa, tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You dislike camping without facilities
- You are nervous around water
- You want luxury lodges
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–8 · Lunch: Days 2–7 · Dinner: Days 1–7
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Zambia
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,788 per person, twin share, tour only. 13 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £2,008 (single supplement from £220).
Offer Reduced prices on selected dates, shown with the regular price crossed out. Book by 16 Oct.
28 Aug 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
11 Sept 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
Single from £2,117
02 Oct 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
Single from £2,117
16 Oct 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
Single from £2,117
06 Nov 2027
Twin share
Book by 16 Oct
Single from £2,008
27 May 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
10 Jun 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
15 Jul 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
20 Aug 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
10 Sept 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
08 Oct 2028
Twin share
£2,495pp
Single from £2,785
04 Nov 2028
Twin share
£2,391pp
Single from £2,681
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need canoeing experience?
No, the pace is moderate and no previous experience is needed.
What is wild camping like?
Two-person dome tents on river islands, with no facilities. Other camps have showers and toilets.
Is it safe with hippos and crocodiles?
Your leader and guides know the river well and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Do I need a visa?
UK visitors need a visa for Zambia, available online or on arrival. Check the latest advice before travel.
When should my flight arrive?
Don't book a flight arriving in Lusaka after 1.30pm on Day 1.
How many people travel together?
Between 4 and 12 travellers, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary