Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting

South Africa has a fantastic variety of rivers to choose from. The paddling trips are divided in to white water tips, which is mostly scenic and flat water. White water trips are those in which rapids form the major attraction.

Namibia is short on perennial rivers, but what the country lacks in quantity is made up for in quality when it comes to the Orange and Kunene Rivers. Just getting to these rivers, located at opposite ends of the country, ranks as an adventure to remember. Once on the water, canoes, boats, rafts and paddlers must negotiate rapids, hippos and crocodiles before reaching overnight destinations where there is no other human being in sight.

In Mozambique you can go sea kayaking, paddling next to ancient dhows and dugout canoes as you explore Mozambique Island, Lake Niassa or the Bazaruto or Quirimbas Archipelagos in a one or two person kayak. Canoeing, sailing, surfing, waterskiing, windsurfing and yachting take place along the coast, on Lake Niassa, and on several other lake in the interior. Ponta do Ouro and beaches close to the town of Inhambane are especially good for surfing.

White Water Rafting

Considered one of the best stretches of commercially run river in the world, Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its twenty three whitewater rapids and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller coaster ride along a route carved over millenia by the Great Zambezi. The rapids are run in large rubber rafts, launched from just below the Falls. You can do a half day trip, full day or two day. When the river is high, March - July, only the last 13 rapids can be done. As the water subsides, from June to February, all 23 are navigable.

If you are keen for the ultimate thrill then a multi-day trip along the Zambezi is it! After a full day of rafting, you'll set up camp in the Batoka Gorge and listen as the wildlife, gaze into the campfire and a down a few cold drinks before you settle in for the night. Rise to a big breakfast, and the crazy adventure starts again! Perfect for a group (4+ persons) travelling together. Overnight camps are on sandy beaches on the river's edge deep in the gorge.

Should you wish to experience the wettest and wildest ride of your life, book a berth on a raft to the magnificent Umkomaas River(in Kwa Zulu Natal), second only to the mighty Zambezi River in Southern Africa (Zambia and Zimbabwe).