Water Sports in Zimbabwe
Quick Overview
Extreme Adrenaline
For Thrill-Seekers:
- White water rafting (Grade 5)
- River boarding
- Gorge swimming
- Devil’s Pool (seasonal)
- High-volume rapids
Wildlife & Adventure
For Nature Lovers:
- Canoeing safaris (multi-day)
- Kayaking expeditions
- Sunset cruises
- Boat-based game viewing
- Fishing safaris
Relaxation
For Leisure:
- Houseboat cruises
- Lake swimming (safe areas)
- Sunset cruises
- Fishing (recreational)
- Stand-up paddleboarding
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi
The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls offers some of the world’s most spectacular white water rafting, with Grade 5 rapids through dramatic gorges.- Overview
- Rapid Details
- Practical Information
- Safety Information
Why Zambezi Rafting is World-Class
The Setting:- Carved through ancient basalt gorge
- Sheer walls rising 100+ meters
- 23+ named rapids over 25km
- “Commercially raftable Grade 5” - among biggest runnable rapids globally
- Stunning scenery throughout
- Grade 5: Multiple rapids including “The Terminator,” “Oblivion,” “Commercial Suicide”
- Grade 4: Several challenging rapids
- Calm Sections: Opportunities to swim, recover, enjoy scenery
- High Water (December-March): Some rapids underwater, “Long Pool” through gorge
- Medium Water (April-May, August): Best rafting conditions, all rapids accessible
- Low Water (September-November): More technical rafting, exposed rocks, smaller rapids
- 6-8 hours on river (full day)
- 3-4 hours (half day)
- Includes hike in/out of gorge (steep, 200+ meters)
- Lunch on riverbank (full day)
- Professional guides and safety kayakers
- All equipment provided
- Consistently rated top 10 rafting rivers worldwide
- Featured in extreme sports documentaries
- Bucket-list adventure destination
Canoeing Safaris
Paddle Past Elephants and Hippos
Fishing
- Tiger Fishing - Lake Kariba
- Zambezi River Fishing
- Trout Fishing - Eastern Highlands
Fight Africa’s Hardest-Fighting Freshwater Fish
The Tiger Fish:- Hydrocynus vittatus
- Fierce predator with razor-sharp teeth
- Fights spectacularly (jumps, runs, tail-walks)
- Size: typically 2-5kg, up to 15kg+ rare
- Nicknamed “African piranha” (similar teeth)
- Catch-and-release practiced
- World-renowned tiger fishing destination
- 5,400 km² of water
- Drowned forest provides ideal habitat
- Consistent fishing year-round (best August-November)
- August-November: Prime time (post-spawn, fish aggressive)
- September-October: Peak season
- December-April: Slower (breeding season)
- May-July: Moderate fishing
- Spinning: Most popular (lures, spoons)
- Fly Fishing: Challenging, rewarding
- Trolling: From boats, multiple rods
- Early start (5:30-6:00 AM)
- Fish morning (6:00-11:00 AM)
- Break during heat of day
- Evening session (3:30-6:00 PM)
- Can fish at night (night fishing permits)
- Fishing Permit: $30-50 per person per day (required)
- Guided Fishing Day: $150-300 (includes boat, guide, tackle)
- Fishing Charter (multi-day): $800-1,500+ (all-inclusive)
- Houseboat with Fishing: $200-500 per person per day
- Operators provide tackle
- Can bring own if preferred
- Recommended: Medium-heavy spinning rod, 8-12kg line
- Lures: spoons, plugs, rapalas
- Through Lake Kariba lodges
- Specialist fishing operators (Kariba Tackle, others)
- Houseboats with fishing guides
- Book 1-3 months ahead for peak season
- Nkupe (Tilapia species)
- Vundu (large catfish, 20kg+)
- Cornish Jack
- Various bream species
Other Water Activities
Planning Your Water Adventure
1
Choose Your Water Activities
- Adrenaline level (rafting vs. sunset cruise)
- Multi-day vs. day activities
- Skill requirements vs. your abilities
- Budget considerations
- Season availability
2
Check Seasonal Conditions
- Rafting best: April-May, August-October
- Canoeing: April-October (Mana Pools)
- Fishing: August-November (tigers)
- Devil’s Pool: August-January (water dependent)
- Verify current conditions before booking
3
Book Key Activities
- Multi-day canoe safaris: 2-6 months ahead
- Houseboats: 2-6 months (peak season)
- Rafting: 1-3 days ahead (peak season)
- Other activities: Often day-before or same-day
4
Prepare Physically
- Train for multi-day paddling (shoulder/core strength)
- Practice swimming (confidence in water)
- Build heat tolerance if visiting hot months
- Consult doctor for any health concerns
5
Pack Appropriately
- Sun protection (crucial on water)
- Quick-dry clothing
- Water shoes/secure footwear
- Waterproof bags for valuables
- Activity-specific gear
6
Stay Safe
- Follow guide instructions
- Respect wildlife (especially hippos, crocs)
- Know your swimming abilities
- Stay hydrated
- Never swim in undesignated areas
What to Pack for Water Activities
Essential Items
- Sun Protection: High SPF waterproof sunscreen, hat with strap, sunglasses with strap
- Footwear: Water shoes or old sneakers (NO flip-flops for rafting/canoeing)
- Clothing: Swimwear, quick-dry shorts/shirt, long sleeves for sun protection
- Towel: Quick-dry travel towel
- Waterproof Bag: Dry bag for phone, camera, valuables
- Change of Clothes: For after water activities
Optional but Recommended
- Waterproof Camera: GoPro-style action camera
- Insect Repellent: For riverside camps
- Lip Balm: SPF lip protection
- Personal First Aid: Blister treatment, personal medications
- Flashlight/Headlamp: For camping trips
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated
Related Guides
All Activities: See our comprehensive Activities and Experiences guide Hiking: See our Hiking and Trekking guide Wildlife Safaris: See our Safari Planning guide Destinations:- Victoria Falls - Rafting, cruises, water activities
- Mana Pools - Premier canoeing destination
- Lake Kariba - Houseboats and fishing
- Matusadona - Boat-based safaris
Ready to experience world-class water adventures? Zimbabwe’s rivers and lakes offer unforgettable experiences from extreme rafting to serene wildlife canoeing! Last updated: January 2025