Mopane Canoe Safari

Our semi participatory Explorer Canoe Safari options begin and end in Kariba (unless by other arrangement) and we recommend guests spend the night prior to their safari departure in Kariba town. We can assist with booking accommodation. Safaris depart from our offices in Kariba, guests can self drive or be picked up if necessary from their various hotels between 7:30am and 8:00am and taken to Natureways office. At the office guests can organise for their excess luggage and personal items to be locked away and kept until their return. We do not recommend guests to take passports or valuables on the river. A short briefing will be given so that guests understand what the trip entails and any questions can be answered. Afterwards guests will be taken to the shops to purchase any additional groceries or personal items that they require, as well as to purchase any drinks they want. The guests will then be driven to the starting point of their safari. Once the Safari is completed guests and their equipment will be picked up and transferred back to Kariba. Please note all transfers are done in open 4×4 safari vehicles.

DAILY ROUTINE

Generally the day starts with tea/coffee and biscuits at sunrise. The camp is packed and the party sets off. These early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast usually after a couple of hours. The canoeing continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta to avoid the mid day heat. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm and the camp is unpacked and setup. Campsites are generally set up on islands and all sites are designated by National Parks.

ABLUTIONS

There are no ablution facilities on these Explorer Safaris. Guests are provided with a spade, toilet paper and matches to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is done from a bucket using water scooped out of the Zambezi River.

BACK UP STATUS

Explorer Safaris are self-contained. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. The Safaris are semi-participatory requiring clients to help up setup their tents, and assist the guide with the cooking and washing up.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED

All camping equipment is supplied. This includes gas stoves, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic plates, mugs, tables, stools, camping mattresses, sleeping bags, liners, candles and cooler boxes and dome tents. Guest can bring their own sleeping bags if preferred. Fishing equipment is not supplied but clients can bring their own. The canoes used are Canadian style approximately 5.5m (8ft) in length and single blade paddles.

FOOD

All food is supplied and meals are of a good standard. The meat and poultry dishes are precooked, frozen and stored in a cooler box during the Safari. Some fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) is supplied on the Safari. Long haul Safaris such as the Zambezi Classic Long are re-supplied either in Chirundu or Mana Pools.

• Breakfast usually consists of fruit, eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans or tomato relish, toast and jams.
• Lunch consists of cold meats, salads, cheese and bread.
• Dinner consists of a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. Such as chicken curry, beef stroganoff, fish & chips, etc.

DRINKS

Tea, coffee, cordials and imported wine, with dinner, are provided on Explorer Safaris. Processed water is provided on all our Safaris, however we also provide 2 litres of bottled mineral water per person per day. Guests are therefore advised to bring their own minerals (soft drinks), beer and spirits. Clients will be able to purchase these before the trip when taken to the shops prior to departure. Minerals and beers must be bought in cans to reduce the weight and space, a cooler box is set aside for keeping drinks cold. There are no opportunities to replenish stocks on the river.