Canoe Safaris

Canoe safaris are either participatory, where all gear and provisions are carried in the canoes and overnight stops are made at specific camp spots on islands or on the mainland. All meals are prepared by the guide and canoeists assist with camp chores (erecting tents, fetching water, cleaning up etc.); or non-participatory where a full back up crew supports the safari. Generally Canadian style fibreglass or plastic canoes are used – these are large and very stable. Canoe safaris vary from 3 – 6 days and provide a wonderful opportunity to get close to nature. Big game, a myriad of bird species, crocodiles and hippos are all commonly seen. Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa offer the best canoeing opportunities - with the most spectacular being the lower Zambezi River.

An alternative to a full canoe safari is a stay at one of the small private camps offering canoeing as a day activity. There is an excellent choice of such camps along the Zambezi River.

Botswana offers ‘Mokoro-ing’ in the Okavango Delta, a variation on the canoe safari. Clients are ‘poled’ by a poler/guide in low, wooden, dug-out canoes – the gondoliers of Africa. Morning, evening or overnight trips can be made by mokoro depending on the base camp.