Shearwater Rafting Experience

Take on the biggest grade 5 rapids in the world and join the pioneers of white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi river on a Shearwater Rafting Experience. No other white water compares to the Zambezi. This is one of the world’s top rafting mecca's.

As pioneers of rafting in Victoria Falls, The Shearwater white water history dates back to 1985. The guides are the best in the business because they’ve been on this river during all seasons and know the rapids better than anyone. No one can match their unrivalled experience, knowledge, and focus on safety.

Choose either the one-day Shearwater trip for a taste of white water rafting or the overnights, two-night, and four-night trips that take you to sections of the Zambezi seldom visited. The multi-day trips generally run between August and December, but this depends on the amount of rain that has fallen upstream.

On the longer trips, after a hard rafting day, relax with a cold beer on a white sandy beach. Engage in the peace and tranquillity of the gorge. You'll stay in tents, enjoy a wide variety of local food, and experience the stars of Africa's clear night sky.

The Activity

More Information

The One Day Shearwater Rafting Experience

The one-day trip starts with a safety briefing at 7:30am and the activity will end around 3pm. The multi-day trips are each unique with different timings.
If you are visiting during a time when there is low water, between August and December, you get a close up view of Victoria Falls from the Boiling Pot. After which, you will venture through rapids 1-19 which present some intense grades 5 rapids.
For those visiting from January to July, depending on rainfall, the experience will start at rapid 11 which is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) downstream from the mighty falls and it will end at rapid 24.Lunch will be served at the end of the tour, and bottled water and cold drinks are available throughout the day.
The Shearwater team will take photos and videos during the rafting experience which can be purchased after the event.

Important Information

All rafters must be 15 years of age or older, and should have a reasonable level of fitness. The walk in and out of the gorge is equivalent to climbing a 70-story building, with stops along the way for rest and drink breaks if needed. Please declare any health issues upfront.

Bring your swimming costume, t-shirt, sunscreen, any medication needed as well as national parks fees. It is advisable to bring an extra set of dry clothes which can be left with the team. Your dry clothes will be waiting for you at the end point.
Don’t bring anything too valuable with you, and leave behind any belongings that are not waterproof.

The Shearwater guides are trained in advanced first aid and Swift Water Rescue experts will be there every step of the way.
Shearwater maintain updated training records to ensure industry best practices are followed. Shearwater also has public liability insurance of $2 million USD that is underwritten by Lloyds of London and in effect for all activities.

For more adrenaline filled fun, check out our activities page.