Bundu White Water Rafting - Livingstone Zambia
So you're a crazy person looking for an adventure huh? Wanna white water rafting down the Zambezi? Good! It's an amazing adventure you'll never forget..plus, you have failed if you leave Livingstone without this notch on your travellers belt!
Here's some advice and a little taste of what to expect.
The city of Livingstone is a lively eclectic mix of tourist destinations and local living. It is the hub in Zambia for tourism, especially adventure tourism. It's all made possible by the beautiful Zambezi river. From it's calm shores in the city where you can see elephants roaming and fisherman fishing, to it's thunder and roar when it reaches an epic crack in the earth and plunges hundreds of feet into a beautiful abyss. It's just downstream from this abyss that one of the greatest rafting adventures on earth begins. A classy, high volume, deep watered rapid wonderland. I say classy because it has one of the most varied 'classes' of rapids on earth. From class 1 (super easy fun times pools) to class 5, (slow motion, hold yer breath, oh ma gawd!) type rapids. If you are a human..you have a gamut of emotions and you're most likely to feel them all on you're rafting trip down the Zambezi. Excitement when you approach a rapid, fear when you're in it, happiness when you survive and sadness when it's all over!
The rafting Season:
The rafting season here is from June-February, with the best season being from August - January. Best because you can experience the whole river and not just a part if the water levels are too high. Nevertheless, you should go even if it's not the ideal time.
Who to book with:
There are two main operators in the area. They are called - Bundu Adventures & SafPar.
Both operators have similar rates, boats and safety records etc. I chose to book with Bundu Adventures and so happy that I did. Here's why:
*I contacted a few companies to get rates & options for the trip. Bundu was the only one that got back to me with a personal message. (I even called them last minute to add a friend on the trip with no problems.)
*Their staff picked us up from our hostel on time and were super friendly. I had great conversation with them throughout the whole day.
*Our guide, Potato, was so amazing. Apart from gracefully guiding us down the epic gamut of rapids, he also gives you a guided history lesson on the Zambezi, some specific landmarks and sites along the river. Talk about value! Haha. He also had a gift of bringing strangers together as one close, chanting rafting' team. A true cap'n Ahab! Halfway through the river, we were by far, the loudest and happiest boat. Thanks Cap'n..
*Safe! Being a solo traveler, I make it a point to meet lots of new people and get the low down on things to do, people to see.. While comparing rafting experiences, I can say that my rafting experience seemed to be the best and safest (or maybe my boat just kicked a lot of derrier?). Anyway, totally safe from my point of view.
So yes, do your research, but start with these folks. I highly recommend:
BUNDU ADVENTURES
Tips:
This is a physical activity, both in the boat and ..well not in the boat. You don’t have to be in peak physical condition, but you should be able to hold your own and paddle for several hours.
If you cannot swim, do not do this!
Do the full day trip. They offer half day trips, but it’s really worth just doing the whole day. You’ll live to regret only being half awesome.
What to bring.. courage, comradery and a sense of humour…and sunscreen. I went barefoot and just wore ma trunks. There is a hike down to the starting point, so wear hiking shoes (They have a 'dry bag' that you can out your shoes in). If you’re get cold easily (ladies) or you're a bit of a wuss, they have wetsuits! I say if you’re cold, you’re not working hard enough! HAHA.
GOPROs! Hey, if you have a gopro, put the darn thing on your helmet! I saw a few people with the chesty attachments. That's no good cause you can't see anything!
Any other questions? Contact me and I'll let ya know what I know:)
Matt - EndsOfTheEarth.ca