Dec 1, 2019 | High Water, Low Water, white water rafting, wild horizons activities, wildhorizons, zambezi rafting, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Internet Age has come with an overload of information that can lead to confusion and misrepresentation.
We are here to dispel that by making things measurable. Not only has the Victoria Falls never dried up but last year it was the highest it has been since 2010. Every year we chart the water levels in a graph using data provided by the Zambezi River Authority, who assess water levels through a hydrometric network comprising of thirteen stations.
As you can see, seasonally there are drop offs in the dry season and rises in the wet season, this is nothing new or concerning, it is a natural fluctuation. More so, apart from this year, the river level has been above the normal average for the past five years. Please be mindful of exaggerated stories and footage that has been censored and sensationalised. We are here on the ground and we are available to answer any questions or concerns.
We have wet seasons and we have dry seasons, but the Victoria Falls is magnificent in all her forms.
The river is currently on the rise and alarmist reporting only distorts a very normal phenomenon.
Nov 21, 2016 | Author : Libby White, Low Water, Victoria Falls, Wild Horizons Activites, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
So once again the brutal heat of November is upon us! As happens every year; we gasp in shock as the heat presses relentlessly down on us day after day from a painfully blue, cloudless sky. To those of us sweltering here, in Victoria Falls, it will probably not come as any surprise to hear that the Zambezi River water levels are at their lowest levels in 7 years. The river was last recorded at this level at this time of the year in 1997 and in 2000. As we gaze fruitlessly into the cloudless sky, it gives us time to ponder how this actually affects us here on the ground in Victoria Falls.
Sticking with tradition let’s start with the bad news first… it means the middle of the day is probably not a good time to be out and about sightseeing, or doing anything particularly strenuous. It means blowing a fair amount of one’s budget on sunscreen, a very large hat and as many bottles of the coldest water that you can buy. It also means a longer walk out of the gorge at the end of your raft trip!
However, let’s look at the good news that comes with these lower than usual water levels. With the river being 5 centimetres lower than the average over the past 7 years on the same day, it means that the rapids on the white water rafting trip are slightly bigger and the adrenaline rush just that much more intense! It also means that the sandbanks on the edge of the Zambezi are more prominent and therefore more likely to be host to crocodiles basking (or is that baking) in the sunshine. Over the past week, the river has been dropping an average of ½ a centimeter a day which is also an indicator that there is less surface water lying around in the bush adjacent to the river. This forces wildlife, often in large herds, to come down to the river to drink therefore affording guests on cruise boats and on game drives excellent game viewing opportunities. Large herds of animals moving through the dry bush on their way to the river and ‘dust devils’ stirred up by the hot wind cause an extra layer of dust in the atmosphere, thereby creating the most spectacular sunsets! Once the intense heat of the day has abated it is a perfect opportunity to slake your thirst with an ice cold drink and watch the African bush settle down for the night.
So while we wait in eager anticipation for the annual rains to reach us and change these almost unprecedented low water levels, let’s make the most of the opportunities afforded to us now and get out there while it lasts! Written by Libby White
Jun 13, 2016 | Guides, Low Water, rafting, Victoria Falls, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, wild horizons activities, Wild Horizons Staff, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
The Guides
While our team of world-class guides will safely guide you through the rapids on our self supported expedition and explain the geology and fascinating history of this area.
Each day, you’ll take away a wealth of information about this special place. Perhaps even more impressive than their knowledge of the Zambezi is their genuine, heartfelt connection to the river. With Wild Horizons’ guides having an average of over 19 years experience you are truly in good hands.
Meals just taste better when they’re made outdoors. When rafting down the river, your guides will prepare delicious hearty meals seemingly out of thin air. Plus, with advance notice, they are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions and requests. There’s nothing better than rising as the sun illuminates the towering walls above, to the smell of bacon and eggs on the fire.
The Beaches
Two words ‘beach campsite’! There is something wonderful about ending the day and setting up camp on a private, white sandy beach overlooking the beautiful river.
You probably don’t think about beaches in Zimbabwe, but they’re here. Sink your toes in the sand, crack open a cold beverage, and go over the day’s adventures in your mind as the canyon walls turn gold with the setting sun.
No Technology
Within minutes of being on the river you are a world away from the buzz of Victoria Falls and modern life. Having no cell phones, internet or distractions allows you to connect with the environment and people around you.
You’ll find yourself completely connected to the moment you are in and the new smells, sounds and sights that surround you. If you want to escape on a “real holiday” where there are no phones, computers or stress, this is the perfect vacation for you.
The Wildlife and Scenery
Sheer rock walls arise hundreds of meters above the river. On longer journeys basalt rocks give way to grassy banks and the grunts of vocal hippopotamus carry across the water. Rapids are interceded by calm stretches of crystal clear water where you can take a relaxing swim and watch the spectacular gorges, thick with vegetation. The Songwe gorges, home to the threatened Taita falcons, are incredibly beautiful and seen by few tourists.
The Camraderie
There’s something about a shared experience outdoors that lends itself to friendships. Perhaps it’s the quiet nights spent chatting around the campfire whilst stars twinkle overhead, or the excitement and teamwork that comes with navigating a class 5 rapid together but few people leave without exchanging details. And if you travel with friends or family you’ll find those connections strengthened by the time spent together and unique memories made.
In 2016 Wild Horizons has added set departures to our multi day rafting trips, perfect for solo travellers and smaller groups.
2017 SET DEPARTURE DATES (2 day 2 night Multi Day Rafting trails)
In: 2nd October Out: 4th October
In: 16th October Out: 18th October
In: 23rd October Out: 25th October
For more information on the various itineraries available click here or email info@wildhorizons.co.zw
Dec 29, 2015 | rafting, Victoria Falls, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, wildhorizons, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
Wild Horizons Launches Multi-day Rafting Set Itineraries in 2016.
Victoria Falls is the adrenalin capital of Southern Africa. There are a range of exciting and scenic activities on offer and the most famed of the adrenaline activities is Zambezi white water rafting. The Zambezi River offers what many consider the best one day white water rafting run in the world.
Even better than the one day rafting, are multi-day rafting trips, which offer not only thrills and spills but also the chance to see incredible scenery, camp on sparkling white beaches and enjoy hearty meals under starlight with friends. In 2016 Wild Horizons has added set departures to our multi day rafting trips- perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
* These trips will remain on a provisional basis until we have 6 confirmed guests per departure.
27th to 29th August 2016. 2 day, 2 night.
U$572.00 per person
12th to 16th September 2016. 5 day, 4 night.
U$1188.00 per person
These unique experiences let you experience roaring rapids in the midst of narrow canyons and broad valleys with white sandy beaches. Camp is set up on these untouched beaches and hearty dinners are enjoyed around roaring campfires with new friends. Our team of world class guides will safely guide you through the rapids on our self supported expedition and explain the geology and fascinating history of this area.
Between September and November rafting is at its best with lots of grade 4 and 5 rapids. These adventures are between two and five days long. The journey snakes through the Songwe and Batoka gorges. Sheer rock walls arise hundreds of meters above the river. It is here where one may catch a glimpse of the threatened Taita falcon as its soars above you.
On the longer journeys basalt rocks give way to grassy banks and the grunts of vocal hippopotamus carry across the water. Rapids are interceded by calm stretches of crystal clear water where you can take a relaxing swim and watch the spectacular gorges, thick with vegetation.
If you want to escape on a “real holiday” where there are no phones, computers or stress, this is the perfect vacation for you.
Sep 7, 2015 | rafting, Things to do in Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Activity, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
The one-day low water trip is considered to be the best one-day white water experience available in the world.
This will be one of those days that you will remember for the rest of your life. The intensity of rafting varies due to the fluctuating levels of water plunging through the gorges. On the whole, lower water levels means higher thrill levels and more rapids. As the water level drops, so the river follows the contours of the river bed more closely and the white water starts to really boil and crash through the gorge. Low water is generally from about August through to late December. However Rafting these grade of rapids at any time of the year is a thrilling experience and definitely not to be missed. It can also be a physically taxing activity so ensure you are prepared by eating before hand and taking the long walk out at the end slowly; take as many breaks as you need.
Right now Wild Horizons is offering a fantastic Low Water special.
‘White Water Madness’
Insanely Low Price- A full day of White Water Rafting with Wild Horizons for US$120 p/p
*excludes US$10 p/p River usage fee. *Valid for 2015
Why Travel with us?
Wild Horizons offers one-day rafting trips and take their safety seriously:
- Wild Horizons is the largest rafting operator in Victoria Falls, carrying the highest number of guests and to go with this they have an exemplary safety record.
- Each trip runs with a guide per boat and a trip leader for the group of boats. Each Trip Leader has 18 years or more of experience rafting. 18 years! That’s an amazing amount of experience and all of the guides under him have at least 6 years of rafting experience, basically all this adds up to you being in the best of care with guides who know how to have fun and keep you safe!
- Wild Horizons offers a hearty and healthy meal, as well as a great selection of cold drinks at the top of the gorge something you’ll appreciate after a day of rafting and the admittedly tough walk out at the end. Sit back enjoy the meal and enjoy the massive sense of accomplishment after the adrenaline high of rafting the mighty Zambezi.
Email info@wildhorizons.co.zw to book or visit the website to book.
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit and shorts but nothing that water will suck away
- A way to secure glasses to yourself or they will be lost
- T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm (guides will have dry bag for this)
- Sturdy shoes or sandals. Your shoes must be securely fitted to your feet (ie no flip-flops) or they will be lost!
- A sense of Adventure and the desire for fun!
See our previous posts on the 7 Wonders of Victoria Falls #1 Seeing the Falls & #2 A Highwire Activity