Thirty years of riding the Rapids
Rafting season on the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls opens from today, with operators offering the shortened run starting from rapid No14. Normal 'full-day' rafting trips will resume as water levels subside. This short run has been described by some as more scenic than adrenalin, but it still gives those with the desire the chance to brave the rapids and view the stunning Batoka Gorge.
'Safpar', one of tour Livingstone based rafting companies recently celebrated 25 years in the business. Find out more here.
Rafting was the first ‘adrenalin activity’ to be offered in Livingstone and Victoria Falls - an American company, Sobek, opened the first run from the Zambian side in 1984, making this the 30th year of commercial white-water rafting on the Zambezi. Over the years rafting has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the thrill of conquering the rapids. However it might not last forever - if plans to build the Batoka Dam proceed as envisaged then much of the river below the Falls will become flooded. The final design of the dam is yet to be announced and it remains to be seen if mitigation will be taken that will allow rafting on the river to continue.
Bundu, another of our rafting companies and LTA member, riding the rapids. Find out more here.
Livingstone Island tours also reopened last week, with the option of visiting the Angel's pool, on the crest of the Falls themselves (the popular Devil's pool will reopen as river levels subside).