Sight guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Visiting Upper Zambezi canoeing
Guided canoe trips paddle the channels between islands on the upper Zambezi, away from the motorboats, with chances to see hippos, elephants and birds at water level.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Upper Zambezi canoeing is an experience in Upper Zambezi riverfront, Victoria Falls. Allow half a day; it is expensive. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Upper Zambezi riverfront
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- active, nature, outdoors and couples
- Best months
- May–July
About Upper Zambezi canoeing
Guided canoe trips paddle the channels between islands on the upper Zambezi, away from the motorboats, with chances to see hippos, elephants and birds at water level. Gentle stretches suit beginners.
Tip: Go in the morning, when the river is calm and wildlife is active, and follow the guide's line around hippos.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Zambezi riverfront, riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive.
Best time to visit Upper Zambezi canoeing
Upper Zambezi canoeing is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Victoria Falls has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Upper Zambezi canoeing is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) and Victoria Falls Bridge.
- No. 14 of the 14 sights in our Victoria Falls things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Victoria Falls.
Near Upper Zambezi canoeing
Also in Upper Zambezi riverfront, so you can walk between them:
- Zambezi National Park — 3–4 hours, mid-priced
- The Big Tree — 20 minutes, free
- Zambezi sunset cruise — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
If you like Upper Zambezi canoeing
- Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 2–3 hours
- Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' — Victoria Falls town centre, 1–1.5 hours including transfers
- White-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge — Batoka Gorge, Full day
- Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island — Livingstone riverfront (Zambia), 2–3 hours
Staying near Upper Zambezi canoeing
Stay in Upper Zambezi riverfront ($$$) to walk here: riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive. All areas to stay in Victoria Falls.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Upper Zambezi canoeing?
Plan half a day. With Zambezi National Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Zambezi riverfront.
+Is Upper Zambezi canoeing free?
No, it is expensive. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Upper Zambezi canoeing?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Go in the morning, when the river is calm and wildlife is active, and follow the guide's line around hippos.
+Do I need to book Upper Zambezi canoeing in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.