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canoe safari facts and tips

Essential Canoe Safari Expedition Facts and Tips

SEASON - Year Round

As the Zambezi Valley can get hot in the summer months, you start early to make the most part of the cool part of the day. The same applies for the late afternoons, while shade is sought during the hottest time of the day

for those chartering in, please discuss this with the Zambezi River Adventures prior to your arrival, as some airstrips may be closed due to the rains.

Boat transfers will be used during the rains, should wet conditions necessitate.

Temperatures are at their highest in September and October with the rains running through from November to March where water proof clothing is required. Winter months run through from May to July where warm clothing is necessary in the evenings.

June to November is generally the best time of year to canoe in terms of wildlife concentrations. Much of the inland water has dried up, and game tends to move onto the riverfront for water.

Temperatures are at the highest over September and October in the Valley.

November to March is the rainy season, waterproof clothing should be brought over this period.

May to July are the Winter months and warm clothing is necessary in the evenings

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED

We use two man 18-foot Canadian Canoes with containment nets and ropes to ensure both safari and personal belongings are secure at all times.

Each canoe has five buoyancy chambers, while the bucket seats are cushioned allowing a reasonable level of back support.

Single bladed paddles are used and life jackets supplied.

Two-man mosquito netted bow tents are used which allows for a full view of the night sky and maximum aeration.

Sleeping bags, liners (sleeping bags inners, personnel sheets) and airline pillows are also provided along with roll out mattresses.

Other equipment includes: Cooler boxes, tables, chairs, gas cookers, melamine crockery, cutlery and a variety of other items are provided, to ensure a reasonable level of comfort is maintained for the duration of your canoeing safari.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are used as supporting vehicles for transfers and game drives where included.

Boat transfers may also be used depending on the weather and time of year.

HEALTH

Any health concerns or medical conditions such as allergies, epilepsy etc should be brought to the attention of the management prior to the start of the safari.

Medical consultation on Malarial prophylactics should be attained prior to arrival.

AGE RESTRICTION

Minimum age is 15 years. There is no maximum age, however clients must be reasonably fit. The age limit may be flexible for a specific group booking with prior consent.

SAFETY

All canoe safari guides carry VHF hand held radios. Each camp has an HF and VHF base set which allows communication between base camps, vehicles and canoes. M.A.R.S. (Medial Air Rescue Service) is also on the radios.

Each professional canoe guide has passed stringent National Parks canoeing exams prior to leading a canoeing safari.

INSURANCE

All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) through the company, however this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations.

It does not cover their hospitalization and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is COMPULSORY for all clients. Please ensure clients have arranged this insurance in their own country prior to leaving so as to cover unexpected medical expenses and loss / theft of personal effects.

Please ensure clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. Clients will not be covered should they not have insurance.

VISAS

Please check visa requirements

Zambia Visas | Visa Costs | Zimbabwe Visas

All the safaris take place in Zambia. It is advisable for all clients to check with the Zambian authorities whether or not they need visas for Zambia, and if necessary obtain their visas prior to departure.

We will endeavor to get clients into Zambia without having to pay a visa, but this is not guaranteed and as such clients may have to pay a US$25 per person (US$60 per person for British Nationals)

We are able to apply for a Visa Waiver for most nationalities.

The Visa Waiver is not guaranteed; we require full passport details three weeks prior to travel to apply for the Visa Waiver.

In case the Visa Waiver is not granted clients are requested to make sure they have the correct US Dollar amount of the visa entry fee.

We will not be held responsible for visa fees or a declined visa waiver

NATIONAL PARKS ENTRY FEES – LOWER ZAMBEZI

Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park and Parks fees are payable by each client.

- US$25 per person per day for Entry to the Park
- US$10 per person for River Usage fees.

Zimbabwe

- US$16 per person per day for Entry to the Park
- US$16 per person for River Usage fees.

Enquire by email

You can email us at

Tel: + 27 31 762 2424 | Nat 0861 312 312 ask for Nicky office hrs
Fax:+ 27 31 762 2402 All hours | Voipbuster + 27 (0)31 776 3173 office hrs

Skype or Google Talk call sign afrizim " Live chat " - during office hours

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