White Water Rafting
From Livingstone, Zambia you can raft the biggest white water rafting rapids in the World below the majestic Victoria Falls.
Raft the biggest white water rapids in the World at Victoria Falls. Raft below the Victoria Falls along the mighty Zambezi River.
The Zambezi River plummets 110 meters from the top of the Victoria Falls into the Batoka Gorge. This is where the fun begins. Enjoy an exhilarating day rafting the mighty Zambezi River as you negotiate the Grade 5 rapids along the way. Your professional river guides will steer you on an unforgettable journey through the formidable rapids of the mighty Zambezi.
From $150.00
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Things To Note
No children u15 years
Minimum Numbers: 4 Guests
Maximum Numbers : 40
Dress:
Casual, Advised to bring:
- Sun Screen
- Closed sports shoes / rafting sandals.
- No loose jewellery
The climb out the gorge at the end can be very hard and you need a fair level of fitness for this.
Commonly known as the best grade 5 White Water Rafting in the world
19 level 4 and 5 rapids
23 Kilometers of sheer adrenalin
Snacks and beverages
Experienced guides to take you through the channels
Stunning scenery in the Batoka gorge
(8 hours including transfers)
- 07h30 am Pick up from the hotels
- 08h00 am – 15h00 pm White Water Rafting
- 15h30 am Return to hotels
(Low water rafting – August to December) (High water rafting Jan – Feb & June to July)
Pickup 7:30 am ~ +/- 03:30 pm drop-off. (Could be closed from May to June)
White Water Rafting Overview
White Water Rafting from Livingstone. The white water rafting below the Victoria Falls is commonly recognised as the best Grade 5 white water rafting in the world. Raft the biggest white water rapids in the world at Victoria Falls. Raft below the Victoria Falls along the mighty Zambezi River. The Zambezi River plummets 110 meters from the top of the Victoria Falls into the Batoka Gorge. This is where the fun begins. Enjoy an exhilarating day rafting the mighty Zambezi River as you negotiate the Grade 5 rapids along the way. Your professional river guides will steer you on an unforgettable journey through the formidable rapids of the mighty Zambezi.
The Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge was first navigated in 1981 and over the years the Rapids were named, some fearsome in nature, others fearsome in name!
LIVINGSTONE WHITE WATER RAFTING OPTIONS
Victoria Falls / Livingstone Whitewater Rafting has two different seasons. This is due to the water level of the Zambezi River. Low-water rafting commences between the months of August and December. These are the best times of year to raft as you begin your journey from the boiling pot which is situated directly below the Victoria Falls. As the water level drops, the rapids become more intense. During the low water season, you will negotiate rapids numbers 1 to 19. Many of these rapids are Grade 5.
High Water Rafting (Jan – Feb & June – July)
As the water level rises, high-water rafting begins. As the water is gushing down the Victoria Falls so intensely during these months it is impossible to start at rapid number 1. The high-water rafting begins 10 km downstream of the Victoria Falls at rapid number 11 and will finish at rapid number 23.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Includes
- Return Transfer from hotels and lodges in Victoria Falls
- Light Lunch
- Beverages
- Snacks
Package Excludes
- $10 National Parks Fees payable on check-in
FAQ's
White Water Rafting Victoria Falls – Livingstone
How intense is the white water rafting on the Livingstone side of Victoria Falls?
As the rafting from Victoria Falls side and the Livingstone side both raft the same stretch of the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls, they offer some of the most adrenaline-pumping rafting in the world: a Grade 5 course with 19–23 rapids, including iconic drops like “The Boiling Pot” and “Oblivion”
When is the best time for rafting from Livingstone?
There are two seasons for rafting in Victoria Falls: The low water season is usually between August and December, and this is consdered the best time, as you start right under Victoria Falls in the boiling pot and navigate the rapids 1 – 19.
High water season takes place during Jan – Feb and June – July when the river is high, meaning that it is impossible to start at rapid 1, so the start point will be rapid 11 and ending at rapid 23. Flatter waters, but still thrilling.
For safety reasons, whitewater rafting in Victoria Falls normally closes during March – May.
How long does the rafting experience take?
Expect a full day trip. Typically, you will be picked up from your hotel or lodge in Livingstone at between 07h00 am 07h30. The rafting is approximately 6 hours. You would expect to get back to your hotel at about 15h30 pm.
What’s the cost for white water rafting from Livingstone?
Depending on the operator and season, prices typically range from US $140 to $170 per person, including transfers, a safety briefing, lunch, snacks, and sometimes free swim or video footage. This excludes $10 park fee.
Are there age, weight, or fitness requirements?
Minimum age is 15 years. Children U18 require parents consent
Max weight limit around 140 kg, however this may vary per operator.
There is a reasonable level of fitness required for the rafting, and the climb out of the gorge at the end is tough.
What’s included in the rafting package?
The price for whitewater rafting includes
- Return transfers from hotels and lodges in Livingstone town,
- Safety briefing and equipment (life jacket, helmet)
- Packed buffet lunch.
- Bottled water/beverages
- Qualified and experienced river guide
- Depending on season, a safety kayaker escort
What should I wear and bring?
- Comfortable, quick-drying clothes; avoid cotton if possible.
- Closed sports shoes / rafting sandals. (no loose slip-slops)
- Waterproof sunscreen and a cap.
- Leave all your valuables at home.
- Dry bags are provided by the operator.
Is rafting with children or seniors an option?
No children under 15 permitted .
Seniors with reasonable fitness can participate, operators assess individual fitness.
Under‑18s must raft with an adult.
Where do Livingstone rafting trips begin and finish?
Start: Hike into Batoka Gorge—steep descent (20–30 min)
Route: 23 km through rapids 1–19 or 11–23/14–25 depending on season
Exit options: Climb up or take a gondola cable car (around rapid 25)
Finish: Picnic at Royal Landing followed by hotel return transfers.
How do I Book a rafting trip in Livingstone?
It is advisable to book with local operators who have the expert knowledge and up-to-date information.
Book your Livingstone rafting through To Do Africa