Norman and I (Meike) just finished our 21 days Cape to Vic Camping Tour with 10 amazing clients from Germany. Especially during the first 1.5 weeks Africa was showing what it is known for. Hot (I mean really really hot!) weather, dust and not the best road conditions. But all this is part of the adventure and who would say no to a proper African Massage if you get it for free!
So when we reached Maun everyone was looking forward to get into the Delta and see some water for a change. Wild bush camping next to a remote channel, Mokoro license training and swimming made up a phenomenal contrast after spending time in the amazing desert landscapes of the Kalahari and Namib Desert.

But none of this prepares for the mighty Zambezi that we get to see and experience in Victoria Falls. Though at low water at the moment, the time of the year when part of the Falls are actually running dry, the Zambezi forms one of the “7 Natural Wonders of the World” right where it throws itself 108m meters down into the Batoka Gorge. The Victoria Falls are always a fascinating sight no matter if seen by foot or air, low or high water.

For those Adrenalin junkies the White Water Rafting is the ultimate experience when visiting Victoria Falls. Rated a Level 5 river, the Zambezi offers one of the best places on earth to get wet. And that is exactly what we did. After a safety briefing we headed to the gorge where we were equipped with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and started walking down the steep metal stairs until we reached the bottom of the gorge where our boats were waiting. After jumping into the boat we were given another thorough safety briefing, explaining in detail what we are to expect and how to deal with any situation we might encounter. Now it was time for a swim! Testing our life jackets and learning how to pull each other back into the raft we felt ready for the adventure.

As it is low water season at the moment, the White Water Rafting Trips start right at the bottom of the falls in a place which is called the “Boiling Pot” and stretch from Rapid No.1 to 19. Every rapid has got a name and some like the “Stairway to Heaven”, “The Washing Machine” or the “Devil's Toilet Bowl” raise the expectations for the upcoming 3 hours!

The rapids get their rating depending on the water level, which make some of them easier and some more difficult to raft. So we had 5 Level 5 rapids and many Level 4 and 3. Rapid No. 9, also called the “Commercial Suicide” is a Level 6 rapid and far too dangerous for Rafting. Here we had to jump out of our rafts and walk past this “Boiling Monster” watching our empty boats getting thrown around in the currents. After jumping back in, the fun continued! And how much fun it was! Every rapid different, trying hard to follow the instructions given to us by our superb Guide JB, we managed to stay inside our raft until we got to Rapid No. 18.

“The Oblivion” was our last Level 5 Rapid with three big waves after another. Our raft was the last of the four boats that tried to conquer this rapid and after watching all others getting a good wash and swim we prepared ourselves for whatever would happen next. First wave: Yes we can do it!!! Second wave: Oh sh...! Well, I guess that is part of the adventure. If you have not experienced how it feels like to get thrown off your raft you missed out on something! After collecting our Team which was scattered all over the calmer river side’s we continued our journey through the last rapid for the day.

At the end a tough hike back up the 250m to the top of the gorge waited for us as well as a fabulous lunch, cold drinks and beers to celebrate our survival! The drive back to our Camp was accompanied by a lot of laughter and chatting about one of the best experiences you can have in Victoria Falls! Feel, ride and taste the mighty Zambezi and make your stay unforgettable!