Whitewater Rafting In Victoria Falls With Shearwater
Whitewater Rafting In Victoria Falls With Shearwater
Whitewater Rafting In Victoria Falls With Shearwater
4.5
River Rafting & TubingAdrenaline & Extreme Tours
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view

About
The ultimate white knuckle ride over the Zambezis grade 5 rapids - the best on the planet. Between the mayhem enjoy one of the finest journeys through the Zambezi National Parks in the Batoka Gorge. Instead of immediately embarking on that arduous climb at the end of an amazing day of rafting adventure from rapids #1 to #21, seize the opportunity to camp overnight in the depths of the gorge on one of the pristine riverside beaches used exclusively for Shearwater clients. Enjoy complete peace and serenity as the light fades and the starry African blanket is revealed. Raft again next day.
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Whitewater Rafting In Victoria Falls With Shearwater
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
318 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
46
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Hannah C
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
We loved it!!
We had a group of 13 and used two boats. The experience was brilliant from start to finish. There was a warm welcome, thorough safety regulations, a thoughtful itinerary and (perhaps most importantly!) a kind, adaptable and experienced staff team. A special shout-out needs to go to Terence, our guide, who managed long swimmers and a range of experience levels with complete ease, hauling us out of the water multiple times after we'd decided to have a swim!
Lunch was delicious- beware of the long and steep walk out of the gorge though! We loved the ice-cold drinks after the trek. We were also hugely impressed by the group of staff who carried a lady on a stretcher all the way up the steep ascent, accommodating her needs and putting her family at ease when she would've otherwise struggled with the walk. That was true professionalism and generosity.
Thank you Shearwater team for your humour, strength, kindness and knowledge! If we're ever back in Vic Falls, we'd love to raft with you again :)
We had a group of 13 and used two boats. The experience was brilliant from start to finish. There was a warm welcome, thorough safety regulations, a thoughtful itinerary and (perhaps most importantly!) a kind, adaptable and experienced staff team. A special shout-out needs to go to Terence, our guide, who managed long swimmers and a range of experience levels with complete ease, hauling us out of the water multiple times after we'd decided to have a swim!
Lunch was delicious- beware of the long and steep walk out of the gorge though! We loved the ice-cold drinks after the trek. We were also hugely impressed by the group of staff who carried a lady on a stretcher all the way up the steep ascent, accommodating her needs and putting her family at ease when she would've otherwise struggled with the walk. That was true professionalism and generosity.
Thank you Shearwater team for your humour, strength, kindness and knowledge! If we're ever back in Vic Falls, we'd love to raft with you again :)
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sofia's P
24 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My family had a great day with Shearwater. We felt really safe with our guide, Steve and had a lot of fun on the rapids. I wasn’t too keen on the walk back up the mountain but that’s because I’m clearly not very fit!
I highly recommend this company and the $60 worth of photos and video afterwards. Well worth it to remember the day.
I highly recommend this company and the $60 worth of photos and video afterwards. Well worth it to remember the day.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen Siebert
Dominican Republic4 contributions
Oct 2023
What a spectacular time. The team are so professional. My husband went with them 30 years ago and he said they have maintained their level of service, making us comfortable and just a really knowledgeable team. Thank you for taking care of us and for the good meal at the end. For those nervous of the river rafting ..... don't be. Just do it!!! Make sure you have enough level of fitness to get make up - it's a hectic climb to the top, manageable and they help carry your things if you need.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Glasgow, UK113 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
I have done rafting various places before but the Zambezi is a different ball game! The rapids are intense and require a lot of physical strength.
Every boat flipped at least once going down the rapids, some even twice or three times. There are safety kayaks in the water ready to pull you out and I'm so glad there were as I fully believe I would have drowned overwise. The currents are strong and when you fall in you need to curl up in a ball to avoid getting dragged down by them, easier said than done when panicking.
We flipped quite earlier on and got a bit of a scare, I fully believe we flipped because we weren't paddling hard enough and following the guides instructions. The rest of the rapids we put more effort into and did not flip again!
The climb in and out are not to be underestimated. The climb out was a particular struggle as it was in the mid day heat and we were exhausted from the rafting. That being said, JB our guide was absolutely fantastic and assisted me up the gorge the whole way, letting me stop when needing to and getting me water/sugar to keep me going.
The lunch at the top was amazing and a great day was had by all!
There is always a risk with white water rafting and it is not to be taken lightly. If you follow the guides instructions and push hard you will have a pleasant and enjoyable day!
Every boat flipped at least once going down the rapids, some even twice or three times. There are safety kayaks in the water ready to pull you out and I'm so glad there were as I fully believe I would have drowned overwise. The currents are strong and when you fall in you need to curl up in a ball to avoid getting dragged down by them, easier said than done when panicking.
We flipped quite earlier on and got a bit of a scare, I fully believe we flipped because we weren't paddling hard enough and following the guides instructions. The rest of the rapids we put more effort into and did not flip again!
The climb in and out are not to be underestimated. The climb out was a particular struggle as it was in the mid day heat and we were exhausted from the rafting. That being said, JB our guide was absolutely fantastic and assisted me up the gorge the whole way, letting me stop when needing to and getting me water/sugar to keep me going.
The lunch at the top was amazing and a great day was had by all!
There is always a risk with white water rafting and it is not to be taken lightly. If you follow the guides instructions and push hard you will have a pleasant and enjoyable day!
Written 19 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Great African Escape
9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I'm leaving a review as I went rafting for the first time yesterday. It's an epic experience in so many ways - and I was one of those people just getting through it because it was way more than I expected. I really think it's worth doing if it's your kind of thing (it just isn't for me) and just wanted to give a little more information.
1) Do it for the views alone. The gorge is stunning, and the guides will let you swim where it's safe. Those two things are worth the money without the daredevil side.
2) No amount of sun cream you put on will be enough. Bring the tough waterproof stuff. I don't burn easily, and I'm burnt. I will have these tanlines for years.
3) You can wear trainers, but rafters are probably better.
4) Practice squats, and be at least reasonably fit. The rafting is one thing but the 100m hike up the gorge at the end is worse - you've spent all day active, paddling, getting down, getting thrown around, and then you have to climb in lunchtime heat.
5) IMO, don't do it if you're even vaguely nervous about the idea of falling out the boat. It'll happen. It actually happens before you start; they get you to jump into a test area to practice getting back in the boat. It's a really different experience when you're thrown out though.
6) Be prepared to take that step further than adrenaline and be scared and not know what's going to happen to you. That happens when you fall out into churning water. 50% of my boat had uncomfortable experiences.
I struggled but I'm glad I went. I think I'd have dealt with it better had I known how big those rapids get. The guides and "angels" (the kayakers who come with to pull people out the water) are really amazing and do their best to keep you safe throughout. A huge shoutout to Lee, who has so much knowledge about the river and manages to herd cats and get newbie rafters through the Zambezi time after time.
1) Do it for the views alone. The gorge is stunning, and the guides will let you swim where it's safe. Those two things are worth the money without the daredevil side.
2) No amount of sun cream you put on will be enough. Bring the tough waterproof stuff. I don't burn easily, and I'm burnt. I will have these tanlines for years.
3) You can wear trainers, but rafters are probably better.
4) Practice squats, and be at least reasonably fit. The rafting is one thing but the 100m hike up the gorge at the end is worse - you've spent all day active, paddling, getting down, getting thrown around, and then you have to climb in lunchtime heat.
5) IMO, don't do it if you're even vaguely nervous about the idea of falling out the boat. It'll happen. It actually happens before you start; they get you to jump into a test area to practice getting back in the boat. It's a really different experience when you're thrown out though.
6) Be prepared to take that step further than adrenaline and be scared and not know what's going to happen to you. That happens when you fall out into churning water. 50% of my boat had uncomfortable experiences.
I struggled but I'm glad I went. I think I'd have dealt with it better had I known how big those rapids get. The guides and "angels" (the kayakers who come with to pull people out the water) are really amazing and do their best to keep you safe throughout. A huge shoutout to Lee, who has so much knowledge about the river and manages to herd cats and get newbie rafters through the Zambezi time after time.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy H
Launceston, Australia7 contributions
Dec 2019
Husband, little experience and 15 year old no experience had a great day rafting with Shearwater. Valuables, money etc were very securely looked after during rafting trip. The walk down to the river was challenging and the walk out was arduous, steep terrain after a day rafting in the sun. The guides were attentive during the walk checking on welfare and helping clients who needed it. Rewarded with drinks and a hot cooked meal at the top of the gorge.
Rafting was amazing and the views were sensational. No amount of sunscreen is enough, daughter would recommend leggings to avoid the sunburn.
Rafting was amazing and the views were sensational. No amount of sunscreen is enough, daughter would recommend leggings to avoid the sunburn.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LFCKOPITE4EVER
Rancho Mirage, CA239 contributions
Jun 2022
June 25th, 2020. JB, Bright and Cophisto and team did us right! The descent to the gorge base for entry comprised a small trek through thickish forest to be greeted by a special starting view of the river between gorge walls. After that the ride through stunning sequences of gorge and agitated water with blue skies was all around spectacular! All dunked at The Terminator on a full flip makes it all the more memorable. A must is the video buy - very well done - which includes still pics too. One Class V and three Class IVs later I would do it again!
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LanRic_Journeys
56 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Simply wow! We were initially hesitant coming into this intense activity for the first time given the river's reputation; however Shearwater team kept us safe the entire time. Our guide gave clear instructions throughout the ride so we felt very comfortable and all of us were safe even after we flipped. One person got motion sickness so maybe a good idea to take meclizine prior to the trip if you are not good on boat. Lunch at the end of the tour was yummy. This is a must do when visit Vic Fall!
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent C
583 contributions
Aug 2022
I must say this was amazing value, exciting and well planned. Lunch was good and the safety and set up felt good. The rapids did not disappoint. The guide was helpful and everyone got along in all boats and were there to have a good time. My only issue is my personal level of comfort. Having never done level 5 rapids this was a tad scary being in the front of the raft.
Not a single raft that day did NOT flip over. So everyone fell in the water that day and being underwater in the level 5 rapids can be scary. Injuries abound as all my knuckles were cut up and bleeding (with a nice scar now) and my toe was also bleeding. Safety climbing up the gorge felt dangerous as you were exhausted and carrying gear.
Overall I fully recommend it if you love the thrill and in decent condition to climb. I am clearly out of shape haha.
Not a single raft that day did NOT flip over. So everyone fell in the water that day and being underwater in the level 5 rapids can be scary. Injuries abound as all my knuckles were cut up and bleeding (with a nice scar now) and my toe was also bleeding. Safety climbing up the gorge felt dangerous as you were exhausted and carrying gear.
Overall I fully recommend it if you love the thrill and in decent condition to climb. I am clearly out of shape haha.
Written 10 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Ohlinger
Sacramento, CA4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
My husband and I decided to do white water rafting in Victoria Falls while on our honeymoon. We are both experienced rafters and have done several trips in the states and New Zealand, including grades 5 and 6. For starters, they are not honest about how difficult and dangerous the hike down to the rafts is (or back up for that matter, but I’ll get to that later).
There was a poor man on our trip who was in his 60s and really struggling but they guides pushed him to go down anyways even though he had no business doing this trip. The guides did a poor job of explaining the proper safety protocol for the trip and didn’t even bother teaching us how to use the paddles which meant we spent tons of time paddling inefficiently.
The guide was so bad that we ended up going to rapids sideways which is something that shouldn’t happen if your guide can steer properly and knows what they are doing. His negligence caused us to all go in the water in one of the most dangerous rapids. I got hit in the face with someone’s paddle, thrown under the boat and smacked really hard in the head and blacked out at one point. I kept trying to come up for water but the current and waves were so bad that I kept getting pulled under. I’m pretty sure I almost drowned and it was easily the my terrifying experience of my life. I don’t entirely know how I got out from underneath the boat because I blacked out but I think one of the people we were with was able to grab me. I want to go on record and say im a very strong swimmer and I’ve done white water rafting before many times. This was next level scary and it could have been avoided had the guide steered us properly so we didn’t go down sideways.
The guide also proceeded to tell us that this is probably the last day they will do the rafting for awhile because the water is too high and is too dangerous. Are you kidding me??? Why did you take people out if this is the case? !
At one point one of the rapids was too dangerous so we had to get out and do another 2km difficult hike to get back to the raft. They only had 2 small cups for water to be shared with 6 people, some of which you don’t even know, which is not the most sanitary but ok I get it, you’re on a rafting trip.
Finally after getting to the end, you have a horrible hike up and again, if you aren’t under 45 and/or in great shape, it’s a huge struggle. I ended up getting a mild concussion from getting hit with the boat, so doing that hike/climb was difficult but even more so for older people who didn’t have the stamina or good health conditions to climb up rocks and unstable stick ladders. Oh and all with no access to water.
I love adrenaline activities but this was a level of gross negligence I have never seen before. The guides say they are experienced with 15+ years but they are dishonest about the level of difficulty and don’t use best practices to get you down the rapids which incredibly unsafe.
Do your research on this river and the company you do it with if you go. Do not use Shearwater though. They are awful!
There was a poor man on our trip who was in his 60s and really struggling but they guides pushed him to go down anyways even though he had no business doing this trip. The guides did a poor job of explaining the proper safety protocol for the trip and didn’t even bother teaching us how to use the paddles which meant we spent tons of time paddling inefficiently.
The guide was so bad that we ended up going to rapids sideways which is something that shouldn’t happen if your guide can steer properly and knows what they are doing. His negligence caused us to all go in the water in one of the most dangerous rapids. I got hit in the face with someone’s paddle, thrown under the boat and smacked really hard in the head and blacked out at one point. I kept trying to come up for water but the current and waves were so bad that I kept getting pulled under. I’m pretty sure I almost drowned and it was easily the my terrifying experience of my life. I don’t entirely know how I got out from underneath the boat because I blacked out but I think one of the people we were with was able to grab me. I want to go on record and say im a very strong swimmer and I’ve done white water rafting before many times. This was next level scary and it could have been avoided had the guide steered us properly so we didn’t go down sideways.
The guide also proceeded to tell us that this is probably the last day they will do the rafting for awhile because the water is too high and is too dangerous. Are you kidding me??? Why did you take people out if this is the case? !
At one point one of the rapids was too dangerous so we had to get out and do another 2km difficult hike to get back to the raft. They only had 2 small cups for water to be shared with 6 people, some of which you don’t even know, which is not the most sanitary but ok I get it, you’re on a rafting trip.
Finally after getting to the end, you have a horrible hike up and again, if you aren’t under 45 and/or in great shape, it’s a huge struggle. I ended up getting a mild concussion from getting hit with the boat, so doing that hike/climb was difficult but even more so for older people who didn’t have the stamina or good health conditions to climb up rocks and unstable stick ladders. Oh and all with no access to water.
I love adrenaline activities but this was a level of gross negligence I have never seen before. The guides say they are experienced with 15+ years but they are dishonest about the level of difficulty and don’t use best practices to get you down the rapids which incredibly unsafe.
Do your research on this river and the company you do it with if you go. Do not use Shearwater though. They are awful!
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the white water rafting closed yet due to the high water levels?
Written 20 March 2022
Hi what time does tour start? Have u any early afternoon tours ? I'm driving from kasane in botswana
Written 8 September 2022
What level of fitness is required for this? Will it be ok for a couple of reasonably fit 60 year olds?
Written 27 July 2019
Hey,
Fitness is a thing. The walk down leaves knees and quads quaking - there's a steep staircase for most of the way - but the walk back up is really hard. You'd have been paddling, knocked around, and sitting in the sun for a few hours so you're already pretty exhausted when you start it.
Written 5 January 2020
Hi
I would like to do rafting on the Zambezi river.
The information about this is the steep way to the river.
I have the extreme phobia for steep slopes.
Is there a safe route?
Safe path (stairs) Did not created?
Thank you
Written 3 February 2017
What kind of steep there is 1 to 5 how much it safe and how many time during and cost thank you and i can examine inthe place
Written 22 September 2018
Hi, Should I be concerned about crocodiles or other wild animals while we are rafting?
Thanks,
Linda
Written 28 November 2015
No not at all. They are very rarely in the Rapids. At some point when there were light Rapids we got out the raft and just held on the side.
Written 25 July 2016
Hi there- this looks awesome. Is it a family friendly event? How young would you say is safe to go? Do all trips have to include the level 5? Are the lower key routes?
Written 24 November 2015
Hi,
There's only one route, as the river is wedged between two cliff faces, and I wouldn't recommend it for kids or young teenagers. It can get pretty hairy in places and there isn't a place to get out. It is amazing if you do it and understand more of what it's like. There's a video called Zambezi Rafting by Logan Carter on Youtube - it won't let me post the link - which is pretty accurate.
Written 5 January 2020
Is it recommended to bring a waterproof bag to store your shoes in the raft to keep them dry?
Written 5 August 2015
No need, you'll leave all your valuables with the staff and any extra stuff in the boat would 100% get lost when you're thrown about. During the rafting you'll just swim with your shoes on.
Written 5 September 2015
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