Day 1: Arrive and transfer to Pioneer Lodge
Upon arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, you will be met by an Absolute Zambia Safaris representative who will then transfer you to Pioneer Lodge one night before you start your canoe safari the next day. Today’s meal includes dinner.
Day 2: Zambezi breezes / Chirundu - Kakomalala Island
You will have your morning breakfast at Pioneer Lodge and transfer to Zambezi Breezes unless otherwise arranged, trips depart from Zambezi Breezes / Chirundu at 10:30 in the morning of departure after clients have been briefed by the guide.
After an hour of canoeing, there is a riverbank stop for lunch before paddling on to the first evening’s campsite on Kakomalala Island. This is a total canoeing distance of approximately 15 kilometers, predominantly through channels with an average of three to four kilometers per hour river flow rate. Arrival at the island is around 5 p.m. and camp is then set up.
Day 3: Kakomalala Island - Magurumeno / Mtondo Islands
You will have a full day of canoeing with the distances that will be traveled are approximately 25 kilometers. At approximately 6:30 a.m. in the morning, you will have tea or coffee and biscuits and you will depart at 7:30 a.m. downstream.
Breakfast will be given from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and lunch will be given from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in shade out of the midday sun. Proceed to Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands depending on distances covered and weather permitting.
Day 4: Magurumeno / Mtondo Islands - Elephant / Nyamangwe Islands
On day three, you will canoe through the Lower Zambezi floodplain region. The activities are similar to day two but on this day, you will have the chance to go to the Mana section of the river. You will stay overnight at Elephant or Nyamangwe Islands depending on the progress made on this day.
Day 5: Elephant / Nyamangwe Islands - Zambezi Breezes
You will have breakfast on the island before a leisurely five to seven kilometers paddle to the take-out point where the support vehicles are met. Canoes and equipment are loaded onto the vehicle and trailer before departing for the return journey through a wildlife area and several rural villages and dwellings.
Estimated time or arrival to Zambezi Breezes is at 2:30 p.m. allowing adequate time to connect onto Lusaka while there is still light or alternatively to spend an additional night at Zambezi Breezes on the banks of the Zambezi.