Location: Zambia, Africa
Duration: ten days
Distance: 100 km
Entry fee: £475
Sponsorship target: £3,850

About the event

On this unique, varied and exhilarating river challenge, you will paddle your way over 100kms down one of the toughest rivers in Africa - the mighty Zambezi.

You will: 

• experience traditional dug out canoes, inflatable kayaks and rafts
• witness the awesome Victoria Falls - 'The Smoke That Thunders'!
• see up close and personal some wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and elephants

Enduring sweltering heat, blistered hands, high humidity and harsh conditions, you will paddle mokoros (traditional dug out wooden canoes) and inflatable kayaks on the upper river towards Victoria Falls, negotiating unforgiving  rapids and dodging myriad wildlife including crocodiles and the most aggressive and dangerous animals in Africa – the hippo!

On the fourth day you will switch to inflatable rafts and continue to paddle towards the Falls, wild camping by the banks of the river by night.

Your challenge climactically ends with the daunting prospect of rafting below the Falls in the notorious Batoka Gorge, the most challenging and tempestuous white water rapids in the world.

The upper section of this great river is dotted with islands and braided with narrow fast flowing channels as well as crystal clear water. You will paddle your way along the border with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, steadily heading towards the Falls. The spectacular environment, teaming with birds and wildlife will be a sufficient distraction from your aching limbs and the pains of your efforts!

White water rapids

After four days paddling mokoros, canoes and rafts on the upper river, your final push will be through the white water rapids of the Batoka gorge.

Having wound its course down from the highlands and across massive flood plains, the waters of the Zambezi pour into a massive rift in the earth’s surface creating one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, the spray from which you can often see from miles upriver.

Your challenge will end with a sightseeing tour of “The Smoke That Thunders” and a celebratory dinner to mark your participation in this unique and strenuous river challenge on the mighty Zambezi.

Three dates are available this year: 11-20 October 2013 and 15-24 November 2013 and 6-15 December 2013.

How to register

For more details including full itinerary and to register your interest please visit the Charity Challenge website. 

Once you have secured your place (via Charity Challenge) please let us know by completing the Own place form and we will get in touch with you as soon as we receive your details.

If you would like to have a chat about this event or need further information, do not hesitate to call 0845 127 0063 or email events@sense.org.uk.