ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES - VICTORIA FALLS - WATER
for the brave and not so brave...
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A world heritage site, with its steep cliffs, churning deep waters and abundant birdlife, the Batoka gorge is a spectacular site to behold. Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the gorge is too steep for much animal life, but birdlife is abundant with one of the most concentrated populations of avian raptors in the world, including the rare, African Taita Falcon.

History of the Gorge
2 Million years ago, after much tectonic activity from deep within the earth’s centre, the ground was forced to rise dramatically, creating undulating ridges on the earth’s surface. These newly developed mountains halted the flow of the mighty Limpopo River, creating a large, natural body of water, which spread over 100 000 square kilometres. The vast volume of water flowing into this lake rose so high that it began spilling over into what was left of the Limpopo River catchment area. Coupled with heavy rains that had fallen in the north and strong winds from the west, an influx of water reached the lake in the form of flash flood, creating waves of up to two metres high. These waves crashed over the crest surrounding the lake and fell into a small tributary, which rapidly became a raging river and then a thundering mass of uncontrollable water. The volume of the thundering waters was so intense, that instead of creating shallow, wide valleys, the waters cut deep into the rock, creating crevices some kilometres deep. Thus, the Batoka Gorge was born and at its head, “the smoke that thunders” - the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Jet Boat Specifications
The Jet Boat is designed for speed and maneuverability. A shallow hull and lightweight materials aid in giving the boat incredible stability. The Shearwater Jet is fitted with 2 x 230HP inboard Steyr Marine Dieself type 246’s with Hamilton HJ212 Waterjets, with Turbo impellers and dry run bearings. The hull is reinforced with Kevlar and is divided into watertight divisions so as to allow for the complete flooding of any one division, whilst maintaining its stability. The Jet is fitted with a self-righting mechanism - a permanently inflated buoyancy device – resulting in the ability to right the vessel by one person.

The engines are specially designed to minimize potentially harmful emissions and are EU approved for use on inland waters throughout Europe. The engines are also housed in a special sound absorbing enclosure so as to minimize noise pollution.

The boat can hold a maximum of 12 people and three crew.

Jet Boating Safety Features
• TWIN ENGINE DESIGN - even if one engine fails, which is unlikely, the second engine can easily power the boat to safety.
• REINFORCED KEVLAR HULL - practically impenetrable, Kevlar is used for bullet proof jackets!
• SELF RIGHTING MECHANISM - in the unlikely event of capsizing the pilot can trigger an inflatable bag, which will automatically right the vessel.
• UNSINKABLE DESIGN - even if the hull is holed or the boat takes on water the design makes it unsinkable.
• SAFETY RAFTS – qualified river guides with throw bags are always at hand.
• FIRST AID KITS - the boat has a full on-board first aid kit with oxygen.
• RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - The boat is fitted with a VHF radio and is in constant communication with our operations base.

Victoria Falls Jet Boating
"The world's greatest Jet Boating Adventure"

Where else can you find yourself in a specially designed high speed jet boat, travel through a uniquely formed gorge which is a world heritage site, power up some of the most famous white water rapids in the world, pass beneath a bridge of great historical & engineering value, and then find yourself at the foot of the most spectacular of the seven natural wonders of the world? This is the Shearwater Jet, the worlds greatest jet boat adventure.

Introduction To Jet Boating
The jet boat was invented in New Zealand, born from the need to be able to navigate shallow rivers for high country farmers and the like and has evolved into one of the greatest thrill rides on water.

Unlike a conventional outboard motor, the jet boat uses an internal impeller to provide propulsion. Water is drawn in through an inlet in the bottom of the boat and driven out through a nozzle at the rear with great force. Turning is accomplished by moving the nozzle laterally; braking and reverse are achieved by
using a deflector similar to the reverse thrust bucket on a jet aircraft.

With their shallow draft and incredible power and agility, jet boats can tackle almost any river in any conditions, ranging from wide, shallow rivers to the frighteningly narrow confines of gorges. They can travel up to speeds of 80km/hr in water as shallow as 10cm in depth. Expect your driver to perform the “Hamilton Turn” – a high speed 360-degree turn, guaranteed to get the heart rates racing.

Typically, the drivers will take you up river as fast as conditions allow, steering the boat as close to the riverbanks, rocks and cliffs as they can, giving you a sensation of speed and danger few other activities provide.

Zambezi River Jet Boating Trips
Prepare for an action-packed, adrenalin-filled 45-minute jetboating experience in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. After donning your lifejacket and helmet and listening to a detailed safety briefing, your driver will take you on a quick warm-up. Nothing quite prepares you for the thrill, when your driver suddenly goes full throttle and you go shooting up the first rapid, heading for the base of the magnificent Falls. In between spurts of wind-swept madness, you will be given a brief talk on the geological formation of the gorge and Falls and the history of the famous Victoria Falls Bridge.

River Trip includes:
• Courtesy transfers from major hotels / lodges in Vic Falls
• Transfers to and from the gorge
• Minerals and beers after the trip

Remember :
• There is a steep climb into and out of the gorge
• The age-limit for the Shearwater Jet is 11
• The trip takes approximately two and a half hours from pick up to drop off
• All trips are subject to water levels and are governed by weather conditions

Adventure Jet - White Water, Views of Victoria Falls experienced in the rapids directly below Victoria Falls - Every Day - Seasonal - Free Transfers (Excluding Zambia) - USD $ 75

Zambezi River Safari - Game Viewing by boat experienced on the Zambezi directly above Victoria Falls - Every Day - All Year - Free Transfers (Excluding Zambia) - USD $ 60

!! PLEASE BE ADVISED !! - You'll need to bring USD $ 5 for the National Parks USAGE FEE when checking in.

** For any Zimbabwe based activity,
transfers are available from any Sun International Hotel in Zambia
at a rate of USD $ 10 **

Whitewater Rafting - Zambezi River

Regarded as the world's greatest white water rafting adventure, rafting down the mighty Zambezi is an experience like none other.

Shearwater are the longest established and most popular white water rafting company by far and have unrivalled safety standards. Our guides are the best qualified and most experienced on the river. Don't miss The Mother, Stairway to Heaven and Oblivion.
ARE YOU UP FOR IT? .

Zambezi River & Rapids
The majestic Zambezi River rises in northwestern Zambia, from an insignificant spring in Kaloma and runs for a total length of 2700km. It is the fourth longest river in Africa and traverses six countries on its journey to the Indian Ocean. Its mighty power has carved the spectacular Victoria Falls and the ever deepening, zigzagging Batoka Gorge, about half way along the length of the river. At peak average flood there is 550 000 cubic metres of water thundering over the Falls per minute, resulting in some serious white water below the Falls. The River in the gorges below the Victoria Falls is classified as a GRADE 5 river. The official definition of a GRADE 5 river, as defined by the official book of the British Canoe Union, is as follows: "Extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops, pressure areas."

This is the biggest commercially run white water in the world. We portage around rapid No 9 which is classified Grade 6 - unrunable. There is a walk of about 70 metres vertical, into and out of the gorge.

Water Levels & Seasons for River Rafting on the Zambezi
Rafting on the Zambezi is seasonal and dependent on rainfall and water levels. Low water is from approximately mid July - end January. High water is from approximately February - mid July, when the river is in flood. Occasionally we stop rafting for a few weeks in late April to early May if the water levels get too high and rafting becomes unsafe. Please confirm with Shearwater regarding what trips are available during this period. Afternoon trips only run in conjunction with Low Water trips.

Shearwater River Rafting: Safety & Quality
Your safety is of the utmost importance. Shearwater is the longest established rafting operator since 1985 and by far the most popular. Over 250 000 passengers have experienced the pleasure of rafting with us. Shearwater Rafting are the undisputed industry leaders in white water rafting in that we have consistently pioneered new techniques and initiated new standards.

Safety Briefing
A detailed safety briefing will be conducted before each trip. The oarsman for the trip explains what to do if the raft flips, how to help each other out of the water and what conditions to expect. He always gives the worst-case scenario so that people know what to expect from the trip and, therefore, have the choice to forego their trip after the safety talk. Once in the raft, you are instructed by your oarsman as to how to negotiate the rapids and some practice is done before you set off. You are also briefed before each rapid on how the raft is expected to react.

Guide Training
• Introduction training program - 3 months
• On-river training refreshers - 3 monthly
• Compulsory First Aid refresher training - fortnightly
• Helicopter evacuation training with Medical Air Rescue Service - quarterly
• Individual guide assessments - annually.
• *Swift Water Rescue refresher training - monthly
• Shearwater Rafting have a full time Guide Training and Safety Officer
• Shearwater have their own qualified *Swift Water Rescue Technician Instructors>/li>

Guides Experience and Qualifications
Our Shearwater Guides have a combined total of 39 years experience between them. They are all qualified in Advanced First Aid and Level 1 of the Swift Water Rescue Technician Course (an Internationally recognised river safety standard administered and controlled from the USA.)

Quality and Equipment
All equipment used by Shearwater Rafting is in full compliance with the recommendations made by :
• The Rafting Association of Zimbabwe and Zambia (R.A.Z.Z.)
• Southern African Rivers Association (S.A.R.A.)
• The International Rafting Federation (I.R.F.)

Safety Techniques
• Shearwater Rafting makes every effort to use the most effective and up to date river running techniques. We regularly ask independent assessors to audit our trips and are seeking IRF approval for our techniques.
• Shearwater Rafting employ safety techniques that meet and exceed the recommended standards set by Rafting Association of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Insurance Standards
• USD1,000,000.00 Public Liability Insurance in line with EU requirements
• MARS coverage for every single Shearwater Rafting Client.

Risk Management
• Shearwater Rafting have adopted the following risk management policy: "We will not subject our clients to anything other than the minimum risk"
• We demonstrated this in 1998 by becoming the first company to walk around Rapid # 7 between water levels of 585mm and 630mm, in order to remove any risk of injury to our clients from "The Gap"

International Recognition
Shearwater Rafting are recognised by, are affiliated to, or are full and active members of :
• Rafting Association of Zimbabwe and Zambia
• South African Rivers Association
• International Rafting Federation

The minimum age limit is 15 years, provided that the life jacket can fit adequately.

One Day Rafting Trips - Zambezi River
Get ready for a very wet, adrenalin-filled day. The rapids are all grade 4 and 5, making for big white water. Calm pools of water separate the rapids - perfect for getting your breath back and admiring the spectacular scenery before you tackle the next one. Depending on your adrenalin limit, there is the option of enjoying either a half-day or full day white water rafting trip.


One Day Trip Options
Low Water (approx August to January)
Half-day rafting - rapids 4 – 10 or 11 - 19
Check in 7:45, Three 10 Parkway, return 14:00 OR
Check in 10:30, Three 10 Parkway, return 17:00
Full-day rafting - rapids 4 - 19
Check in 07:30, Three 10 Parkway , return 17:00
High Water (approx February to July)
Full day only - rapids 11 - 24
Check in 07:30, Three 10 Parkway, return 17:00

One Day Trip includes:
• Courtesy transfers from major hotels / lodges in Vic Falls
• Morning tea / coffee
• Transfers to and from the gorges
• Minerals and beers at the end of the trip
• Certificate to prove you braved the Zambezi
• Videos & photos shown in The Wild Thing Action Bar at 19:00

Remember
• Wear light, easy drying clothing and shoes suitable for rafting
• Bring sunscreen
• Do not bring valuables and attach all glasses securely to you
• We do not advise bringing cameras, but you may, at your own risk
• USD 10 National Parks River Usage Fee is NOT included and needs to be paid in Cash.

One Day Rates
WHITE WATER RAFTING / RIVERBOARDING
• Full Day Rafting - Low Water Only - Victoria Falls Gorges - Every Day - August to January -
   Free Transfers (excl Zambia) - USD $ 110
• Half Day Rafting - High Water - Victoria Falls Gorges - Every Day - January to July -
   Free Transfers (excl Zambia) - USD $ 95
• Half Day Rafting - Low Water - Victoria Falls Gorges - Every Day - August to January -
   Free Transfers (excl Zambia) - USD $ 95
Specialist trips - can be tailor-made for groups on request

Overnight & Multiday Trips on the Zambezi River
A wonderful way to experience true African untamed wilderness is to embark on an overnight or multi-day rafting trip on the Zambezi River. Enjoy the river, gorges and lots of white water and at night set up camp on sandy beaches and sleep under the stars. A minimum of four people is needed to confirm a trip, so they are ideal for groups of friends. We can do private trips and special departures if more than 6 people confirm. Contact us for our scheduled departure list.

Zambezi River Trip Overnight and Multi-Day Options:

OVERNIGHT

This is a combination of either a “Full Day” trip or a “Half Day” trip, with an overnight stay added onto the end of the day trip. Groups stay at the Beach Camp, which has eight thatched chalets, accommodating two people each.
(Operates from August to mid-January)

MULTI-DAY (TWO-&-A-HALF DAY / FIVE DAY)

DAY ONE : Starts with the 23km high adrenalin standard full day trip. Overnight at our beach camp. Try your hand at volleyball or relax while enjoying a spectacular sunset.

DAY TWO : Paddle 26km further down the river with a combination of flat water and rapids. You overnight between Upper and Lower Moemba.

DAY THREE : After an 11km paddle, the two-and-a-half day trip finishes at the proposed Batoka Dam site. A vehicle will transfer you back to Victoria Falls.
The five-day trip continues for another 12,5km. Rapid highlights are "Ghost Rider", Deep Throat" and "Asleep at the Wheel", where you overnight.

DAY FOUR : 38km of river with small Grade 2 and 3 rapids and flat water make up day four. Overnight at Hippo Pools where you can see some hippo and crocodiles giving this stretch of water the name "Croc Alley".

DAY FIVE : Day five ends after a short paddle at the Matetsi River Mouth where a vehicle meets you and transfers you back to Vic Falls. You have covered 120km of the greatest white water in the world!

River Trips include :
• All transfers from major hotels / lodges in Vic Falls and from take out points
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• All sleeping and camping equipment is provided
• Minerals, gin & tonics, beer and wine and drinking water
• Certificate to prove you braved the Zambezi
• Videos & photos can be arranged for larger groups

What to bring :
• Wear light, easy drying clothing and something warm for the evenings.
• Bring several changes of clothing as well as your toiletries
• Bring sunscreen / and attachable sunglasses
• We do not advise bringing cameras, but you may, at your own risk
• USD 10 National Parks River Usage Fee is NOT included and must be paid in Cash.

Rates
• One day and Overnight - Victoria Falls Gorges - Every Day - August to January - Free Transfers (excl. Zambia) - USD $ 145
• Two and a half Day Multiday - Victoria Falls to Batoka Dam Site -
   August to January - Free Transfers (excl. Zambia) - USD $ 295
• Five day Multiday - Victoria Falls to Matetsi River Mouth - August to January - Free Transfers (excl. Zambia) - USD $ 555
• Half Day Riverboarding & Rafting - Low Water Only - Victoria Falls Gorges - Every Day - February to July - Free Transfers      excl. Zambia) - USD $ 125
Specialist trips - can be tailor-made for groups on request.

** For any Zimbabwe based activity,
transfers are available from any Sun International Hotel in Zambia
at a rate of USD $ 10 **