Family Half / Full Stretch Whitewater Rafting

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Shockwave Adventures offers the best family rafting trips on the most prolific and number one rated river, the Mighty Zambezi. This is an expedition that creates high quality, uninterrupted time for the family together. It is the time to spend quality time and  focus on life with your loved ones. The Zambezi River constantly moves, and we've seen firsthand how sharing a family rafting trip strengthens bonds and deepens relationships.

 

Obviously, all parents and grandparents understand the importance of creating memorable active family adventure vacations for children and adults who want to share the most unforgettable, fun-filled adventure possible.

 

Family rafting trips may just be the best family adventure vacation –Ever! What other vacation can you think of where everyone in the family can be equally thrilled doing the same thing together? There is something about the pace, setting and even the rigors of a family rafting trip that does something magical to those who take up the challenge of this family adventure vacation. The relaxed atmosphere on the Zambezi River, contrasting with the teamwork demands of Whitewater gives you a family rafting vacation full of unforgettable outdoor adventure. Family Whitewater river trips really do inspire families to discover more about one another and frequently create lifelong memories.

 

Full description of your tour & itinerary

You will be pick up from your hotel between 7am -7.30am, and taken straight to the River. Due to Covid 19 we try by all means to minimize contact , hence we will make you sign the indemnities online prior to your travel. Please wear light clothing that you don't mind getting wet - including footwear. Bring sunscreen.

Depending on the season, if doing a Full Stretch rafting you will jump into our jeeps and drive only 5 minutes to the top or the canyon but if its High Water (half Stretch) rafting you will drive something 15km to the river . Once you get to the top of the canyon you will be given a life-jackets, wind breaker if raining, helmets & a paddle if opted for paddle raft. You then have a full safety briefing from the head guide. Following the safety briefing you will begin the steep climb down into the gorge, and then along the bottom of the gorge to the put-in point. Once you get at the bottom of the canyon your guide will allocate you some positions & do a practice in a pool first.

The epic adventure will then begin. If low water (August - December) you will start your 26km journey over 19 most of which are grade 4 or 5. High water rafting (usually Jan-mid/end March and again June-July) may clip some rapids and overall distance of about 18km.

When having kids we make them skip this top section with class v rapid and join parents on the last 14km or so

Beware rafting may close April-May - but this is subject to water levels.

Hammer your way through infamous rapids, whose names were conjured to instill fear and trepidation into would-be rafters, “The Terminators”, “The Mother”, “ and the Washing Machine. Our experienced guides will steer you on an unforgettable ride through the formidable rapids of the mighty Zambezi.
You will not only be enjoying the adrenaline pumping thrill of this exceptional activity, you will also marvel at the stark, sheer beauty and tranquility of the breathtaking Batoka gorge

You now have a steep climb out of the gorge you need a reasonable level of fitness - just take your time. At the top, cold beers, braai,vegs await & drive you back.

 

Inclusions

Buffet lunch included
Free drinks included
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Mineral water during rafting
Professional local guide through out
All rafting gear - life vets, helmets, paddles and rain jackets

 

Exclusions

Rafting shoes, rafting shorts
National park fees $10 per person

Photos and Videos (available upon confirmation before the trip)

Bring Sunscreen lotion, and your medication if you are on so that our guides can keep it safe and dry inside our first aid kits and dry bags. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO LOSE OR GET WET! We recommend that you leave everything with our drivers at top of the canyon or in your hotel room.

 

Fitness

You will have climb in and out of the steep gorge - you don't need to be super fit at all for this activity, but do need a reasonable level of fitness - just take your time

 

What to Wear

Nylon swim trunks, swimsuits, river sandals or old tennis shoes are great for rafting. Try to stay away from anything cotton if possible. Hats are good for sunny days and for those rare overcast or cool days a fleece pullover, a wool hat and socks and a windbreaker would be a great way to stay warm. Please note: Cotton WILL NOT keep you warm when it is wet.

 

Skills Prior

Rafting experience is not required on most of our trips. The majority of people who join our expeditions are first time rafters. You'll receive a detailed safety talk before getting on the river, and it will cover every aspect of your river adventure. Once trained, your crew can work in harmony with their guide to maneuver a raft in the most challenging rapids. It's only natural for you to be apprehensive about running rivers, however our staff is specially trained to address your concerns and prepare you for an experience you'll never forget.
We offers a river trip to satisfy all types of adventurous individuals. We welcome anyone, young or old, in reasonable physical condition. Age requirements vary depending on the trip. Persons who are extremely overweight should try and meet our Trip leader the day before the trip to size the Class V Life jacket first. If you or a member of your group are pregnant or have special health or physical considerations, please call our office and consult a physician for recommendation.

 

Location Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

 

Departure Point We do all pick ups from any lodge / hotel in Victoria Falls

 

Return Point At the lodge / hotel you got picked up unless a prior arrangement is made with the trip leader.

 

 

Personal Guides
Widely recognized as industry leaders, Shockwave rafting professional whitewater rafting guides are rigorously trained in all aspects of river safety, logistics and emergency preparedness to ensure the well-being of your family. Our guides are also experienced working with kids who may be fearful of the water or perhaps…not fearful enough. They are skilled in knowing how to gently teach younger rafters how to be safe on the water while keeping them motivated and working together with their paddling teams and maximizing their “fun factor”.

 

The “Kids Friendly” top dressing
State-of-the-art equipment and special life jackets (personal flotation devices) made just for kids are standard for every trip. Shockwave Rafting also make an effort to provide all the amenities for the absolute best family rafting trip. From kid-friendly meals to river games (swimming on small rapids) , from teaching your kids the basics of whitewater commands to sharing guide stories and whitewater idiom, Shockwave Rafting has you got you and your family covered!
 
Type III - V: When you want to float serious water you need a serious life jacket.
The NRS Big Water V Youth is a high flotation jacket that will fit a range of young body types.
Four front buckles make entry, exit and adjustment simple and quick.
The Youth size fits people 50-90 lbs & Child size fits 30 - 50 lbs
Youth has Six side adjustments and two shoulder adjustments hold the PFD securely in place.
Child has four side adjustments and a waist adjustment make for a comfortable fit. Child model has a leg strap to prevent jacket ride-up