Explorer Safaris

• Explorer Canoe Safaris are semi-participatory – meaning camps are not already set up for your arrival and that everyone helps to put up tents each evening. Tents supplied are very easy to set up, two-man, dome tents.
• These safaris are self-contained – meaning all equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up.
• They take a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 people (special arrangements can be made for larger groups upon request).
• The minimum age limit for canoe safaris is 14 years – there is no maximum age limit, but sound judgement should be used.
• No previous canoeing experience is necessary, but guests are required to be reasonably fit and healthy.
• The maximum luggage limit per client to take on the river is 10kgs. A luggage room and safe facilities are provided for any extra luggage at the Kariba office.
• Animals seen on the trip usually include elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile, and plentiful birdlife. Lion, leopard, painted hunting dog, etc. are more rarely seen, but are certainly in the area. We cannot guarantee plenty of game while on safari, particularly during the green (rainy) season.

The semi-participatory Explorer Canoe Safari options begin and end in Kariba (unless by other arrangement) and we recommend clients spend the night prior to their safari’s departure in Kariba town. (We can assist with booking this accommodation.) Safaris depart from the Natureways offices in Kariba. Clients can self-drive there or be picked up from their various hotels at 7:30am. Once at the office, clients may arrange for excess luggage and valuables to be safely locked away until their return. (We do not recommend taking passports or valuables on the river). A short briefing will then be given, to help clients understand what the trip entails and any questions will be answered.

A shopping trip follows to allow the purchase of any additional groceries or personal items required, as well to purchase particular drinks clients may want. Clients will then be driven to the starting point of their safari.

DAILY ROUTINE
Generally, the day starts with tea/coffee and biscuits at sunrise. Camp is then packed up and the party sets off. Early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not yet too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast, usually after a couple of hours. The trip continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta to avoid the midday heat. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm and the camp is unpacked and setup. Campsites are typically set up on islands and all sites are designated by National Parks.

ABLUTIONS
There are no ablution facilities on these safaris. Clients are provided with a spade, toilet paper and matches – with which to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is done from a bucket using water scooped out of the river.

BACK-UP STATUS
Explorer Safaris are self-contained. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back-up apart from drop-off and pick-up. As these safaris are semi-participatory, clients are required to help up setup tents and to assist the guide with the cooking and washing up.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
All camping equipment is supplied. This includes gas stoves, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic plates, mugs, tables, stools, camping mattresses, sleeping bags and liners, candles, matches, cooler boxes and dome tents. Clients can bring their own sleeping bags if preferred. Fishing equipment is not supplied but clients may bring their own.

FOOD
All food is supplied, and meals are of a good standard. Meat and poultry dishes are precooked, frozen and stored in a cooler box during the safari. Some fresh produce, (fruit and vegetables) are provided on the safari. Long safaris such as the Zambezi Classic Long are re-supplied in either Chirundu or Mana Pools.

• Breakfast usually consists of fruit, eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans or tomato relish, toast, and jams.
• Lunch consists of cold meats, salads, cheese, and bread.
• Dinner consists of a variety of meat and vegetable dishes.

DRINKS
Tea, coffee, cordials and imported wine with dinner are provided on Explorer Safaris. Processed water is provided on all trips, however, they also provide 2 litres of bottled mineral water per person per day. Clients are therefore advised to bring their own minerals (soft drinks), beer and spirits. Clients will be able to purchase these before the trip when taken shopping prior to departure. Drinks must be bought in cans to reduce weight and space. A cooler box is set aside for keeping drinks cold. There are no opportunities to replenish stocks on the river.

WHAT TO BRING
Please keep all your luggage for the Safari to a maximum of 10kgs per person packed in a soft duffel bag, not a suitcase.

We recommend you pack the following for your Safari:

• Swimming/bathing costume
• Shorts and T-shirts
• Personal toiletries
• Canvas shoes or rafting sandals
• Hat with a wide brim
• Jacket or sweater for the evenings
• Shirts (including a long sleeved one for sun protection)
• A kikoi (or sarong) to cover your legs to protect them from the sun.
• Torch or flashlight and extra batteries
• Camera, film and spare camera batteries
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen
• Bath Towel
• Insect repellent
• Socks for winter nights
• Warm clothes to sleep in during winter.
• Waterproof bags for personal items.
• Money for National Parks Fees as well as identification documents, where relevant. Natureways Safaris recommends clients take a course anti malaria medication before travelling to Africa, please consult with your doctor or GP. Please ensure that you advise us of any medical or dietary requirements at least 14 days before your trip departs.

COSTS INCLUDE

• Road transfers from Kariba town to and from the safari – All transfers are in open 4×4 vehicles, please be advised that roads can be dusty and bumpy.
• All meals – they do cater for dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or diabetic, however we require advance warning – at least 14 days.
• Drinks – including tea, coffee, cordials, imported wines with dinner and 2 litres of mineral water per person per day. No alcohol, other than wine with dinner each evening, or minerals are provided. We do supply adequate cooler boxes if guests would like to take their own alcohol, minerals and additional bottled water.
• All canoeing equipment – the canoes are two-man Canadian-style canoes, and the paddles are American Carlisle paddles.
• All camping equipment – two-man dome tents, sleeping bags, liners, mattress, flysheet.
• Fully qualified canoe guide.

PLEASE NOTE THAT COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE NATIONAL PARKS FEES WHICH ARE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO PARKS EN-ROUTE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR THE FEE BEFORE TRAVEL.