• Monday 01 February 2010

Wheather it involves getting drenched by one of the seven natural wonders of the world or rafting on the planets most awesome rapids, a journey on the mighty Zambezi River is a guaranteed thrill. Rising from a small spring in north-western Zambia, the Zambezi, Africa's fourth-largest river it travels a massive 2700 km and traverses six countries on its way to the Indian Ocean. En route the majestic body of water weaves an unmistakable path, and has carved out the spectacular Victoria falls where, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the 2-km-wide river plunges more than 100 metres into the steep-sided and ever-deepening Bakoka Gorge, a white-water-rafting paradise. The tranquillity of the upstream river, home to giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocadiles and innumerable forms of birdlife, is dramatically shattered as the Zambezi approaches the plunging drop of the falls. At peak flood a staggering 550,000 cubic metres of water thunder over the edge every minute, creating serious white-water rapids below. For the best views of the falls from the Zambian side follow the network of paths to the none too encouragingly named Knife Edge Bridge, where a hair-raising traverse through swirling clouds of spray takes you on a downstream island in the river with view of the gaping abyss below. As the falls plunge downwards and ricochet off the rocks in the gorge, spray can spiral upwards as high as 500 metres. This remarkable plume of water can been seen up to 70 km away, earning the Victoria Falls their local name : Mosi-oa-tunya (the smoke that thunders). The falls are incredible enough in themselves, but you will find that the white-water rafting on the Zambezi is in a class of its own. The 25 raftable rapids come one after the other and form the most daunting commercially-run white water anyway in the world. They are classified as grade five by the British Canoe Union - the official definition is extremly difficult, with long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas. If this doesnt get your adrenalin flowing, the names of some of the rapids just might. with titles like "The Terminator", "Oblivion", and "Stairway to Heaven" they give a pretty clear indication that this river is not to be messed with. No previous experience of rafting is required but don't be alarmed you wont be thrown in at the deep end. Qualified raft guides provide thorough training and instruction before you depart. The trips range from a day long trip or if your lookin to explore the lower more tranquil reaches of the river towards Lake Kariba, several days. It is also well worth hopping on board an upstream cruiser for a sunset wildlife safari. That is if have enough energy left over after all this adventure.