The Zambezi River is one of the life-giving veins that run through Africa. This continuous water supply provides sustenance to millions of animals, plants and people along its banks.
The Zambian people are extremely dependant on the Zambezi River for their income and essentially, their existence. Many cities, towns and villages are built on the banks of a river as it provides rich alluvial soils for farming and fishing as a source of income.
The Zambezi River’s source is in Zambia, the longest stretch weaves through the country and acts as the border between Zambia and several of its neighbours.
A river safari in Africa is an incredible experience. These and other water-based activities along the Zambezi River boost tourism. This is essential to the economy of Zambia.
Baines’ River Camp. is situated along the Zambian banks of the Zambezi River, in the Chiawa Game Management Area. Adjacent to the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Baines’ story is all about the Zambezi River and how the famous explorer and artist Thomas Baines’, who first visited the area with David Livingstone in 1858, fell in love with this little piece of Africa.
The Zambezi River remains largely unchanged and unspoilt since the time he explored the middle and lower sections over the period 1858-1863.
Abundant in wildlife, vegetation and people, the beauty of the Zambezi River is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
The name of this incredible force of nature means “Great River”.
At the end of the day, you will sit back, relax and enjoy a sundowner while the sun sets over one of Africa’s largest rivers.
10 Reasons why the Zambezi River should be on your travel bucket list:
The Zambezi river…
- is the 4th largest river in Africa
- flows through 6 African countries
- flows over several waterfalls
- has only very few crossover bridges despite its length
- is home to two of the largest sources of hydroelectric power
- is home to the Bull Shark
- used to flow through the Makgadikgadi pans
- boasts grade V & VI rapids near Victoria Falls
- the source is in Zambia and its delta in Mozambique
- boasts incomparable river safari’s
Zambezi River Safari in Africa
On a river safari at Baines’, you will cruise the Zambezi River accompanied by one of our experienced and knowledgeable river guides. You can expect to see anything from a breeding herd of elephants bathing, ever-curious buffalo in the reeds, or the elusive African Skimmer amongst other wildlife on the Lower Zambezi.
Hippo’s, crocodiles, monitor lizards and a host of aquatic species inhabit the Zambezi River and its surrounds, not to mention the array of bird species which call the Lower Zambezi River their home.
Game viewing from the river adds a different dimension to your safari as most wildlife is more at ease with boats in the water than with vehicles on land.
With the added flexibility to move around the boat, a river safari offers spectacular photographic and viewing opportunities.
Water activities along the Zambezi River:
River Canoe – A safari by river canoe is extremely popular in Africa as well as at Baines’ River Camp. You will be accompanied by a trained guide.
Sports Angling – Who said, “There are no Tigers in Africa”? The famous African Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus Vittatus) offers, pound for pound, some of the best sport angling anywhere in the world. Whilst maintaining a strict catch and release policy, our enthusiastic guides will assist you to hook and land this fierce freshwater predator.
Fly Fishing Trips – Catching a Tiger Fish on the fly is widely considered to be the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing and the opportunity to do so on the Zambezi should not be missed. The guides at Baines’ have honed their skills over the years on how to find and catch Africa’s most powerful freshwater game fish.
