Rafting below the falls in brief
The rafting day is a trip on the Zambezi in the gorge below the falls. The Shearwater trip lists 7 hours 30 minutes, with local Victoria Falls transfers, helmet, life jacket and safety kit, lunch and drinks. The minimum age is 15, and you need average fitness. Tell the operator about medical problems and medication in advance.
The river decides the season. At low water the trips run from about August to December. At high water they run from January to April. Shearwater is normally closed between April and August. These are seasonal guides from the operators, not fixed dates for 2026.
Prices below are from single operators. Park fees are charged on top, so add them before you compare.
Rafting prices compared
Adult prices in USD, 2026. Each row is one operator's product.
| Trip | Base price | Park fee | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shearwater, low water | $173 | $12 | $185 | 7 hours 30 minutes, minimum 2 participants |
| Shearwater, high water | $161 | $12 | $173 | Low water usually August to December, high water January to April |
| SAFPAR direct day trip | From $140 | $10 | From $150 | Starts at the Victoria Falls Waterfront in Zambia |
| Combo "Trilogy" | From $345 | – | – | Microlight, African Queen cruise and rafting, offers valid to 30 November 2026 |
The totals are the sum of the listed base price and park fee. A "from" price does not show what is included, so confirm the total before you pay.
Our picks: Zambezi rafting
A half day and a full day on the river below the falls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
White-water rafting day on the Zambezi
Hotel transfer, lunch, drinks and rafting equipment. The $12 park fee is paid in cash; tips, photos and video, and any border transfer beyond the agreed one are extra.
Check availability →Half-day rafting on the Zambezi
Hotel transfer, briefing, equipment, lunch, safety kayaker, photos and video, and the walk down and up Batoka Gorge are included. The $10 park fee and tips are extra; a $40 transfer is also listed as not included, so check the transfer terms before booking.
Check availability →Rafting and river trips
Zambezi rafting, cruises and combos with live prices and availability.
Seasons, rapids and what to expect
Why the date matters.
Low water: August to December
This is the longer season. SAFPAR describes low water as running mostly from August to the new year, with rapids 1 to 21. Late in the period the falls carry little water, and Devil's Pool is usually open for swimming. On 14 October 2026 the Zambezi River Authority measured 328 cubic metres per second at Nana's Farm, against 247 on the same date in 2025.
High water: January to April and beyond
Shearwater lists January to April. SAFPAR lists January to July, with different rapid ranges in its own text, 10 to 21 and 14 to 25. The operators run different sections, so ask which rapids your trip covers. Descriptions of a day trip range from rapids 1 to 5 to 1 to 21.
Closures around the peak
When the flow is too high, trips can be cancelled. SAFPAR names the peak in early May as a time of closures, and Shearwater is normally closed between April and August. Check conditions for your dates before you book.
Water levels by month →The climb out of the gorge
The trip ends with a climb. SAFPAR describes about 200 vertical metres out of the gorge. That is part of the day and the reason for the fitness requirement. Wear shoes you can walk in.
Safety and health
The operator provides helmet, life jacket and safety equipment, and you should declare medical conditions and medication when you book. The German Foreign Office advises against swimming in fresh water in Zambia because of bilharzia, and it lists a high malaria risk all year. Ask a doctor about both before you travel.
Health and practical tips →What to check before you book
The price rarely tells the whole story.
The park fee
Both operators list it separately: $12 for Shearwater, $10 for SAFPAR. A trip that looks cheaper may not be once the fee is added.
Start point and transfers
Shearwater lists local Victoria Falls transfers. SAFPAR starts at the Victoria Falls Waterfront in Zambia. If you stay on the other side of the border, ask about transfers and border time. Bring your passport.
Minimum group size and cancellation
Shearwater lists a minimum of 2 participants. Terms for weather and cancellation differ by operator, so read them before you pay.
Combining with other activities
A three-part combo with microlight, cruise and rafting starts at $345. If you also want the island, see the Devil's Pool season. If you want a quieter evening on the river, see the sunset cruises.
Devil's Pool →Plan the rest of your trip
Other things on and above the river.
Zambezi rafting: frequently asked questions
How much does Zambezi rafting cost?
Shearwater lists $173 at low water and $161 at high water, plus a $12 park fee: $185 and $173 in total. SAFPAR lists a day trip from $140 plus a $10 park fee. These are single products for adults in 2026.
When is the best time to go rafting?
Low water, roughly August to December, gives the longest season. High water runs from January to April or July, depending on the operator, and trips can close near the peak in early May. Ask which rapids your date covers.
How old do you have to be?
Shearwater and the 2026 SAFPAR rate sheet both list a minimum age of 15 years. Other operators may differ, so ask before you book.
Do I need to be fit?
Average fitness is required. The day ends with a climb of about 200 vertical metres out of the gorge. Tell the operator about medical conditions and medication in advance.
Is lunch included?
Shearwater lists lunch and drinks, helmet, life jacket and local Victoria Falls transfers. The SAFPAR price lists the base price and park fee, so confirm what else is included.