White Water Rafting in Africa, 10 Places to Go Rafting, Tips & Costs

There are remarkable safari destinations where you can go and enjoy whitewater rafting when on your African safari trip. These destinations offer rapids ranging from the basic Class I to the powerful and impressive Class V.

Below are the best places in Africa that offer remarkable whitewater rafting;

1. Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls are the world’s largest waterfall and produces grade V rapids that live up to its reputation. Mostly they are taken on by experts as they have steep gradients, long descents, and fast-moving water.

You can get closer than you can imagine with a whitewater rafting adventure that begins in the basin of Victoria Falls. Whitewater rafting at the Zambezi River is available from August to December. This is when the waters are lower and calmer.

When the waters rise and become faster, Victoria Falls whitewater rafting adventures begin at about 6 miles downriver. The high-water rafting is available from January to February and June to July and this depends on the force of the rain.

For safety, whitewater rafting stops from around early March to early June as there are high water levels. However, 35 miles downstream from Victoria Falls at Batoka Gorge, whitewater rafting is epic all year throughout.

The Batoka Gorge is a top whitewater rafting destination on the continent having Class III to V rapids. Many tourists coming to raft on the Zambezi River opt for short rafting trips of a couple hours to half a day.

Others come for multiday trips from Batoka Gorge to Lake Kariba for better rafting experiences.

2. Fish River Canyon – Windhoek in Namibia

Namibia is one of the countries having rivers that offer thrills and spills of rafting. The experience is enjoyable on the Fish River, Kunene in the north, and the Orange River in the south. The most prominent in Namibia is the Fish River which flows through the impressive rock formations and forms raids for whitewater rafting.

On your whitewater rafting trip on the Fish River canyon, you will get amazing views of several colored geological wonders which are prices of Mother Nature like the baobab trees.

3. White Nile – Jinja in Uganda

The White Nile is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria in Uganda in Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa. It is near the source of the Nile making it a wonderful place for whitewater rafting.

Rafting is exciting on the Nile since it is the longest river in the world and it has grade V rapids at the source of the Nile River.

There is no need to worry about experience, as there is a section for beginner rafters where they can enjoy a remarkable experience. Whitewater rafting trips at the White Nile range from half a day to two days.

The shores are a habitant to lots of wildlife like Hippos, Crocodiles, bird species like Fish eagles, and Buffaloes that you can see on your safari.

4. Omo River in Ethiopia

The Omo River is in southern Ethiopia, and it is the largest Ethiopian River outside the Nile Basin compared to other rivers. Omo River offers remarkable whitewater rafting as well as dazzling views of wildlife as you adventure different sections below the course of the greatest rafting rivers in the world.

On the whitewater rafting adventure, you get clear views of Hippos, Orchids, and Wolayta people who locally live nearby, and also views of the baobab trees.

5. Mangoky River in Madagascar

The Mangoky River has white waters with fewer obstacles since it has a calm water flow. It is a perfect place for nature lovers as you get an opportunity to sight many baobab trees, remote villages, lemur colonies, and many amazing gifts of Mother Nature.

On your whitewater rafting multi day trip safari, you get to enjoy the calm waters of Mangoky River and sighting of bird species like fish eagles.

6. Blue Nile River in Ethiopia

The Blue Nile River has Class V rapids which are remarkable during your whitewater rafting adventures. It offers an adrenaline blast experience as you flourish on the white waters.

The Blue Nile River flows from Lake Tana and you should know that there are lots of flinging front and back with water splashing making rafters scream all through down the waterfalls.

Rafters enjoy beautiful views of wildlife like Hippos and birds like Fish Eagles as well as the amazing scenery of the waterfalls when on the Blue Nile River.

7. Rufiji River, Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Rufiji River offers an exciting experience for beginners in whitewater rafting sport. The Fufiji and its tributaries cover the greatest catchment area in East Africa and it’s within the southern Selous Game Reserve.

Beginners can enjoy whitewater rafting on Rufiji River in the dry season between June and October with incredible wildlife viewing but after the rains, there are Class III rapids which may bring up a challenge for beginners.

You get to explore Southern Selous Game Reserve which is home to a variety of wildlife species like Hippos, Elephants, antelopes, etc.

8. Doring River in South Africa

The Doring River gives good whitewater rafting for vacationers who come to South Africa while on a tour trip. There is a short rafting season in the Western Cape on the Doring River though it receives many visitors as it is just a few hours from Cape Town.

9. Ahansal River – Marrakech in Morocco

Whitewater rafting starts at Cascade D’Ouzoud, an amazing waterfall near Marrakech. Ahansal River has intermediate rapids with steep gradients and rafters get clear views of the towering Atlas Mountains, gorges, and Berber native people living in remote villages near Cascade D’Ouzoud.

10. Orange River, South Africa

The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa cutting across the northern part of the country in the mountainous desert of the Richtersveld known for its astonishing scenery.

The Orange River is near Johannesburg just from the border of South Africa with Namibia. It offers rafting for both experts and beginners as it has types of waterfalls including intermediate rapids.

When you go for whitewater rafting on the Orange River, you can enjoy a half day trip or multi day trip from the source of the river in the Drakensberg Mountains and westward toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The most exciting whitewater rafting conditions on the Orange River are in March and April when rains in the mountains increase the river’s speed and volume.

The Classes of River Rapids

Rafting evolves six classes of rapids, and it depends on which grade is fine with you for the adventure.

Class I; is the easiest level, it involves water moving very fast but with very few obstructions.

Class II; this is for beginners as the rapids are straightforward with characteristic wide-clear channels.

Class III; is also known as the intermediated level. The intermediate rapids are moderate and the stretch experiences irregular waves which can be challenging to avoid.

Class IV; is advanced level and is comprised of powerful though predictable torrents that require accurate boat handling.

Class V; is expert level and the torrents are extremely violent with complicated demanding routes down the course of the river and steep gradients and long descents.

Class VI; is extreme level and the waters are termed as exploratory because they are unpredictable, extremely tough, and very dangerous. This grade is only for expert rafters though limited on rivers.

Top 10 Helpful Tips for White Water Rafting in Africa

You should know white water rafting in Africa is among the best energizing outdoor activities you can love on your safari trip and requires no level of expertise.

Nevertheless, to warrant that your whitewater rafting experience is fun and enjoyable, there are a few safety rules that you need to know and they include;

1. Use a certified and a professional rafting company

Do simple research about the company you want to use for rafting and know if they are licensed to operate the business. Once you choose the company that suits you, then go with that one.

2. Always have a life jacket or personal flotation device

Always put on a life jacket for safety. It should be comfortably fitting and all the buckles should be well clipped before you hop on into the raft.

3. Always wear a helmet to ensure your safety

Since you are going to be on high torrents, you need to wear a helmet to protect your head.

4. Choose the right wear for the day

Since water is going to be spilling on you, put on light clothes that can dry easily, and polypro-like material is the best one. You can choose to put on beachwear.

5. You should hold the paddle well

When enjoying the whitewater rafting, ensure that you hold the paddle very well so that you don’t fall off of the raft.

6. Always keep within the raft-boat

Ensure that you are ever in the boat during your rafting trip as when you jump out, you can hit a rock or the waterfalls can take you.

7. Always pay attention to the guide’s instructions

Always follow the guide’s instructions so that you don’t fall victim to the rivers

8. Do not panic

When rafting, don’t panic as water doesn’t do well with a panicking body.

9. Remember the high-siding command

This may be the final warning to keep the raft-boat from overturning.

10. Use the correct swimming techniques

Since you are floating on waterfalls, endeavor to swim rightfully so that you stay safe. Some swimming techniques cannot are not advisable during whitewater rafting.

What Equipment is needed for White Water Rafting?

Make sure that you get the right whitewater rafting equipment if you want to enjoy the adventure with fun. The obvious are the paddle and the boat which are generally provided by the tour operator or guide.

Others you can carry include;

The wetsuit; should be thick to keep you warm though not so tight to discomfort you while paddling

A personal flotation device or life jacket; keeps you on top of the water in case the boat capsizes.

Footwear: trainers are the best option

Helmet: to protect your head since you may encounter rocks.

Where Did White Water Evolve From?

The first attempt was in 1811 by explorers who lacked training and special equipment but went on a journey on the Snake River using wooden boots. This attempt was not successful until the 1840s when the first ever rubber raft was made and rumbled the white waters of different rivers.

The rubber boats became popular and after the Second World War, there were many rubber rafts made and this is when rafting became common.

The sport was included in Olympics in the 1970s and the International Rafting Federation was established later in 1997.

Today, rafting is popular both in Europe and Africa and you can enjoy it on your trip.

What Is a White-Water Raft Made from?

The rafts are of different sizes, and they accommodate people from one to twelve individuals though the most common are those of 6 to 8 people.

The white water rafts are made from synthetic materials like urethane as they easily slip over rock surfaces making it hard to get destroyed. They are of different chambers that is if one is punctured, others have air to keep the boat floating.

Why You Need an Experienced Guide While White Water Rafting?

The guide will navigate the raft-boat securely down the sequence of the river and they guide paddlers when not or to paddle as they course on waterfalls. The guide usually has one or two longer paddles which are used to move and guide the boat in water.

Who Can Go White Water Rafting?

Rafting is a sports adventure that can be enjoyed nearly by everyone. It requires no expertise or any experience, especially for those going on grade 4, grade 5, or grade 6 classes of torrents.

However, expect high chances of dropping into water though it does not mean that you have to know how to swim, all you need are defensive swimming skills. You also be fit enough to paddle as it consumes a lot of energy.

FAQs

Is It Safe to White Water Raft in the Zambezi?

Yes, whitewater raft in the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe is safe. The best time for the whitewater rafting in Victoria Falls depends on the level of the water and it is safer to make the trip in the dry season when the water levels are low as you will get all the fun.

Which country is famous for rafting?

Uganda is taken to be one of the best countries in the world offering rafting. Rafting in Uganda is enjoyed on the Nile. Also, the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe offers astonishing rafting in the world.

What grade is Zambezi white water rafting?

The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the best rafting in the world. It has Class III to Class V rapids.

Does the Nile have White Water Rafting?

Yes, the Nile in Uganda has rafting, and it is considered one of the best in the world. There are routes full of variety from the quiet pools and forested islands to thunderous waterfalls and drops.

How Much Does It Cost to Raft the Zambezi River?

The Zambezi rafting trip costs $140 per person.

What Is the Best Place to Go White Water Rafting? | Where Is the Best Place to Go White Water Rafting?

Whitewater rafting trips in Africa are best on the Nile the longest river, on Rufiji River in southern Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Doring River in South Africa in Western Cape a few hours from Cape Town, Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Omo River in Ethiopia, Ahansal River in Morocco, and Mangoky River in Madagascar.

What Is the Most Intense White-Water Rafting in the World?

The most intense rafting in the world is that of Zambezi River in Zimbabwe found on a 24km stretch between the narrow walls of Batoka Gorge.

What Is the Hardest River to Raft?

The Zambezi River in Zimbabwe is the fourth longest river on the African continent and is the hardest on the continent.

What Class Rapids are on the Chattooga River?

You go down the river 8 miles through Class II, III, Class IV, V, and VI rapids.

What class rapids is the Zambezi River?

The Zambezi River has Class III – Class V rapids interspersed with tranquil pools which you can enjoy during your Zambezi adventure.

What Is the Rafting Capital of the World?

The rafting capital of the world is Jinja in Uganda on the shores of Lake Victoria, located at the source of the Nile River, the longest river on the planet.

Can You Raft the Zambezi?

Yes, you can enjoy rafting below the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River is considered to be the very best rafting river in the world having class 3 – Class 5 torrents good for rafting.

In summary, rafting tours in Africa will offer you an outdoor sports adventure experience that will give you memories of an African vacation journey.

Whitewater rafting trips can be combined with wildlife trips, and you can spend the first night in Chobe National Park of Botswana with an excellent morning glory so that you get the best experience in Africa.

Contact Us to Make Reservations for the White Rafting Adventure