Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package including activities

The package consists of the following:

• 1 x Transfer from/to Livingstone Airport
• 3 nights accommodation B&B (En-Suite Chalet)
• Sunset Cruise
• Choice of 3 activities from (White Water Rafting, Canoe, 15 Min Helicopter flight of Angels or Elephant Ride)

ACCOMODATION
The accommodation is in en-suite chalets on the Zambian side and is located just 4 km upstream from Victoria Falls. The accommodation is based on a bed and breakfast basis.

There is a central dining complex with stunning views both up and down river. A raised wooden deck stretches our over the river with a unique plunge pool, an open bar and restaurant area, reception and a merchandising shop.

COST
Single - US$ 640
Double - US$ 1122 (Based on 2 persons sharing.)

Note: African Budget Safaris will apply for a VISA waver on your behalf for Zambia. We will need your passport details at least 72hrs before the start of your trip. This however cannot be guaranteed. In the unlikely event of us not been able to get the visa waiver on your behalf you will need to purchase your Zambian Visa at the airport. (+/- US $45-50)

Should you wish to travel across the border to the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls you will need to purchase a day Visa from the Border Post at a cost of US $ 10. This in not included in the price of the package.

Incoming transfers from the Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwian side) can be arranged. These transfers are slightly more expensive should you wish to take this you will be liable for the balance.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Sunset Cruise
The cruise is along the river boundary of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, around Siloka Island and back to your accommodation.

The total cruise time is approximately 3 hours. Sunset cruises arrive back after sunset. From the boats, sightings or elephant, giraffe and even rhino coming down to the river to drink are common. There are also abundant, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.

All cruises have a complimentary bar and serve freshly baked snacks. An experienced guide accompanies each cruise and has good knowledge on the wildlife and local history of the area.

White Water Rafting
Acclaimed as the wildest one-day whitewater run in the World, the Zambezi River is also recognized by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts as one of the top ten paddling rivers on the planet!

If you don't immediately associate the terms "Stairway to Heaven" and "Oblivion" with adventure then you haven't experienced Zambezi Whitewater!

White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls has been classified by the British Canoe Union as Grade 5 - "extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas". This is a high volume, pool-drop river with little exposed rock either in the rapids or in the pools below the rapids.

Our local operator is one of the first commercial rafting operations in the early 90's and has established itself as the leading whitewater outfit in Zambia: first in safety, gear, river guides and back-up.

White Water Rafting operates year round. River conditions are determined by seasonally predictable fluctuations in water levels. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. We're in high water from about February to July with a short "closed season" around April/May depending on the season's rains.

Food and Drinks
Tea and coffee is supplied at the meeting point prior to departure. On the river each raft carries water and orange cordial. A generous lunch is provided at a picturesque spot on the banks of the river. At the top of the Gorge, at the end of the trip, complimentary soft drinks, cordials and beers are enjoyed.

Rafting Videos and Photographs
Whilst on the river, videos and photographs will be taken. Rafting videos and photographs will be shown that evening at your accommodation and will be on display in the office. Copies of all products shown are available for purchase.

Experience and Fitness for a Rafting trip
No previous rafting experience is required and clients need not be proficient swimmers. At the beginning and at the end of the raft trip clients have to negotiate a steep path in and out of the gorge.The walk out is 750 vertical feet up a gradient of 1 in 3, and a person of average fitness can manage this in about 20 minutes.

Age restrictions
The minimum age is 15 years. Children under 15 years may participate subject to consultation between parents and trip leader, whose decision is final. The maximum age limit is dependent on the individual's general state of health and physical fitness.

Rafts and Equipment
The company uses some of the finest equipment on the market to ensure that the trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Rafts are purchased from Ark in South Africa and are the tried and tested river rafts required for the Zambezi River. America's Cup high flotation life jackets and Protec safety helmets are issued to clients before the day's rafting. Wet suits are provided and usually used by clients during the colder months (June/July).
Clients need to bring shorts, T-shirts, costume, shoes, towel and tracksuit for the evenings, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and toiletries.

Guides and Safety
Guides are fully trained professionals and all hold valid advanced first aid certificates. Whilst every precaution is taken, it is essential that clients are fully aware that there is a risk of injury associated with the activity of rafting on the Zambezi. A comprehensive first aid kit and skid stretcher are carried on each trip. Each client is required to sign a White Water Rafting indemnity form prior to departure. Each trip leader is in radio contact with our bases in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and direct with M.A.R.S. (Medical Air Rescue Service).

Upper Zambezi Canoe Trail
The canoe trails operate above Victoria Falls and are the perfect activity for those who want to experience the tranquillity of the Zambezi River as they paddle downstream with the current in inflatable two-man canoes.

The trails begin approximately 25km upstream from the Victoria Falls and during the day about 18km is spent canoeing with a stop at an island for lunch.
At the end of the day, the trip reaches the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park boundary where clients are met by vehicles for a drive through the National park.

In the park, clients have a good opportunity for spotting the endangered white rhino. The safari ends at your accommodation.

Helicopter Flight
Your helicopter flight consists of a 15 or 30 minute flip over Victoria Falls. The helicopter seating is designed so that all passengers have a good view on the Falls and the scenery below.

Flights operate all day and have a capacity for five passengers

Elephant Back Safari

Morning Safari
Pick up from Accommodation: Between 06h30-07h00
Drop off at Accommodation: Between 10h30-11h00

Afternoon Safari
Pick up from Accommodation: Between 14h30-15h00
Drop off at Accommodation: Between 18h00-18h30

Upon arrival, tea, coffee and cordial is served – after which the guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects. The guests will then be introduced to the Elephants and their Handlers.

On mounting the Elephants, the Safari begins. The trails lead through riverine bush and shallow parts of the Zambezi River onto the islands. Actual time spent riding is approximately1 hour after which an elephant interaction takes place. During interaction, the guide will give an informative talk on the African Elephant and its relationship with man.

Each Elephant is under the charge of a Handler – the Guide carries a first aid kit and handheld radio.

The Safari ends with a full English breakfast or good choice of snacks (depending which safari is booked) after which guests may view a video of their personal Elephant experience. Videos are available for purchase and will be delivered to your accommodation that evening or the following morning (depending on which Safari is booked).

General Notes on the Zambezi Elephant Trails

Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit. Minimum age limit for Children is 10 years of age. Guardians of minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors. A guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the trip.

Health Requirements and Fitness
There are no specific health requirements for this activity, and physical disabilities will be considered on an individual basis. If a guest has any medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes or dangerous allergies etc, please ensure that Zambezi Elephant Trails is informed at the time of booking. As we sometimes operate over difficult terrain, a reasonable degree of physical fitness is required.

Group size for bookings
Minimum number is 2 pax and maximum of 12 pax. Larger groups can be accommodated on special request but advance booking is essential.

Public Liability
Zambezi Elephant Trails is covered by a US$ 1 500 000 Public Liability Insurance.

Medical Air Rescue Service
All clients travelling with Zambezi Elephant Trails are covered by M.A.R.S. in the unlikely event of an emergency.

What to bring / wear
Please bear in mind that guests will be responsible for carrying their personal effects while on the walk. It is therefore advisable that belongings are kept to a reasonable limit. Bottled water will be available, so it is not necessary for guests to bring their own.
We recommend that guests do bring the following:
Sunblock
Binoculars
Cameras
Personal Medication
Glasses or sunglasses
Insect repellent
Guests should wear neutral coloured clothes. Wildlife may be encountered and therefore whites and bright colours should be avoided.

Recommended clothing as follows:
Long trousers with closed, comfortable walking shoes
Long sleeved shirts, especially in the summer months
A wide brimmed hat
A sweater is recommended for the months of May to August

Note: There is a US$5 National Park Fee that will need to be paid on the day for the Elephant Back Safari. This is NOT included in the tour price.

ADDITIONAL DAY TOURS
In addition to the day tours mentioned as part of your package there are several other tours available in Victoria Falls that you can add on to your package at an additional cost. These are as follows:

Tandem Kayaking: $150
Lion Encounter: $100
Village Tour: $40
Bungi Jump: $90
Horse Ride: From $50
Abseil: From $85
Jet boat Ride: $90

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