The Last Wave of the Zambezi - a Wild Journey in Zambia
Remember surfing with crocodiles in Zambia? Yup, we shared the tale of two South African surfers riding the enigmatic standing river wave of the Zambezi River not too long ago.
Their journey was epic. The place: wild. The river: dangerous. The wave: powerful.
The Last Wave of the Zambezi - Extreme Adventure in Zambia
Now, here's the pulse-quickening video footage of their adventure in Zambia. Watch as ex pro-surfer, Royden Bryson and fellow surfer Koby Oberholzer, take on the rapids and whirlpools to catch the long wave legends are made of.
They travelled overland from Durban to Victoria Falls, driving well over 6 000 km’s just to reach the monster river wave.
"The elusive standing wave on the Zambezi River is a rare phenomenon that hardly ever breaks, but when it does, it’s raw, powerful and laced with danger. Armed with life vests, helmets and Nyami-Nyamis for protection in the gorge and on the river, Koby and Royden took a leap of faith and scored the wave of a lifetime." - The Journey & Zigzag Magazine
Keep Nyami Nyami close
You'd better invoke the protection of Nyami Nyami (the Zambezi River God) if you decide to surf the enigmatic river waves of Zambia. The local Tonga people believe Nyami Nyami or the Zambezi snake spirit, will keep you safe in these treacherous waters. It is a place of violent rapids and powerful whirlpools sprinkled with giant crocodiles. It is also the place where you can find one of the best river surfing waves in the world if your timing is right.
Nyami Nyami Zambezi River God by Jason Wharam
Why the Last wave?
Plans to implement a hydroelectric power project on the Zambezi River will soon destroy the long, standing wave. The Zambian and Zimbabwean governments are partnering to build the dam for the hydroelectric power scheme about 57km's downstream of Victoria Falls, flooding a World Heritage Site in the process. Flooding the middle Batoka Gorge will kill the rafting industry in this area. The hydroelectric plant is set to generate electricity largely for the South African market. Thus, the elusive standing wave of the Zambezi River may soon no longer exist.
Retro view Surfing With Crocodiles: The standing river waves of the Zambezi River for gritty details.
Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds seeking out quiet places. She has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!
