The Challenge

The typical canoeing day will start at 6:30/7am with hot drinks and biscuits before departing camp for downstream paddling to our breakfast stop at approximately 8:30. We will continue to a sheltered spot for lunch to avoid the heat of the day before proceeding to camp for dinner and overnight. There will be a jeep to offer backup support. The days canoeing are long and tiring, but no experience is needed and you will be given a thorough briefing on what to expect. A good level of fitness is required and we suggest a programme of body conditioning before your departure including walking, cardiovascular workouts and work to improve both your stamina. The canoeing itself is a great opportunity to spot game – elephants and hippos are plentiful, and it is also likely you will spot impala, kudu, waterbuck, warthog, crocodile and buffalo. Occasionally big cats, such as cheetah and lion are seen or, more frequently, heard!

The Project

You will be involved with assisting at a local project in the Lusaka area. This may be at a hospice or several related centres for HIV+ children in Lusaka. Previous projects have included constructing a playground, building a new classroom, building a toilet block, painting rooms and walls and creating a garden.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): London - Lusaka
Overnight flight to Lusaka.

Day 2 (Sat): Lusaka
Arrive in Lusaka and transfer to Eureka Lodge. The lodge is located on a small private game reserve so you can enjoy the wildlife including zebra, giraffe and various deer species. There is a secluded pool for cooling off or just relaxing around, as well as a well-stocked bar! Afternoon introductory visit to project, or just relax. Welcome dinner this evening. Meals: Packed lunch, dinner

Days 3 (Sun) – 5 (Tue): Lusaka
You will help out at a hospice or related centre for HIV+ children in Lusaka. Previous activities have included constructing a playground, building a new classroom, painting rooms and walls and creating a garden. Accommodation will be at Eureka Lodge each night. (BLD)

Day 6 (Wed): Lusaka - Lower Zambezi
Travel down to the Lower Zambezi and embark on a 4-day canoe safari. After having a safety briefing you'll set off for the first afternoon on the river, paddling for approximately 12 km before setting up camp on the banks of the river. (BLD)

Days 7 (Thu) – 9 (Sat): Lower Zambezi
For the next three days we paddle downstream, passing hippos, elephants and buffalo as we go. Occasionally we'll stop and trek for a short distance inland, in search of further wildlife and amazing views over the Zambezi River. Each night we'll set up camp under the stars, either on the river bank or perhaps on a small island. No previous experience of canoeing is required, although days will be long and tiring. (BLD)

Day 10 (Sun): Lower Zambezi - Livingstone
The last morning on the river, as we paddle to our pull-out point from where we load up the vehicles and travel overland to Livingstone (approx 7 hours). Our base is the Waterfront Lodge in permanent tents with proper beds! (BD)

Days 11 (Mon) & 12 (Tue): Livingstone
Enjoy two days at your leisure in Livingstone, the 'adventure capital' of Zambia! Options include wandering around the Falls, flying over them in a helicopter, taking an elephant-back safari or paying a visit to a lion rehabilitation centre (amongst others) – the choice is yours! (All activities are at an additional cost, payable locally). Meals: none

Day 13 (Wed): Livingstone - Lusaka
Return to Lusaka (approximately 5 hours) for a final farewell visit to the project and a last night at Eureka Lodge, with a farewell BBQ dinner tonight. (D)

Day 14 (Thu): Lusaka - London
Return flight to the UK. Meals: early morning refreshments only

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.

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