Canoeing & Rafting

“Unique water level point of view”

There are many ways to see Africa. Some choose luxurious lodges within some of the continent’s most spectacular national parks and game drives to search out those illustrious animals, while others choose a far different approach – a safari path much less well travelled.  

Rafting trips and canoeing expeditions are magnificent ways to experience Africa, but both in very different ways. Are you looking for an adrenaline-fuelled ride hurtling down whitewater rivers in Kenya for a few hours, or does a sedate five-day/four-night canoe experience exploring the Selinda Spillway in Botswana sound more up your street?

Far from cell phone chatter, daily schedules, and deadlines, journeying along one of Africa’s iconic stretches of river is an outstanding way to view the continent from a completely different perspective.  

Whether you’re more of a serene canoer or an adrenaline-fuelled whitewater rafter, an African adventure seen from this unique water level point of view will live long in the memory. 

Why Choose a Canoeing or Rafting Safari? 

Quietly gliding through Africa’s magnificent waterways and experiencing the surroundings from water level allows you to see this sumptuous land from an entirely novel perspective. It allows you to move silently into close proximity to large game and lets Africa unfold before you in a way it should do – slowly, calmly, and peacefully – a very African way if you will.  

Or maybe you’re looking for something completely the opposite? Perhaps river adventures aren’t quite up to scratch unless you’re thrown headfirst into the odd major rapid on a whitewater rafting trip. If you’re the kind of person that loves the challenge of big-water rapids and want to experience the best that Africa has to offer while on safari, then look no further. 

Whether you’re serenely paddling, or frantically digging into the water as you try to swerve out of the way of a boulder the size of a large car, choosing to experience Africa by water makes for a truly unique adventure and one we can’t recommend highly enough.  

Types of canoeing or rafting safaris

While both of these activities take place on the water, they couldn’t really be any more different and will certainly appeal to very different types of people and ideas of safari. The rafting safari is done over a single day, while the canoeing expedition allows you to explore Africa by paddling down a beautiful river by day and spending each night in a different bush camp surrounded by spectacular scenery that will truly take your breath away. 

Canoeing Safari

For a truly amazing river experience over several days, our canoeing expedition through the Selinda Reserve’s spillway ticks all the boxes. Over 4 nights and 5 days, you will combine both walking and canoeing, depending on the water levels at the time, doing either 20km (12 miles) by foot or 40km (24 miles) by canoe as you explore the spillway of the woodland reserve. 

The Selinda Spillway is located in Northern Botswana connecting the Okovango Delta to the Linyanti River, with the world-famous Chobe National Park just to the east – an excellent nearby extension option if you’re looking to combine a water-based safari with something on land.  

The spillway provides amazing scenery with watery arteries often seemingly extending in all directions. In terms of wildlife, you can expect to encounter a wide array of Africa’s iconic animals, including elephants, hippos, lions, leopards and buffalo. 

A canoe safari is about doing safari differently, giving you plenty of time to simply gaze in awe around as you drift serenely through one of the most stunning areas of the world. Traversing these ecologically rich waterways with overnight stops under the stars has a habit of stirring something deep inside us – that gnawing sense of adventure, that innately human drive that pushes us to see what is around that next bend up ahead. 

Rafting Safari  

Is there anything quite as nerve-shackling terrifying/heart-thumpingly exciting as hurtling down a set of whitewater rapids? 

We know that white water rafting isn’t necessarily for everybody but for the sizeable section of the population looking for thrills, spills and high adventure on an African river, it just doesn’t get any better. 

We offer 3 to 4-hour rafting adventures on the Tana River in Kenya that typically start with a sedate, easy-going warm-up before throwing you headlong into the Class IV/V rapids further down the river.  

The expedition begins at the Savage Wilderness Camp – don’t worry, it’s actually very nice – situated around two hours north of Nairobi. Its location makes for a perfect stop off on the way or returning from Mt Kenya or Laikipia, both just east of the camp. You can also book a few extra nights at the camp itself and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer, including kayaking, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mountain biking and excellent hiking options. 

Things to remember 

 Both canoeing and rafting come with age restrictions due to the nature of the activities. The rafting expedition comes with a minimum age limit of 18, though children over 14 can also participate as long as they are accompanied by a guardian. Those between 5 and 13 can go through the smaller rapids but are required to walk around the more serious whitewater. Our canoeing safaris come with a minimum age limit of 14- years old. 

Previous experience of canoeing or rafting is not necessary as all tuition and safety briefings are given on-site. If you’re a little nervous about the idea of being out on the river, don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to practice and get your sea (river) legs in working order. 

Both activities do require a decent level of fitness, especially canoeing, where you will be required to paddle or walk for long stretches. Needless to say, basic swimming ability is important, not just for your own safety, but also for your peace of mind that will allow you to fully enjoy this canoeing/camping safari. 

If you have any questions or concerns about either the canoeing or rafting trips or would like some ideas on how to incorporate them into your existing safari plans, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to go through some exciting ideas with you.