Free Photos & Videos: Unlike other tours, we include professional action shots and video highlights at no extra cost. Take home lasting memories of your adventure.
• Pick-Up on Both Sides: Convenient transfers from hotels in Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) make it easy for all travelers to join.
• World-Class Guides: Our team is highly trained, with international rafting experience and strong local knowledge for both safety and fun.
• Half-Day Flexibility: Big thrills in just a few hours, leaving time to enjoy other activities like a sunset cruise, cultural tour, or visit to the Falls.
• Scenic & Wildlife Highlights: Between rapids, enjoy calmer stretches with spectacular gorge views, birds, and wildlife sightings.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:00 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 15+)
$130
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $140.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Livingstone
Free photos and Videos of the rafting
Licensed and certified rafting guides
National park fees
Helmet, paddle, and life jacket
Bottled water and light snacks
Not included
Personal travel insurance (required)
Gratuities
Visa if crossing the border from Zimbabwe
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up Time: Between 07:30 AM – 08:00 AM
Pick-up Locations: All lodges and hotels within Livingstone town
Guests are kindly requested to be ready at the reception area by 07:30 AM
For accommodations outside town, please contact us in advance to arrange transport (extra fee may apply)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
36 reviews
5
35
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Livingstone
No. 20 by number of reviews among 418 tours in Livingstone
Starting price $130 is close to the typical $135 for tours of similar length in Livingstone
Excurgo comparison of 418 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum Age: 15 years Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required (includes a steep hike in and out of the Batoka Gorge) Insurance: All participants must have valid personal travel insurance Medical Conditions: Not recommended for guests with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnancy What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, dry clothes, and secure water shoes or sandals Safety First: We are fully insured, supported by SES emergency services, and carry an industrial-grade first aid kit on every trip Seasonal Changes: Rafting routes may vary based on water levels (high or low water season) Alcohol & Drug Policy: For your safety and that of others, we do not accept participants who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol If you have any health concerns or special requirements, please inform us in advance so we can best accommodate your needs.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting take?
Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting lasts about 5h 45min.
How much does Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting cost?
Prices start at $130 per person for this Livingstone experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $140. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:00 AM.
Can I cancel Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up Time: Between 07:30 AM – 08:00 AM
Pick-up Locations: All lodges and hotels within Livingstone town
Guests are kindly requested to be ready at the reception area by 07:30 AM
For accommodations outside town, please contact us in advance to arrange transport (extra fee may apply) Pickup points include Ngoma Zanga Lodge, Ravine Lodge.
What languages is Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 50 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 36 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by HSM Adventures Tours and Safaris.
Reviews(36)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
E
euanl653
September 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Stoked
Great guides, great experience. The best money we spent on our trip. We had a blast on the Zambezi while also getting to appreciate the falls from a different perspective.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on the Zambezi and enjoyed seeing the Falls from a different perspective. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our guides. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the Zambezi someday!
Z
Z2351BBemilyd
September 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
So much fun
This trip was amazing. It was so fun and we would definitely recommend. We stayed in Victoria falls for a couple of nights and this was by far our favourite adventure. The tour guides are super friendly, experienced and very helpful. Don’t miss out on this trip. BOOK IT
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had an amazing time and that our adventure was one of your favourite experiences during your stay in Victoria Falls.
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our guides. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with the team. Thank you also for recommending us!
We hope to welcome you back to Victoria Falls and the Zambezi for another unforgettable adventure in the future.
Warm regards,
Howard
HSM Adventures Tours & Safaris
C
CHRISTINA_B
September 5, 2026 · via Viator
Thrilling Adventure
Had white water rafting on my bucket list for 30 years and, wow, what a way to do it on the Zambezi river. It was such a great day with friendly guides, thrilling adventure, stunning scenery and a lovely lunch to finish it off. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes for the walk through the bush down to the river and back - it was not easy in strapless sandals!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It means a lot to us to know that after having white water rafting on your bucket list for 30 years, you finally got to experience it on the mighty Zambezi River with us!
We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the thrilling rapids, stunning scenery, friendly guides, and the lunch at the end of the adventure. We truly appreciate you choosing us to make such a long-awaited dream come true.
And thank you for the great tip about wearing proper shoes for the walk down to the river , definitely something future rafters should take note of!
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to the Zambezi for another unforgettable adventure!
A
achimrothe
August 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Half day Rafting
Great Tour! Very Well organized, very nice Guides!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it well organized. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our guides. We hope to welcome you again in the future! 🙏
M
Maurizio_R
August 14, 2026 · via Viator
The company is managed...
The company is managed by the local owner with a young crew that is very empathetic, capable, and helpful. Reaching the boarding point is quite strenuous (about 45 minutes from the top of the gorge to the river through very steep bush, same thing on the way back uphill). The rapids are beautiful, about 3 hours of rowing. A beautiful and exciting experience, amazing landscapes!
.
Operator response
Grazie di cuore per la splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici che abbiate apprezzato l’esperienza, le nostre rapide, i paesaggi e soprattutto la professionalità e disponibilità della nostra giovane crew.
Il percorso per raggiungere il fiume è certamente impegnativo, ma siamo lieti che la bellezza e l’emozione del rafting abbiano reso tutto ancora più speciale. È stato un piacere avervi con noi e condividere questa fantastica avventura sullo Zambezi!
Speriamo di rivedervi presto per una nuova avventura!
9
987abelh
July 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wow !
Awesome and once in a lifetime experience. A must do !!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an awesome and once-in-a-lifetime experience with us. It means a lot to know that you consider white water rafting a must-do activity. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure on the Zambezi River!
M
michaelfV8124NG
July 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
HSM Zambezi River rafting
Awesome day out with Howard, King James and the team. Looked after us, fed us and got to see some of their beautiful home villages. Highly recommend..
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear you had an awesome day with Howard, King James, and the team. It was a pleasure showing you around, sharing a meal, and giving you the opportunity to experience our beautiful local villages. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us.
We truly appreciate you choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Safe travels!
D
DCDV
April 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
DO NOT BOOK DURING SEASONAL CLOSURE-- this is a bait and switch!
To be clear, I cannot review the Half Day Zambezi River White Water Rafting. I booked it at a time that the full seasonal closure was in effect (though the tour operator still accepts reservations!). The operator reached out through both Tripadvisor and by Whatsapp to propose I do the Upper Zambezi River float as an alternative (while collecting the full fee for the White Water tour). I ultimately agreed, wanting to at least get onto the water and support rafting guides who must take on other tours when the Lower Zambezi is closed.
On the day of the tour (April 26), the guides arrived an hour earlier than agreed. I scrambled to get ready so we could leave by about 7:45am. We drove 40 minutes or so into Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and to the river bank. The raft was ready by about 9:00am and we were on the water. But by 10:00am we were already making our way towards shore and as the guides were packing up they offered me lunch! I declined and said that if this was the end of the tour I'd rather just be taken back to my hotel.
In all, I spent more time on the road than on the river. And the tour operator HSM Adventures refuses to provide a partial refund, offering a number of excuses for why this tour "might not have met expectations". Mind you, I paid for an experience that is advertised as lasting ~6 hours and got one that lasted half of that. DO NOT FALL FOR THE BAIT AND SWITCH.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and we truly appreciate your understanding regarding the seasonal closure of the Lower Zambezi rafting.
We would like to clarify that during this period, rafting activities are not permitted due to high water levels for safety reasons. As communicated in advance, we offered the Upper Zambezi River Float as an alternative so that you could still experience the river, and we appreciate your willingness to proceed with this option.
Regarding your concerns, we sincerely apologize for the early pick-up and any inconvenience caused, as well as for the shorter duration of the activity compared to your expectations. Your feedback is important to us, and we take it seriously as we continuously work to improve our operations and communication.
To clarify, a partial refund was processed through the booking platform, in line with the resolution agreed upon. We always aim to be fair and transparent in such situations.
We regret that the experience did not fully meet your expectations and appreciate your support for our guides during the high-water season. Your comments help us improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.
S
sebastianhR3621XS
March 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience and highly recommend
Had an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I fell in the river and the staff were quick to pull me out. I felt safe the entire time. Highly recommend. A half day is lots of adventure as well
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with us. Our team works very hard to ensure every guest feels safe, supported, and fully enjoys the adventure, so it’s great to know that even after falling into the river, you still felt confident and well taken care of.
Half-day rafting really does pack in plenty of excitement, and we’re glad you got to experience just how adventurous and fun it can be!
Thank you again for the recommendation , we truly appreciate it and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
7
742kristalg
March 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing, thrilling adventure, outstanding crew!
My experience was exceptional! From the pick up, safety training, the traverse to and from the river to the equipment and the spectacular team. The team is diligent in keeping the guests safe, while ensuring they are having an incredible time. They are caring, compassionate and patient to all ages and abilities. I highly recommend this amazing group of rafters, and look forward to returning for another day of adventure!
Operator response
Thank you very much for your exceptional review.
We are truly pleased to hear that you had such a memorable experience with us, from the pick-up and safety briefing to your time on the river with our rafting team. Guest safety, comfort, and enjoyment are always our top priorities, and it is very rewarding to know that our team’s diligence, care, and professionalism made a positive impact on your adventure.
Your kind recommendation means a great deal to us, and we sincerely appreciate you choosing to raft with HSM Adventures. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting day of adventure in the future.
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