You are transferred by shared light aircraft to Ruckomechi from where your safari begins. At approximately 2 pm, after meeting your guide and going through a thorough safety briefing, the canoeists start paddling downstream in sturdy Canadian canoes to the mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance, and the 1st afternoon of paddling covers about 10 to 11 km. This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available and gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with your canoe and the various paddle strokes required.

Superior thatched chalets overlooking the Zambezi River.

Typically, you are awakened before dawn with tea/coffee and biscuits so that you can try to get onto the water just before sunrise, because this is a magical time on the river. The water is usually calm and the peace and tranquillity is amazing.

After paddling for usually about 2 hours, you beach the canoe on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the region and game movements, and you take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush.

After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, you continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around midday. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad and cold meats. Normally, the group rests up in the shade for a while or takes another short walk before moving on to arrive at the next camp at dusk.

The camp, and all the luggage, will have been moved by the camp staff and all that is required of you is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 - 25 km and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movements.

At a time advised by camp staff, you share a light aircraft charter transfer to Victoria Falls Airport where you will be under your own arrangements.