Zambezi River · Batoka Gorge
White-Water Rafting at Victoria Falls
White-water rafting at Victoria Falls means running the Zambezi through the Batoka Gorge directly below the Falls — up to 25 rapids graded III to V. It's the same river and gorge whether you start on the Zambia (Livingstone) or Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls town) side; the KAZA UniVisa lets many visitors cross freely. Best season is low water, roughly August to December. Staying in Livingstone lets you book a community-owned, locally-guided trip with lodge pickup included.
Victoria Falls is one of the world's great adventure hubs, and rafting the Zambezi beneath it is the headline activity. The Batoka Gorge forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, so operators on both sides run the same rapids.
Which side you raft from comes down to where you're staying. If you're based in Livingstone on the Zambian side, you can raft directly with a community-owned operator and have pickup and return included.
Same river, either side
Zambia and Zimbabwe operators run the same Batoka Gorge rapids — choose by where you stay.
Cross on the UniVisa
The KAZA UniVisa lets many nationalities visit both countries on one visa.
Grade III–V
Up to 25 rapids over a full day, run safely for first-timers with guides and safety kayakers.
Best Aug–Dec
Low water opens the full run; peak flood (Apr–May) usually suspends rafting.
Ready to book?
Transparent pricing, instant online booking, and pickup from your Livingstone lodge included.
Frequently asked
Is Victoria Falls rafting on the Zambia or Zimbabwe side?+
Both. The Batoka Gorge is the border, so operators on either side run the same rapids. Pick your side by where you're staying — the rafting itself is essentially the same.
Can I raft from Zambia if I'm staying in Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe?+
Often yes, via the KAZA UniVisa which covers both countries for many nationalities. Or raft with an operator on your own side, since it's one river. Check your visa eligibility and carry your passport.
When can you raft at Victoria Falls?+
The best window is low water, roughly August to December, when the full run is open. High water (Jan–Mar) shortens it, and rafting is usually suspended at peak flood around April–May.
New to the river? Read our complete guide to rafting the Zambezi.