River God Adventures offers a private “floating safari” experience down the Zambezi River, on custom made boats equipped with all the necessities to keep guests safe and comfortable.
Each trip is booked for a minimum of 6 nights to allow guests to truly immerse themselves in their surroundings which are constantly changing as the boats meander down this mighty river.
Beginning 100 kilometers upstream from its final destination, River God silently drifts past some of the most breathtaking vistas in Africa.
Excursions are undertaken on the Lower Zambezi River between Chirundu and the Mupata Gorge - through Mana Pools National Park, Sapi, and Chewore safari areas. This area is known to be one of the most wildlife-rich sections of the entire river. It is surrounded by National Park and protected land on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides, yielding impressive wildlife sightings year-round.
The intimate family/group 8-sleeper boat EOS (built in 2023) comes fully staffed with a professional guide, chef, skipper and deck hand allowing passengers to sit back and enjoy the pristine African beauty surrounding them. Their safaris are booked on a private basis, whether there are 2 or 8 guests on board.
Four spacious sleeping pods are found on the top deck, providing comfort and safety to guests while the boat is moored for the evening.
Specially-designed pontoon tender boats accompany the main vessel to allow flexibility for access and for a variety of activities.
Days are spent drifting, fishing, game viewing and birding from your boat and on walking safaris; and every evening is passed on the banks of the river with no one else around - just a fire to sit by and an impressive canopy of stars to observe while your private chef prepares dinner.
This is truly a once in a lifetime adventure that can’t be missed!
River God Zimbabwe has been operating on the Lower Zambezi for the last 7 years, and in 2024 opened up the same operation in Zambia.
Geographically, the safaris take place on the same stretch of the Zambezi River, the only real differences are the following:
- The Zimbabwe safari begins about 50kms upstream from where the Zambian safari starts; but the bulk of time on both safaris is spent in the same section of the river. (Mana Pools/Lower Zambezi National Park areas)
- Mooring sites: every evening whether guests are on the Zimbabwe or Zambian safari, the boats moor on islands or on the mainland for the night. Guests on the Zimbabwe boat will be moored in different locations to the Zambian boat as they will need to stay on Zimbabwean territory, and visa versa.
- Whichever boat is chosen, guests will need to enter into that respective country.
- Land based activities such as game drives and walking safaris will also need to be based in whichever country guests enter at the start of the trip. Zimbabwe = Mana Pools National Park and surrounding islands. Zambia = Lower Zambezi National Park.
Reviews 7
Brad Cartwright, Wildfly Travel, South Africa
4 December 2017
River God Adventures offer something completely new. A fully kitted out “house boat” that is able to navigate the river due to its shallow draught. Sleeping up to 8 guests comfortably, with a hot water shower and flush toilet on board, as well as a large galley churning out the kind of food that has made Zimbabwean chefs justly famous. Although we did not have time to do the full trip, the normal itinerary is a 5-night voyage from Chirundu near the Kariba wall down the river to Masau Camp, near where the river enters Cahora Bassa. From a fishing perspective, this means that one gets to fish both the wide slow sections of the river as well as the deeper faster flowing gorge area. The freedom to pull up onto an uninhabited stretch of beach for sundowners and dinner served al fresco under a gazebo on squeaky white sand, while taking in the sights sounds and smells of Africa is a special experience indeed and is certainly one of the reasons this operation is already running high occupancies and should be booked well in advance.
Willie Ranby, Zimbabwe
5 October 2017
We have just got back from a brilliant trip on the Challenger and Discovery.
Congratulations on setting up such a great boat, and crew.
GUY, DEAN AND NORMAN were simply great.
Everything was top drawer. The food, the layout of CHALLENGER etc is simply the best.
The service, support and attention to detail we received from the team was excellent. The fans in the tents are just perfect to assist you sleep.
We had so many highlights on the trip.
The team went out of their way to innovate and plan exciting options for us. Lunching on the sand banks, game drive through Mana etc etc.
Guy has incredible eyesight and found animals for us when clearly we would never have seen them. In particular 2 x lions in the gorge.
Please can you extend our thanks to your team for an amazing trip.
Kim Kay, South Africa
7 July 2017
Thank you for an incredible trip. I wanted you to know our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your entire team that safely, professionally and joyfully took us on our journey. Deano's passion for food made our meals not only delicious but creative and exciting, and he produced fabulous food quickly and energetically every time. Amazing what he turned out all week. Norman never failed on smiles and hard work. His kindness and sense of humour were infectious and the kids all loved fishing with him. York is an incredible guide – He calmly and confidently piloted us past several buffalo sightings, land bound hippo and through a small river crossing. His enthusiasm for his play ground is infectious and his work ethos golden. He loved every minute of fishing tirelessly with the kids and his energy levels are never ending. Nothing was any trouble for your team at any moment... no request, or question too large of small. Thank you. Siyabonga! Memories made and banked for life.
Joy Denton, Zimbabwe
30 September 2016
We loved every minute of the River God. What an amazing experience. We had lots of adventures and laughter and I can't tell you enough how much we enjoyed it all. The tents are so comfortable and the food was delicious. Guy was fantastic and looked after us all very well as did Bruce. We had a wonderful walk and felt very safe with Guy. It really was great.
Kim Kay, South Africa
7 July 2016
Thank you guys - too FANTASTIC for words!!! See you next year!
Helen Boaler, Zimbabwe
19 May 2016
River God Adventures, you rock. Loved every minute of our adventure.
Bridget Holland, Zimbabwe
7 May 2016
A truly magical trip, thanks!!!