Navigating from Kariba to the Zambezi Floodplains

Rafting the Zambezi is a world-renowned thrill—an unforgettable adventure that has earned its reputation for good reason. But this next experience takes you further off the beaten track. It unfolds in one of the most remote and spectacular regions of Zimbabwe, where the adventure lies not in adrenaline but in immersion – in the unknown, the untamed, and the unexpected.

Perched on the bow of a custom-built aluminium boat, you’ll feel the river’s power as it flows past whirlpools and carves through narrow channels. Whether it’s the imagined spirit of Lulungwa-Mangakatis (the river god) or simply the magic of the landscape, the setting is elemental: ancient baobabs clinging to sheer rock faces, black eagles circling high in a cobalt sky, and, if you’re lucky, a flash of a rare Taita falcon darting overhead.

This journey is part of an immersive, expeditionary safari that connects the wild foothills of Matusadona National Park, located on the shores of Lake Kariba, with the meandering channels, floodplains, and wildlife-rich vistas of the Lower Zambezi Valley.

“Our safaris are personalized, individually curated adventures that offer deep immersion into some of the last true wilderness areas on the planet,” says Graeme Sharp of 16° South, a small, owner-run company specialising in expedition safaris through Zimbabwe’s most remote and unspoiled landscapes. Their routes traverse the untamed corners of Mana Pools, Matusadona, and Chizarira National Parks—all strung along the 16° South line of latitude. These are wild, lightly explored places, and 16° South’s approach is intentionally intimate, designed for just 2 to 8 guests at a time.

Each expedition begins with a personal discovery call, ensuring the experience is built entirely around your interests—whether that’s birding, hiking, photography, or simply slowing down to observe and absorb. But it’s not a stripped-back survival trek. The team at 16° South believes that comfort and adventure can coexist. Their attention to detail is exceptional: logistics are tightly managed, food is thoughtfully prepared, and equipment, from expedition-ready 4x4s to their fleet of aluminium riverboats, is built to explore in style and safety.

Yes, there’s a thrill in seeing a breeding herd of elephants crossing a misty channel at dawn or in catching a glimpse of a leopard weaving silently through camp. But the deeper journey is about stepping out of the noise of modern life and aligning with nature’s pace. You may even reconnect with a quieter, more grounded version of yourself.

“We’re here to give you an experience that redefines what a safari can be,” says Sharp. “One that allows you to move slowly, experience something unforgettable, and lean into the beautiful uncertainty of the wild.”