Raft the Mi-tee Zam-bee-zee! — 3 years ago
Rafting the Mighty Zambezi River is definitely one of the highlights of my life. It will push your mind, body and spirit in ways you never thought you could handle. I swam five class 5 rapids- meaning I flew out of the boat and got sucked under and rode the waves solo style. I thought I was going to have a panic attack the first time- just after I realized I was caught churning and spinning in a whirlpool! But I decided to relax, breathe when I was above water and make the best of the ride. This change in mentality allowed me to enjoy the adventure and greased the way for an eventful and challenging run down the river. Just be sure you don’t drink gallons of the water- it makes one extremely ill (temperature of 103+!)
The poverty and strife of the native people in Zimbabwe right now is heart-wrenching. Our Botswanian van was swamped and surrounded before the engine was even turned off. I was there about three years ago and honestly, in hindsight, not a great time to go for my personal safety and ethically because I don’t want to support Mugabe and his corrupt, inhumane rule of terror. (He owns all the banks just to begin to give you an idea…)
So I would go back to the Falls in a heartbeat- and even today it’s possible without going to Zimbabwe- go to the Zambia side and go with a Zambia rafting company if you raft the river. You’ll have no regrets if you’re not the frail of heart!
