November 17: White Water Rafting

Friday, November 17

We completed a half-day (8:00 am - 3:00 pm) white water rafting adventure in the Zambezi River with several class 4 and class 5 rapids.   Although we had a couple of close calls, we avoided a boat flip which is always unpredictable.  The exhilaration of the choppy fast flowing waters made for an extremely enjoyable day.  We did have one scare as Ashley was unceremoniously thrown from the raft as we crossed through a class 5 rapid.  Fortunately, an extra guide strategically placed in the river was able to capture her. After a tasty lunch on the shore, we scaled up the gorge in intense heat that brought many rafters to their needs.  This didn’t include the two guides who carried the two 80 kg boats up the steep incline.

After a quick shower, we crossed the border into Zimbabwe. And, much like entering Zambia, it was an organizational nightmare to pay for the several fees associated with bringing a rental car across the border.  

We ended up at N1 campsite where we settled in for the evening.  We were lucky to be entertained by live music from a restaurant across the street. 

Thursday, November 16

We had a relaxing morning at our lovely hotel.  After a delicious breakfast, we chilled, literally and figuratively,  in our air conditioned room.  We made a short trip into the city to purchase a few gifts for family and friends while also scheduling a white water rafting trip for tomorrow morning.