120km · 6 Days · Kafue National Park, Zambia
Row 100km through Africa's second largest game park in custom-built sculling boats. Luxury safari camps each night. Wildlife all around you. An experience you simply can't have anywhere else in the world.
The Story
RowSafari is a 6-day adventure rowing expedition through the Kafue National Park in Zambia — Africa's second largest game park. You'll row 120km along the Kafue River in custom-built triple sculling boats, staying each night at luxury safari camps.
It's a unique combination of adventure, luxury and conservation. From the water you'll encounter hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and extraordinary birdlife. Each afternoon brings walking safaris, game drives and night drives. Each evening, fine dining and stories under the African sky.
Our Heritage
RowSafari is born from the RowZambezi series of rowing expeditions along the waters of the Zambezi River. Since 2011, we've rowed 1,000km from the Angolan border to Victoria Falls, completed the first nonstop row through day and night along the 250km Lake Kariba, and in 2018 undertook the first rowing expedition through a national park in Africa — jointly with World Rowing and WWF.
The 2024 RowZambique Expedition completed our journey along the Zambezi with an 800km row through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean. Our expeditions have included Olympians and novices, ages 14 to 70+, and we've aimed at 50% female participants throughout.
The Experience
Every RowSafari expedition is built on three pillars that together create something you simply can't experience anywhere else.
Row through pristine wilderness amongst Africa's most iconic wildlife. Custom-built triple sculling boats, each carrying an experienced RowZambezi guide and two guest rowers. Motorised support boats accompany you at all times. Some light experience of sculling needed — you don't need to be a competitive rower.
Stay at lovely safari camps along the Kafue River with fine dining, game drives, walking safaris, night drives, and professional photography opportunities. This is not camping — it's a genuine luxury safari experience with the added thrill of arriving by rowing boat.
Contribute to wildlife data collection and clean water projects. A portion of profits goes to the RiverRoots charity, supporting conservation and community water initiatives in southern Africa. On the final day, a hands-on conservation activity ensures you leave having made a tangible contribution.
On the Water
Your day starts with an early breakfast and a morning safety briefing from the expedition team. You'll be on the water by around 08:00, rowing between 25–40km through stunning wilderness with wildlife all around you.
You'll arrive at the next safari camp by midday, with the afternoon free for walking safaris, game drives or simply relaxing. Evenings include night drives, good dining and swapping stories under the African sky.
The Journey
Arrive in Lusaka and transfer by charter flight into the Kafue National Park — a spectacular way to arrive. Settle in at Hippo Camp with a safety and orientation briefing, followed by an afternoon game drive and your first evening under the African sky.
Your first day on the water. An introductory rowing leg downstream through open floodplain with wildlife encounters from the very first stroke. Arrive at McBrides Camp for afternoon walking safari and game drive.
20km rowingThe longest and most immersive day on the river. Navigate deeper into the Kafue's core through prime hippo and crocodile territory. Your guide steers you through safely while maximising wildlife encounters. Arrive at Musekese Camp for afternoon game drives and night drives.
40km rowingContinue downstream through stunning riverine landscape. Some of the trip's best birding opportunities as the river winds through gallery forest. Arrive at Kafwala Camp with the afternoon free for walking safaris.
25km rowingThe final rowing leg launches from the Mayukuyuku river point and finishes at Mukambi Safari Lodge. An exhilarating conclusion to the river journey. Celebratory dinner at the lodge.
35km rowingTake part in a hands-on conservation activity before transferring back to Lusaka by charter flight. Leave knowing you've made a tangible contribution to the Kafue.
The Wildlife
The Kafue's abundant hippo pods are a constant companion on the water
Herds frequently come to the river to drink, especially at dawn and dusk
Spotted basking on banks and sandbars throughout the river system
Zambia's iconic raptor — its call is the soundtrack to every river journey
Encountered on game drives and walking safaris from the safari camps
Dense riverine forest is prime leopard habitat — sightings possible on game walks
Large herds gather at the water's edge, part of the Kafue's thriving ecosystem
From kingfishers to carmine bee-eaters — a birder's paradise
Your Safety
Safety is our absolute priority. Our expedition leader has over 15 years' experience leading rowing expeditions on the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. We operate with strict on-water safety protocols, including daily safety briefings, constant 360° wildlife monitoring, and motorised support boats that carry out sweeps around the rowing boats at every stop.
We have specific emergency manoeuvres for wildlife encounters — every guest is fully briefed and practised on these before going on the water.
Sprint manoeuvre
Emergency stop
Rapid 90° turn
Each expedition carries 2–3 motorised support boats, VHF radios, satellite phones, GPS tracking, a full medical kit, life jackets, emergency thermal blankets, and specialist bespoke maps of the river.
A dedicated Expedition Medical Officer is with the team at all times. Pre-identified emergency rendezvous points are established along the route, and evacuation procedures are planned in advance with the safari camps and African Parks rangers.
You'll be supported by a professional team including the Expedition Leader, a medical officer, river guides, rangers, a mechanic and a photographer.
The Boats
We use the custom-built RowZambezi triple sculling boats, specifically designed for expedition rowing on African rivers. Each boat carries three crew: an experienced RowZambezi guide in the bow seat and two guest rowers.
Motorised support boats accompany the rowing boats at all times, carrying safety equipment, supplies and additional crew.
The Camps
You'll stay at lovely safari camps along the Kafue River. The specific camps depend on the expedition and availability, but each offers comfortable accommodation, fine dining, and safari activities. This is not camping — it's a genuine luxury safari experience.
Conservation
Conservation is at the heart of everything we do. A portion of profits from every RowSafari goes to the RiverRoots charity, which supports conservation and clean water initiatives in southern Africa, including within the Kafue National Park.
During the expedition, guests contribute to wildlife data collection on the river. On the final day, a hands-on conservation activity ensures you leave knowing you've made a tangible contribution.
2026 Expeditions
June falls within the dry season, offering ideal conditions for rowing and wildlife viewing. The expedition is all-inclusive and covers everything listed below.
Accommodation at luxury safari camps, all meals and drinks, charter flights between Lusaka and Kafue National Park, all rowing equipment, professional expedition team, game drives, walking safaris, night drives, conservation activities, professional photography, and RowSafari commemorative kit and clothing.
International flights to Lusaka, travel insurance (mandatory), pre/post expedition accommodation in Lusaka, visa fees, gratuities for guides and crew, personal equipment and clothing.
Some light sculling experience required — you don't need to be competitive, but should be comfortable handling oars. Pre-trip fitness preparation guidance and practice sessions provided, including capsize drills and boat handling. Maximum group size of 8. Minimum age 14. Reasonable fitness level recommended.
Questions
You need some light experience of sculling — you don't need to be a competitive rower, but you should be comfortable handling oars and maintaining a basic rowing stroke. If you're a club rower or have done recreational sculling, you'll be well prepared.
You should have a reasonable level of fitness. The longest rowing day is around 40km, though you won't be rowing continuously — there are regular hydration breaks and crew rotations. If you can comfortably row for a couple of hours at a moderate pace, you'll be fine. Think of it as a sustained but manageable effort, not a race.
Safety is our absolute priority. Our expedition leader has over 15 years' experience on these rivers. We operate with strict safety protocols including daily briefings, constant 360° wildlife monitoring, motorised support boats, and specific emergency manoeuvres for wildlife encounters. Every guest is fully briefed and practised on these before going on the water.
You'll stay at lovely safari camps along the Kafue River — including McBrides, Hippo, Musekese, Lufupa and Mukambi. Each offers comfortable accommodation, fine dining, and safari activities including game drives and walking safaris. This is not camping — it's a genuine luxury safari experience.
You fly commercially to Lusaka, Zambia's capital. From Lusaka, we arrange a charter flight into the Kafue National Park — a spectacular way to arrive. The return flight from Mukambi back to Lusaka is also included in the expedition price.
Absolutely. The two expeditions run consecutively, so you could join both. If you'd like to extend your time in Zambia, we're happy to help arrange additional safari or travel experiences including Victoria Falls.
We'll provide a detailed packing list closer to the expedition. In general, you'll need lightweight, quick-drying clothing suitable for rowing, sun protection, comfortable safari wear for evenings, and any personal medications. RowSafari clothing and expedition bags are provided as part of your kit.
Limited to 8 guests per expedition. Reach out to start planning, ask questions, or learn more about what awaits on the river.
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