Challenger

Challenger is River God Adventures flagship vessel. Challenger is a custom built aluminum and fiberglass pontoon boat measuring 10 meters long and 4 meters wide. No detail has been spared when it comes to practicality and comfort. The Challenger boasts 2 decks – a downstairs “living” area and an upstairs “viewing / sleeping” area. The living area has a dining room and lounge area, a flush toilet and hot water shower as well as a kitchen with a gas stove, 2 deep freezes and an ice machine to ensure you enjoy ice cold refreshments for the duration of your trip. All these appliances are powered by solar panels. The upper deck has a viewing area where you have an elevated view which is great for bird watching and game viewing. The upper deck also has 4 sleeping pods with King size mattresses.

A tender boat and skipper also accompany the Challenger for fishing and game viewing excursions. Fitted with rod holders and collapsible awning.

Discovery

Discovery sleeps a maximum of 4 guests and is a custom built aluminum and fiberglass pontoon boat measuring 7 meters long and 3 meters wide. It has a carpeted deck providing a very comfortable and spacious living area for the occupants on board.

2 Rooftop tents are situated on a platform built above the main deck of the boat, this allows for extra space on the deck during the day. The roof top offers a cooler, unhampered area at night whilst also providing safety from the elements and wildlife. Each tent sleeps a maximum of 2 people.

2 x 60HP 4 stroke ‘lean burn’ Suzuki motors power the boat and minimize any harmful effects on the environment through emissions and noise. These silent motors ensure that you can get close to wildlife to maximize the quality of your photographs and video footage without disturbing the wildlife.

A private freshwater shower is situated on the back of the boat which can be used during the day or night to cool off and freshen up.

Dry compartments are available for guests to store personal equipment and valuables throughout the trip. As an alternative, guests are also offered the opportunity to sleep under the stars on some of the white sand beaches along the Zimbabwe shoreline. This is a great way to take in the awe inspiring African night sky without any city or urban lighting hampering your view of the heavens. Listen to the curious calls of wildlife as they prepare for the night-time festivities.

• Accommodation

• A professional qualified guide to lead all activities

• All activities

• Professional Chef

• All meals

• All soft drinks
• bottled water
• alcoholic drinks
• imported wines
• tea & coffee

• Luxury camping facilities

• Fishing equipment (if required)

• Park entry fees
• camping fees & fishing permits

• Tender boat included for Challenger only

• Road transfers

• Air Charters

• Staff gratuities

• Visa’s

• Any items of a personal nature

• King size beds

• Outdoor shower with hot and cold water

• Flush toilet

• Deep freezer

• Fridge

• Ice machine

• Full gantry

• Game-viewing platform

• 240V & 12V charging facilities

• Fans for each room

• Dry storage

• Gazebo

• Outdoor furniture

• Satellite phone and medical aid supplies for emergencies

Discovery

• King size beds

• Outdoor shower

• Deep freezer

• Fridge

• 240V & 12V charging facilities

• Dry storage

• Outdoor furniture

• Satellite phone and medical aid supplies for emergencies

Fishing

River God Adventures provides one of the best fishing experiences on the lower Zambezi. Due to the fact that the trip traverses through so many varying aquatic environments fisherman can expect to catch a huge variety of species. Species include: Tiger Fish, Vundu (Catfish), Barbel, Silver Barbel, Electric Barbel, Chesa, Imbire, Nkupe, Bream, Bottlenose, Cornish-jack, Eel and Parot Fish. River God Adventures caters for conventional tackle fisherman as well as fly fisherman. The vessels come equipped with all the conventional tackle required for a Zambezi trip as well as a pro-guide and skipper. The best months for fishing safaris are July through to November.

The Zambezi River is famous for its Tiger fishing. This aggressive predator patrols the river in plentiful numbers giving the angler a very real chance of catching several every day. The diversity of the natural habitat during the length of this trip means that anglers can attempt most forms of angling- fly fishing, spinning, bait fishing and conventional tackle drifting. Due to this relatively unpopulated stretch of the Zambezi River one can arguably say this is some of the best tiger fishing in the World. The average size mature fish will start at 5lbs going all the way through to the record fish of 21.5lbs. Many other species are available to explore. The river offers prime bream fishing which is known to many as possibly the best eating fish. Rods and terminal tackle are provided for anglers of any experience.

Game Walks

Guests are encouraged to walk certain sections of the River during their journey. These walks we will be led by a fully qualified professional guide who will provide great insight into the Lower Zambezi’s wildlife and ecosystem.

Game Viewing

The entire length of this adventure is encompassed in one of the most game rich environments in Southern Africa. Throughout the journey the landscapes dramatically change and provide breath-taking backdrops to an ecosystem teaming with mammals, reptiles and birds. The silence of your viewing platform ensures close and peaceful encounters with all forms of wildlife which in turn creates sensational photographic opportunities throughout the river safari.

During your entire journey you will be able to observe the plentiful wildlife on the banks of both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the river. Mana Pools National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park are protected areas with a plethora of plains game, elephant, baboons & rare samango monkeys. The elusive leopard and lion have often been spotted hiding in the shade of the famous ‘apple ring acacias’. Beneath the surface, hippos roam and crocodiles lurk.

Bird Watching

Avid birding enthusiasts will thrive on the diversity and numbers of birds that can be seen on this river safari. 103 bird species have been identified on previous trips from the Livingston’s Flycatcher to Pel’s Fishing Owl.

There is excellent opportunity for birding during the trip where you will be provided with binoculars, birding books and professional help from the professional guide.

1000’s of migratory birds as well as the permanent dwellers fill the river shores and flora to keep even the most novice birder entertained for hours on end. Rare species such as the Angolan Pita, African spoon bills, Pel’s fishing owl and Narina Trogon can be seen in this region.

Culinary Class

The on-board chef offers classes and insight into cooking aboard a vessel and in the bush. These lessons are incorporated into daily meals. ‘Catch of the day’ will be strongly utilized during the trip allowing guests the experience of catching their fish and eating it fresh that day.

Star Gazing

While soaking up the sounds of lions and hippo – evenings can be spent studying the stars with a spotting scope, books, smart phone applications, camera’s and your professional guide.