top of page
P1080204.JPG

About

SHOCKWAVE ADVENTURES

Think Local, Do Your Activities With Locals And Get Authentic and First Hand Perspective From Locals With 30 Years Experience In The Industry!

Shockwave Adventures specializes in action packed Adrenaline Adventures, Private Explorations, Bespoke experiences, Tailor Made Excursions and breathtaking sceneries. We are well known for non-adventurous & adventurous- adrenaline-rush activities including heart palpitating Whitewater Rafting on the mighty Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe. The renowned and multi-award winning Shockwaves Adventures is an Indigenous people owned company that offers a unique experience by creating custom and authentic adventures away from mass commercial rafting and explorations. Our Bespoke, Premium, first-class, Small-Group ,VIP and Personalized Rafting adventures on the Zambezi River are unmatched in the industry.

Additionally, We do pick up our clients from across the border, which is Zambia, Livingstone for their tours in Victoria falls at a low price, ensuring our clientele experiences seamless and hassle free exploration of the acclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’- Victoria Falls.

 

Our company was founded in 2001 by Philani Moyo who continues as our local director with management and marketing assistance from Paul Brees (a businessman from Belgium) and Chris Mongo (a professional rafting guide from the United States). Our mission is to introduce everyone who joins our exciting and educational activities to the Magnificence of Mother Africa and all she has to offer. Our main objective is to help our visitors make the most of their holiday in Africa's Paradise of Zimbabwe.

P1080124.JPG

We plan each trip according to guests specifications, collecting comprehensive input then suggesting activities and a schedule  that's best for them. We clearly understand that a holiday is all about having golden moments, smiles and long-lasting happy memories. All of our trips are run by professionals who ensure you get an excellent rafting experience on the Zambezi every time you come rafting with us.

​

We have the most experienced staff in this industry. Our professionals guide year-round not only in Zimbabwe but also in Australia, Colorado, Italy, Norway and South Africa. Through extensive international contacts and a guides interchange program, Shockwave is part of an international network of professional rafting companies. Our guides speak multiple languages including English, Italian and Spanish, which makes it easy for our international guests to feel at home with us.
 
Safety comes first at Shockwave, with our enviable safety record we are at the forefront of the white-water industry with our constant training and innovative safety procedures (Be assured that we don’t compromise on safety issues on the river)
Every trip includes an experienced safety kayaker whose job is to escort your group and pick up guests who take voluntary or involuntary swims. We provide complete safety information and training at our check-in point.

 

Our activities are all covered by a ZAR20,000,000 Public Liability Insurance Policy with SAXUM INSUARANCE (Reg. No. 2004/011845/06) South Africa. Communication is maintained at all times through hand-held radios and cellphones, a first-aid kit is available on each and every trip, and all of our guides are in possession of the following courses:
• Advanced First Aid
• C.P.R
• Swift Water Rescue Technicians course

P1070296.JPG

Safety & Liability

Be assured that we don’t compromise on safety issues on the river. Our trip leaders are the most experienced guides around: all of them have 20 years and more rafting on the Mighty Zambezi and a remarkable experience on the international rafting scene that include Norway, Australia, USA.

 

The only company has youth and child class V life jackets, allowing us to take families with kids on the river.

A clear and thorough safety talk is one of the most important elements of any competent, professionally run river trip.

​

Please note that this safety talk is in english and if english is not your first language please use google translate to your own language so that you fully understand

by Philani Moyo, Shockwave Adventures Owner and Head Guide

A clear and concise paddle and safety talk is a very important component to any river trip. The experience and familiarity level of the group might determine how thorough the discussion will be, but all trips should have a safety talk in some form.

It should never be assumed that every member of a paddling trip is fully knowledgeable about river safety procedures and paddling techniques. Even experienced groups of paddlers should, at a minimum, briefly discuss hand signals to be used and the general plan for the trip.

​

A well crafted paddle talk should cover topics regarding river safety, proper equipment use, the trip plan and how to paddle. The talk should be informative, but also fun. It should be a thorough enough to cover everything needed, but not so long that people stop listening. 15 to 20 minutes is perfect.

On a lot of trips, the safety talk is conducted at the river put-in. At Shockwave Adventures, we conduct ours at our office. This allows for guest to be focussed on the safety talk without the distraction of looking at the river and also to give our clients a chance to decide if they still want to do it or not. The trip leader will conduct the safety talk for each trip. This allows for the trip leader to properly evaluate the group and interject their own style and humor to the talk. Each guest is given a copy of the safety talk check-list so they can follow along, with one guest checking items off the list as they are covered by the trip leader to ensure all topics are covered. The following is an example of a safety talk and the topics that should be included.

 

Rafting on the Zambezi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A wild one-day run beneath one of the Seven Wonder of the World. We carry a wide range of whitewater activities to suit every person including children, beginner paddlers, advanced paddlers and senior rafters.

 

The Zambezi River is acclaimed as the “wildest one-day whitewater run in the World” highly regarded by white water rafting enthusiasts as one of the top ten paddling rivers on the planet!

You don’t need any experience to go white water rafting and you don’t need to be brilliant at swimming but you will need a certain level of fitness to be able to walk the steep path out of the gorge – a 750 foot climb which generally takes about 20 minutes.

 

The one-day low water trip is considered to be the best one-day white water experience available in the world.

Commercial rafting started in 1981 on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls. By 1996, some 50 000 people had been white water rafting at the Falls, furthermore numbers are increasing every year!

 

Zambezi River classification

The Zambezi is a high volume, pool drop river that mean after each and every rapid they is a calm pool and less exposed rocks. The river floods between mid February and April as a result huge volumes of water, more than four times the volume of the Colorado River floods over the Falls at its peak.

Introduction and equipment:

  • Greeting and introduction. 

  • Outline of the plan for the day, length of trip, weather and brief itinerary.

  • The importance of quality safety gear – we use self-bailing boats, class V lifejackets to give great floatation, splash jackets during cold days, and helmets to protect from rocks and flying paddles.

  • Lifejackets – Make sure they are tight so that when we pull up on the shoulder straps it stays in place. Wear your lifejacket at all times. Do not undo any of the buckles or straps.

  • Helmets - Wear your helmets from the time you are given them by your guides as the walk down is steep, rocky and sometimes slippery.

  • Paddles – Most of our trips we use paddles, Team of paddlers listens to the guides’ commands to get the boat downriver. This is a team activity, everyone will need to participate and paddle.

Paddling and commands:

  • holding a paddle – (very important to know as most injuries come from the paddles) Always have one hand on the t–grip (top of the paddle). The other hand when paddling will be as close to the blade as possible,  

  • forward paddle

    this gives better leverage. The more leverage you

    have, the less work you do.– Put the blade in the water in front of you and then bring it back.

  • back paddle – Put the blade in the water behind you and then bring it forward using your hip as a fulcrum point.

  • left turn – Left side back paddles, right side forward paddles

  • right turn –Right side back paddles, left side

    forward paddles.

  • stop –Stop paddling, have your paddle out of the water completely.

  • hold on or bump or lean-in – Get ready for a bump, brace yourself

  • Intensity of the guides’ voice – As things get more intense the guides voice reflects that, start paddling harder.

  • Importance of paddling – The motor of the boats is you and your paddle. If you turn off the motor then the boat has no steering, power or brakes. Paddle hard.

River safety and rescue:

  • Swimming – Even the Zambezi River is a high-volume river. When swimming, keep your feet downstream, float flat on your back and bounce off rocks with your feet in case you pushed towards rocks. You will end in a pole or before you get to the pole our safety kayaker will be with you to help. Keep your eyes open for a rope bag. If the water is deep, turn on your stomach and swim to the closest safe spot or any raft.

  • ​

  • Flipping – Boat do flip over on this river. Rule # 1 - when the boat flips Do Not panic but hold your breath for some couple of seconds eventually you will resurface and look around if the boat is still close to you swim back to it the boats stay afloat whether right-side-up or upside-down but if not follow all the same swimming procedures; keep your feet downstream, float flat on your back 

  • Finding yourself underneath the boat – You can breath underneath but try to get out from there. Put your hands above your head and push on the boat, use them like you are walking with your hands (spender man) . Pick one direction and keep going.

  • Point positive – The guides may point while you are swimming, go that direction. We are pointing which way to go, not to look out for something. The faster they point, the faster you should go that way.

  • Rope bag –  All guides carry bag full of rope to tow you in if you get away from the boat. Keep your eyes open for ropes coming from your boat, other boats or shore. Swim to get the rope. Hold onto the rope, not the bag, and put it over your shoulder. We will tow you in backwards.

  • Rescue  paddles - If a swimmer is so close to you extend your T grip of a paddle and put them back to the boat, please don't use the blade as it will be slippery.

  • Other boats – Other boats are happy to pull you in, go to whomever is closest. If a kayaker is towing you, grab onto the rear tow strap, kick hard with your feet. They will tow you to shore. Do not grab any other part of their boat, paddle or them.

  • Pulling someone into the boat –Grab them by the shoulder straps of their lifejacket, brace your knees on the boat and fall backwards. Use your body weight not your arms. The person being pulled in should kick with their feet, just like getting out of a pool. If you still can’t get them in dunk them down into the water so that the buoyancy of the lifejacket can help you out (make sure you let them know what you are doing).

River safety and rescue:

  • Water Fighting – Water fighting is allowed on warm days for willing parties. Don’t splash if someone doesn’t want to. Watch for flailing paddles, don’t splash or squirt someone in the face. Stay in your raft. Do not water fight above rapids.

  • Crocs on the river - the answer is Yes. Rafting has been going on for more than 40 years on this river and not even one person has been attacked by a croc as most of them go over the falls by a mistake when are very small and start growing inside the canyon but when high water comes which is January through May these crocs get pushed down so we are not worried at all about them.

  • Any medical condition that we should know about? Please let your guide know about any medical conditions or drugs that you are taking that may help us in an emergency. (please bring your medication that you feel you might need during rafting and give it to your guide to keep it safe inside the water proof case)

  • Litter – please do not throw any litter to the river

  • Get Your Gear – Follow guides to get your gear and we will help you to get perfect sizes

  •   The answer is yes, however you wont be given a refund

River Boarding 

Its a fun way to challenge those huge rapids with flippers and a boogie board. It hard working as you will face those 16t wave by your self and physically fitness  and experience is required to do these rapids. You will have our safety kayaker leading the way and you will have to follow him, hold on tight to your board and breath.

It's just you against the mighty Zambezi. Not all rapids are suitable to boogie board, so the day is combined with rafting to put you in the best surfing spots on this magnificent river.

 

Single Kayaking

We don't allow any one to go kayaking if you are not a class 5 rapid kayaker and if you lie we will find out.

 

Tandem kayaking

This is for people who don't mind swimming the Zambezi rapids as its great if you don't like to paddle alone or if your spouse or friend isn't comfortable paddling their own boat. Tandem boats can be lots of fun but physically demanding. Please note that we do have weight restriction on this tour, kindly drop us an email before booking it.

​

Alcohol or bad behavior - Shockwave will not tolerate or take anyone under the influence of alcohol or bad behavior such as racial discrimination 

​

From everything covered, just try to remember these things, listen to your guides, when you fall out get on your back legs up, hold your breath and do not panic.

Lets go and have fun

Public Liability

 

Both staff and passengers, whether in vehicle or on the river, are registered with MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services), which provides 24-hour road and air cover. In case of incident on the river, they are always on standby with ambulances and helicopters for fast evacuation to the nearest private hospital.

Can you still change your mind after the safety briefing?

We are also members of the following associations:

​

  • Zimbabwe National Parks & Wildlife

  • Medical Air Rescue Service

  • Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

  • African River Craft

  • American Canoe Association

  • Jackson Kayaks

  • Italian Rafting Association

WHY CHOOSE US?

Whilst there are many adventure companies to choose during your time in Victoria Falls, by deciding to use Shockwave Adventures you are supporting the only African owned and operated company on the entire Zambezi river.

Our managing director Philani – a Victoria falls native has not only guided professionally on 4 continents but has been pioneering the Zambezi since 1995. During this time ‘MD’ won the accolade of Africas best kayaker, competed in the rafting world championships and trained countless guides for various companies many of whom you can see on the river today.

It is no exaggeration that modern day Zambezi rafting has been heavily influenced by the efforts and passion of Philani Moyo and his team. Founded in 2001, Shockwave Adventures is a tight – knit community of professionals all hand selected by Philani to match his high standards from our world-class guides to our drivers, chefs and highly organized office staff.

When we choose employees at Shockwave we believe that sheer quality will always outweigh quantity. Choosing Shockwave Adventures ensures that you will have a once in a life time experience with the highest standard of safety and service whilst also helping the community of Victoria falls flourish.

Think Local, raft with locals!

Guides guides kkk.jpg

  • The top rated rafting company in both Zimbabwe and Zambia by Trip advisor client’s comments

  • Public liability cover with AXUM INSUARANCE (South Africa)

  • We are covered by Medical Air Rescue  (MARS and ACE)

  • We offer extra 5km of rafting compared to other companies on the Zambezi River. This is only in high water - when starting from Rapid #15 finishes at rapid #28 or open season.

  • We have a money back guarantee policy if not satisfied with our whitewater rafting tours (applies only online bookings)

  • Unique, customized and provide personalized trips, doing away with mass crowd.

  • We use state of art equipment, class 5 life jackets made in USA- universal and easy to adjust. You will feel comfortable during your rafting trip

  • We accepts the online bookings and more than 20 payments card are accepted just to mention few -American Express / Visa / Master Card / Amex / Dinners Club /Discover / JCB

  • Be assured that we don’t compromise on safety issues on the river. Our trip leaders are the most experienced guides around: all of them have 20 years and more rafting on the Mighty Zambezi and a remarkable experience on the international rafting scene that include Norway, Australia, USA.  

  • The only company has youth and child class V life jackets; this is why we take families with kids on the river.

  • Our guides and the owner raft international every year during off season on Zambezi river, in countries such as Colorado, Italy, Norway, South Africa

  • The only Local owned rafting company in both Zimbabwe

  • We provide snacks and mineral water during the tour and lunch and beers after the tour

  • We provide transport to and from where our clients are residing and a lot`s of refreshments

  • All our guides are advanced first aid and CPR trained with fully equipped first aid kits

  • Our clients report 300% fun on the river

  • Flexibility on time as long as the family or group meets minimum number we can run at anytime.

  • The only company that do private trips on this river.

  • The only company that will not rush its guest from morning and also on the river, our guides have a lot of information to tell you about the gorge, animals, Zambezi River as well as the Victoria falls. This is why we start picking all our guest at 7.30am after you had your breakfast in your hotel. We don’t pick you for this activity at 6.30 like others. With Shockwave it’s not only about paddling the Zambezi but also to know a few interesting and background information about the river, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Africa in general.

  • (Flexibility) we give our customers option of doing a half or full stretch on the river depending on their experience or if they are in a hurry to be back in town for other activities

  • As we cover a distance of about 26km per day in Low Water Season & 14 & 19km in high water, we provide a light snacks on the river and mineral water as the lunch is served at the top of the gorge.

imgpsh_fullsize_anim-.png
P1090693.JPG

Important Information Before Planning Your Holiday To Zimbabwe

*Please if you are from country in Category C such as Mexico, India, Bolivia,Bulgaria,Chile,Iraq, Venezuela, Yemen Rep,Saudi Arabia, Libya you need to apply for visa online in advance and let us know as we can help with documents needed.

 

*Please note there is a shortage of cash at the banks in Zimbabwe, Please ensure when traveling to Zimbabwe you bring with you US$Cash to pay for your visa & also to use restaurants, shops and markets as some still do not have credit card machines.     

 

* Birth Certificates - Please make sure to bring birth certificates for your kids under 18 years of age & if its single parent have an affidavit that authorizes you from the second parents please this for entering South Africa & Chobe Botswana

bottom of page