Our Favorite Places to Canoe & Kayak in Africa

Canoeing and kayaking offer incomparable encounters with African wildlife, whether you’re paddling among African penguins on the southern coast or gliding past elephant herds on the Lower Zambezi River.

Enjoy paddling as a morning activity that adds variety to your safari, or take a multi-day canoe or kayak trip—paddle by day, and stop at night to rest at a lodge. Taking a ride as a passenger in a pole-steered canoe is another option, particularly in Botswana and Madagascar.

Here, we offer some of our favorite canoeing and kayaking spots in Africa. We’ve grouped them by country, in alphabetical order. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a newbie, traveling by water is a unique way to experience Africa!

Botswana

Chobe National Park

Canoeing along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park is an ideal way to view birds such as lilac-breasted rollers, pied kingfishers, and tawny eagles. As the waters recede in the dry season of July through September, they expose small islands and peninsulas that offer close-up views of land mammals such as zebras and red lechwe antelopes. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a water-rich paradise in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Covering 5,800 square miles, it is filled with lagoons and canals that beg to be explored. Paddle your own craft or hire a guide to steer you in a mokoro, Botswana’s traditional dugout canoe—one of the activities in our Desert & Delta Botswana Value Safari. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Kenya

Diani Beach

Located outside of Mombasa in Kwale County, Diani Beach is among the most popular resort areas in Kenya. Its shallow waters are calm and make for easy paddling. In addition to the beach, you’ll also want to explore the local mangroves. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Madagascar

Manambolo River

The Manambolo River flows through Madagascar‘s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, carving a picturesque gorge amid dramatic limestone peaks. A canoe ride in a wooden pirogue, guided by a driver who propels a long stick against the riverbed, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the gorge and is part of our Madagascar Highlights Flying Safari. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Mozambique

Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is an enchanting collection of small islands off the coast of southern Mozambique. Designated as a marine national park, it is known for its populations of bottlenose dolphins and dugongs—or sea cows—which you may see as they break through the waves for a breath of fresh air. Paddle the islands’ inlets and small lakes to discover a treasure trove of bird life on your Mozambique Land & Beach safari with Ujuzi. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Gorongosa National Park

The Pungwe River originates in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, flowing down to feed the lush wilderness of Gorongosa National Park. As you float along the Pungwe, you will see birds and other animals dart about reed stands, forests, and sandy beaches on the banks. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Seychelles

Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Seychelles offers amazing sea kayaking thanks to peaceful Indian Ocean waters away from major storm belts. The pinnacle of Seychelles sea kayaking can be found at Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Peer through clear waters to see colorful corals and tropical fishes, then take in the breathtaking blues of sea and sky. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) holds the largest freshwater lake in South Africa as well as miles of coastal waters. Listen to bird calls, explore mangroves, and spot interesting wildlife as you paddle the park’s waters on our South Africa Land & Ocean Safari. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Simon’s Town

A large colony of African penguins make their home on Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, a village near Cape Town. These endangered birds have unique adaptations that help them thrive in a warm climate. On our South Africa Coastal Adventure, spot penguins in underwater flight and encounter Cape fur seals as you paddle out past the harbor. Skim along piers full of sunbathing cormorants. Then stop at a beach to examine mollusks and crabs that populate the tidal area. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Tanzania

Arusha National Park

The Momella Lakes in Tanzania are famous for their flamingos. Glide past beautiful shorebirds as Cape buffalos, giraffes, and waterbucks graze on land. The scenery is also impressive—you can view both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro from your canoe. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is a famous chimpanzee tracking destination. It is also home to the world’s largest and longest lake: Lake Tanganyika. About 250 species of fish live in the lake, and most are found nowhere else in the world! You can spot many of them through the clear waters. Waterbirds and shorebirds are plentiful, and many songbirds nest near the shore—230 bird species in all! Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Uganda

Nile River Basin

The Uganda portion of the world-famous Nile River can’t be beat for heart-thumping adventure. Freestyle kayakers flock here from around the world to ride the rapids. Whitewater rafting is a popular option as well. Difficulty level: Intermediate and up.

Zambia and Zimbabwe

Zambezi River

The Zambezi River that flows through Zambia and Zimbabwe feeds the world-famous Victoria Falls. But it also has many calmer areas, especially in the dry season.

About three-hundred miles downriver of the falls in Zimbabwe is Mana Pools National Park, where you can canoe the shallow waters that cover the floodplains each rainy season. Learn more in our Grand Zimbabwe Safari sample itinerary.

In Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, canoeing is one of the best ways to watch wildlife along the banks of the Lower Zambezi. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Kafue River

The Kafue River in Zambia‘s Kafue National Park is a natural route of exploration for seeing shorebirds, hippos, crocodiles, and the many animals that drink and wade in the shallows—particularly elephants and Cape buffalos. Learn more in our Authentic Zambia itinerary. Difficulty level: Beginner and up.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

This article covered only a few of the many excellent places for canoeing and kayaking in Africa. If you are interested in canoeing and kayaking on your safari, contact Ujuzi to help you plan your perfect trip!