The Island Trail is a three-night/four-day full participation canoe adventure along the Zambezi River between the Kafue and Chongwe Rivers.

The safari is designed as an adventure for the outdoor enthusiast with all sleeping, camping and cooking equipment carried in the canoes.

Overnight stops are made on selected islands about 25km apart in the Zambezi River.

A qualified river guide accompanies each safari but enthusiastic participation by guests is encouraged in all aspects of the trip.

This includes setting and breaking of camps, cooking and cleaning and maybe even the provision of "fish starters" for supper.

Stable 18ft Canadian standard canoes are used on the safari with seat cushions, paddles and life jackets supplied. All camping and cooking equipment, two-man bow tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and liners are supplied. Each guide carries a comprehensive medical aid box. Washing and cleaning is done in the river.

All meals and soft drinks are supplied. Clients may bring their own alcohol which can be carried in cooler boxes on the canoes.

The first day on the river is used to familiarise guests with the stability and art of steering the canoes. The canoe safari is generally relaxing and gently and no physical exertion is required. On the last day of the safari, a vehicle or boat will transfer guests back to the Kafue River for a vehicle transfer back to Kariba or Lusaka. There is no canoeing on the last day.

All canoe safari guides carry VHF hand-held radios. Our permanent lodges along the river have HF and VHF base sets which allows us to communicate between lodges, national offices, National Parks Authorities and MARS in the event of emergency.

The Island Trail operates year round with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.