 |
 The
majestic Zambezi River rises in northwestern Zambia, from an insignificant
spring in Kaloma and runs for a total length of 2700km. It is the
fourth longest river in Africa and traverses six countries on its
journey to the Indian Ocean. Its mighty power has carved the spectacular
Victoria Falls and the ever deepening, zigzagging Batoka Gorge, about
half way along the length of the river. At peak average flood there
is 550 000 cubic metres of water thundering over the Falls per minute,
resulting in some serious white water below the Falls. The River in
the gorges below the Victoria Falls is classified as a GRADE 5 river.
The official definition of a GRADE 5 river, as defined by the official
book of the British Canoe Union, is as follows: "Extremely difficult,
long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops, pressure areas."
This is the biggest commercially run white water in the world. We
portage around rapid No 9 which is classified Grade 6 - unrunable.
There is a walk of about 70 metres vertical, into and out of the gorge. |
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