Africa Traveling

Zambezi Gravel

From the mighty Zambezi River and vast savannahs to rugged mountain ranges and green riverbanks: no adventure is as diverse as the Zambezi Gravel Tour.

Best time to travel

The Zambezi Gravel Tour takes place in May or September, when temperatures are pleasant. During this period, the chance of precipitation is minimal and the conditions are ideal for cycling along the Zambezi River.

Climate

The climate along the Zambezi River ranges from tropical to dry savannah. The months of May and September are the dry season, with warm days and cool nights. Daytime temperatures can reach 30-35°C.

Recommendations

A unique combination of adventure and nature along one of Africa’s most iconic rivers. Endless gravel roads, along vast savannahs, with the ultimate highlight of an overnight stay on an island in the middle of the Zambezi.

known for

From the mighty Zambezi River and vast savannahs to remote villages, this region offers a pure and unspoilt experience. In addition, you will experience local culture, taste authentic cuisine and discover the impressive flora and fauna that make this area so unique.

Zambezi Gravel Tour: An Adventure Along the Mighty River

Experience Africa in the most adventurous way with the Zambezi Gravel Tour. For eight days you will cycle along the iconic Zambezi River, over endless gravel roads and through remote savannahs, while enjoying spectacular views and the untouched wilderness. Spend the night in atmospheric lodges and tented camps, sail across Lake Kariba and experience a unique night on an island in the middle of the river. Thanks to our perfect organization, all you have to do is pedal and enjoy – an unforgettable adventure awaits you!

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Why Zambezi?

Cycling along the mighty Zambezi

Follow the banks of one of Africa’s iconic rivers, spotting elephants and hippos in their natural habitat.

Overnight stay on an island

Sleep in a tented camp in the middle of the Zambezi River and experience the magic of the African wilderness under a twinkling starry sky.

Boat trip on Lake Kariba

Take a break from the bike and cruise across the largest man-made lake in the world, surrounded by breathtaking views and wildlife along the shores.

“Looking for an unforgettable Gravelbike adventure? Cycle through breathtaking landscapes, stay in great lodges and enjoy delicious food. Everything is perfectly arranged – all you have to do is pedal and enjoy. A dream trip for every gravel biker!”

- Rene W

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Zambezi in numbers

The Zambezi Gravel Tour covers an impressive 850 kilometres, with over 7,000 metres of elevation gain divided over 8 stages in 10 days. The longest ride is 101 kilometres, while the steepest climb takes us deep into Zambia, with an ascent of 1,530 metres. The route crosses various landscapes: from vast savannahs and rough gravel roads to green riverbanks and the impressive Lake Kariba. In addition to the physical challenge, the journey offers unique experiences, such as a boat trip on the Zambezi, an overnight stay on an island and a game drive in Hurungwe National Park.

Our accommodations

During the Zambezi Gravel Tour we stay in a mix of atmospheric lodges and adventurous tented camps, from hospitable lodges on the river to a unique overnight stay on an island in the middle of the Zambezi. All accommodations are carefully selected for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Safari

During our journey we cross vast savannahs and riverbank areas where wild animals roam freely. To conclude the journey we make a game drive in Hurungwe National Park, where we search for Africa’s iconic animals and experience the magic of the wilderness up close.

Culinary

The Zambezi Gravel Tour is not just about cycling, it is also about enjoying the local cuisine. From fresh meals prepared in our field kitchen to atmospheric dinners in lodges overlooking the river. The combination of fresh ingredients, traditional flavours and dining under the stars makes every meal a special experience.

Gravel Zambia Agenda

Zambezi

APRIL 2026

apr

X

  • April 2026
  • April 2026
  • Zambia & Zimbabwe
  • 10 days
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Zambezi

May 2026

may

15

  • 15 May 2026
  • 28 May 2026
  • Zambia & Zimbabwe
  • 12 days

12 places still available

from price follows

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Day 1 & 2

Arrival & Exploration of the Zambezi

Our journey begins with a flight to Victoria Falls, where we will be met upon arrival and taken to our lodge. In the afternoon we will take a short drive to the impressive Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke That Thunders”. Here you will have the chance to explore the falls and experience the power of nature up close. The day ends with a sunset dinner, a perfect start to our adventure.

On day two the real work begins: a beautiful gravel drive along the banks of the Zambezi, or for the more adventurous an optional rafting trip on the river. Both routes end at our lodge, where after a relaxed lunch we will visit a local village and school. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the hospitality and daily life of Zimbabwe.

Day 3 & 4

Along the River and the First Meters of Elevation

We leave Victoria Falls and start a long gravel ride towards the Sundowner Lodge in Deka. The route takes us along quiet roads and through small villages, where we get to know the local culture. A stop at a local pub offers a moment of relaxation and a chance to taste the atmosphere of Zimbabwe.

The next day a tough stage with a lot of altitude meters awaits. The first half of the route contains challenging climbs that are rewarded with spectacular views. The landscape alternates between green hills and vast plains. At the end of the day we reach our destination, an idyllic spot by the water, perfect to recover from the efforts.

Day 5 & 6

Lake Kariba and the Crossing to Zambia

On day five, we swap the bikes for a boat trip on Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world. This is a day of pure relaxation, as we glide across the water and spot wildlife along the shores. We spend the night on the boat, sleeping under the stars and enjoying the tranquility of the lake.

After spending the night on the water, day six begins with a short ride over the impressive Kariba Dam, where we cross the border from Zimbabwe to Zambia. After a stop at customs, a steep climb follows to our lodge. The views are breathtaking, and the sense of adventure is heightened by crossing two countries on a bike.

Day 7 & 8

Deeper into Zambia, Wild Camping on the Zambezi

We continue our journey on narrow gravel paths, through villages and along rivers, towards our lodge. Here we meet the local population and experience authentic life in Zambia. Wild animals, such as elephants and antelopes, can suddenly appear along the route.

On day eight we go even deeper into the wilderness. The route takes us through remote areas with a large difference in altitude. In the afternoon we reach an island in the middle of the Zambezi, where we spend the night in tents and cook together on an open fire. A sundowner boat trip on the river completes this special day.

Day 9 & 10

Back to the Civilized World

The last full day starts with a relaxing boat ride back to the lodge. Along the way we make a stop for a game drive in Hurungwe National Park, where we hopefully spot wildlife one last time. Back at the lodge we dismantle our bikes and reflect on a journey full of adventure.

On day ten we say goodbye to Zambia and travel by transfer to Lusaka airport. With a head full of memories and a suitcase full of adventure we return home, knowing that the Zambezi Gravel Tour is an experience for a lifetime.

Gravel Africa & Songo: Cycling with Impact

At Gravel Africa, we believe in the power of sport to change lives. That’s why we partner with Songo, an inspiring youth development program in South Africa. Songo offers underprivileged children in Stellenbosch the opportunity to build a better future through education and mountain biking. With every Gravel Africa trip, we donate a fixed amount to this project and visit Songo, where we experience the children and their passion for cycling up close. This way, your adventure contributes to a lasting, positive impact.

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OUR GUIDES

René de Bruijn 🇳🇱

Product Manager & Gids

René is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and lets you discover the real Africa. “The nature, the landscapes and the animals are beautiful, but what I like most is the connections that are made on the bike. Pedaling together leads to special conversations – not just about cycling, but about life itself. With Gravel Africa you forget the world around you and enjoy yourself to the fullest.”

Youri Poelemeijer 🇳🇱

Medical Doctor & Gids

Youri is a guide during the Gravel Africa cycling trips and plays an indispensable role behind the scenes. “The nature, the animals and the landscapes are impressive, but the best part is the conversations on the bike. Cycling together connects, pushes boundaries and lets you fully immerse yourself in the moment. With Gravel Africa, it’s all about enjoyment.”

Matt Lachenicht 🇿🇦

South African Guide

Matt is Gravel Africa’s local guide and knows the cycling routes of South Africa like the back of his hand. “My passion is sharing the beauty of Southern Africa and my love for cycling. Every second in the saddle, together with like-minded people, is a moment to enjoy.”

Jared Cavé 🇿🇦

South African Guide

Jared has years of cycling experience and feels completely at home in the African nature. “With his humor, relaxed character and knowledge of people, he makes every ride not only adventurous, but also unforgettable.”

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Contact us directly. We will be happy to answer your questions.
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