Maano Adventures - Zambezi Rafting

Maano Adventures: the Zambezi at the centre of Livingstone’s adventure scene

Maano Adventures is a Zambian adventure-tour company based in Livingstone. Its catalogue brings together river experiences, land safaris and visits to Victoria Falls, ranging from outings of a few hours to multi-day expeditions. The company also lists operations around Kasane and Victoria Falls, with activities crossing into Botswana and Zimbabwe. According to its own company page, Maano was founded in 2016. Its offer is shaped by a defining feature of the region: the Zambezi River, which influences the landscape and many of the experiences available in this part of southern Africa.

White-water rafting is Maano’s most visible product. Its catalogue lists full-day departures, half-day options, a float on the Upper Zambezi and trips that include camping beside the river for two or more nights. Duration and difficulty depend on the route and seasonal water conditions. Public reviews from first-time rafters describe pre-descent instructions, guides and safety kayakers accompanying the group, as well as the thrill of the rapids. These are individual accounts, not a guarantee that every departure will be identical. Before booking, travellers should confirm the season, physical requirements, included equipment, transfers and cancellation terms.

The offer extends beyond the river. From Livingstone, Maano lists safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with wildlife drives and guided walks focused on white rhinos. It also organizes day trips to Botswana’s Chobe National Park that may combine a road journey and boat cruise, as well as guided visits to Victoria Falls. Sunset cruises, cultural activities, scenic flights operated with regional providers and other adventure experiences also appear in the catalogue. An activity title alone does not identify who operates it: visitors should ask which services Maano provides directly and which it coordinates with partner companies.

The range allows visitors to combine more than one experience during a stay: rafting and a safari, the Falls and a river cruise, or a cross-border day trip to Chobe. Maano advertises direct bookings and private or tailor-made itineraries for travellers connecting Livingstone with Kasane and other regional destinations. Published prices are starting rates and may change. Travellers should request written details of park fees, meals, transfers, equipment and border costs, and confirm entry requirements for each passenger’s nationality. On multi-day trips, road time and the distribution of overnight stops shape both the pace and the time available for activities.

On Google Maps, review topics visible during research most often concern guides, rapids, the river and safety. Several accounts describe clear manoeuvre briefings and good coordination before entering the water. A recent one-star review also expresses a sharply negative view of the company, to which the owner responded. That contrast deserves attention and should be read alongside the wider set of reviews, neither hidden nor generalized from a single account. Maano’s matching Tripadvisor listing showed 4.9 out of 5 when checked. The profile helps explain the company’s strong rafting identity, while its catalogue shows a wider range than one activity.

For visitors in Livingstone, Maano can serve as one booking contact for river adventure, wildlife viewing and regional excursions. The right choice depends on activity level and season: a white-water descent is different from a slower safari or a scenic tour. The company publishes a bookable catalogue, telephone contact and official social channels; it is sensible to confirm the date, pickup point, inclusions and actual provider before paying. When a trip links several countries, allow time for road transfers and border formalities instead of treating consecutive activities as immediate connections.

Sources consulted

Maano Adventures company overview · Excursion catalogue · Google Maps · Tripadvisor