Gadling

Done it twice. As with many things, the first time was much more frightening than the second time.

Essentially, you show up at the put-in spot at about 7. You get a brief introduction to what'll happen, get oriented, and get in the water. The first rapid is actually among the most difficult.

Throughout the day, you get to see the Zambezi from close-up, and the views out of the gorge are amazing. Lunch is a ham sandich. It's adequate. A full stomach might make it tough to paddle. (There are non-paddling trips available, but I believe paddling is LESS scary. Non-paddlers have more time to look at the oncoming rapids.)

Speaking of paddling, most of the rapids are big but manageable. Several are huge and terrifying. The biggest require portering around. If you go to Vic Falls and DON'T do this trip, you're making a big mistake -- it's a lot of fun and very rewarding. Expect to flip the boat. I firmly believe the guides are capable of NOT flipping it the entire day, but that doesn't make for a very good story, now, does it?

As Buddah mentioned, the climb out of the gorge is the hardest part. The ladder is long, steep, and at a very tricky angle. On the plus side, at the top, the outfitters almost always provide an excellent BBQ dinner, and all the beer you can drink until the bus reaches town.

Expect to pay $100 for this day. This might seem steep, but all the excursions in Vic Falls run this much, and this one lasts all day.

TIP: Take a waterproof camera and strap it to your life jacket.

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