The Zambezi is classified as a high volume, pool drop river. The river floods between mid February and the end of June. Huge volumes, in excess of four times that of the Colorado River flood over the Falls at peak. Nearly half of the rapids are classified as Grade 5 – Grade 6 is “unrunnable”.

Class 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering.
Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering.
Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.
Class 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed.
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering.
Class 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous that they are effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis.