Large game animals are usually quite relaxed around boats and allow them to approach closely. The motor boats allow guest to travel relatively long distances on the water and are usually equipped with cooler-boxes containing snacks and drinks.
Most lodges in these areas offer trips during the late afternoon or early morning so as to enable guests to enjoy spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Some lodges also offer full day trips complete with a picnic lunch enjoyed at an appropriate spot on the banks of the river.
Similar trips are undertaken on Lake Kariba and on the Zambezi River from lodges in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Some safari operators offer trips from lodge on the Rufiji River in Tanzania.