Blessed Ndlovu
Professional River Guide
Where did you grow up?
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa
Where do you call home now?
Medford, Oregon
Year started at OARS?
2015
What’s the best part of your job?
Having fun, and getting paid for it.
Tell us about your favorite rapid, hike or camp and what makes it special
My favorite rapid is Blossom Bar, it keeps me on my toes a little and every guide bring their A-game running it. My favorite camp is Middle Tacoma. It’s got the best tent spots, two outhouses, and it’s close to my favorite hike, Tate Creek water slide.
Do you have a lucky charm or special river tradition?
Back home there’s a story of a river god called Nyaminyami, so I made a necklace of the snake from cow bone, and I wear it everyday I go rafting. I always reminds me of where I come from.
What can you not live without on a trip?
My Nyaminyami.
Fun fact, special talent or favorite guiding memory
I can speak about 8 African languages and English. Running the Commercial Suicide Rapid on the Zambezi. This one is not good for business, never commercially run.