The Best Activities in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known by the locals as “Mosi oa-Tunya” (“the smoke that thunders”) lies almost half-way along the Mighty Zambezi Rivers’ 2700 km journey from its source in north-western Zambia to its entry into the Indian Ocean on the coast of Mozambique. Spanning nearly 2 Kilometres the Zambezi River plunges approximately 108 meters into the depths of the Batoka Gorge, creating the biggest curtain of falling water in the world.
Listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is a year round destination with each season offering different experiences. The Falls usually reaches its peak in late April to May which provides the spectacle of of the huge volumes of water cascading over the precipice, which can hamper viewing due to the dense spray, but provides a wet but thrilling show to its spectators. Dryer months of the Year, July to December usually offer fantastic wildlife and game viewing as the animals are drawn to the life giving water of the Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls is the Adventure Capital of Africa, and there are literally hundreds of activities you can do depending on your preferences. Activities can largely be split into categories:
- Adrenaline
- Safari & Wildlife
- History & Culture
- Day Trips and Tours
- Cruises
- Flights
1. Guided Tour of Victoria Falls
This is obviously the main reason every one comes to the destination, to experience of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World. A must see when visiting Victoria Falls. As you enter the Victoria Falls rain forest you will notice a change in vegetation. This tropical rain forest was created from the constant spray of the Victoria Falls. Explore the unique rain forest feasting your eyes on magnificent plant and bird life, whilst taking in the grandeur that is the Victoria Falls. You will be guided through the rain forest and stop at the different view points along the way. You will find yourself in awe as you witness the sheer magnitude of the Victoria Falls. This truly is an inspiring experience.
The Guided Tour can be done from both the Zimbabwe Side and the Zambian side and if possible it is really beneficial to get the different perspectives.
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2. “Flight of theAngels” – Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls:
This spectacular flight was so named after David Livingstone’s comment about Victoria Falls, “a sight so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. The most popular helicopter flight in Victoria Falls which takes off from the helicopter pad near Elephant Hills, and heads straight for the magnificent Victoria Falls. The pilot will complete left and right hand orbits over the Victoria Falls allowing passengers on both sides of the helicopter fantastic views of Victoria Falls. The helicopter then heads upstream and over the Zambezi national Park before landing.
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3. Livingstone Island & Devils Pool (Activity is in Livingstone)
When the Zambezi River is in full flood, 10 million litres of water rush over the lip of Victoria Falls every minute, falling 108 metres into the roaring chasm below. Livingstone Island sits in the heart of the falls, on the brink of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Livingstone island is a short boat ride from the Livingstone Island Launch site on the mainland.
On arrival at Livingstone Island you are met by the staff with a traditional brew, and then a short tour to the East of the Island overlooking the Falls, with great views of the Horseshoe and Rainbow Falls. Morning trips often are greeted with spectacular rainbows with the sun shining through the mist.
Those who are brave enough can swim in Devil’s Pool – although this is dependent on water levels. From the Island you take a gentle upstream swim in a gentle current, with a safety rope attached (just in case) to rocky outcrop just above the pool, from where you can jump into the pool, for what has to be one of the most adrenalin pumping experience.
The Livingstone Island Tour concludes with a freshly prepared gourmet meal, breakfast, lunch or high tea, depending on the time of day. After this you will be taken by boat back to the launch site.
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4. Chobe Day Trip
A Chobe Day Trip is a unique opportunity to experience some of the best game viewing in Africa. If you are visiting Victoria Falls and do not have the time for a few nights in the Chobe, a Chobe Day Trip is certainly an experience that you should not miss out on. It really is worth visiting the Chobe for a day.
The Chobe National Park is host to the worlds largest elephant population at an estimated 50,000 elephants. It is famous for its large herds of elephants, buffalo’s and zebras. There are also huge prides of lions in the park. Chobe National Park is home to some of the most diverse species of animals in the world. Chobe is also known to have over 460 bird species, making it one of the world?s premier destinations for birdwatchers. The Chobe River is one of the only rivers in the World that flows in both directions. During the dry season the river flows East. But during the rainy season the flow of the Zambezi River pushes upstream to make the Chobe River flow West.
Chobe Day Trip Game Drive
Your day will begin with a transfer from your hotel in Victoria Falls to the Kasane border post. (Please note that Visas may be required for some nationalities). From the border post you will then be transferred to the Chobe River where you will embark on a morning game cruise. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breath-taking in their sheer number.
Chobe Day Trip Game Drive
Lunch will be served after the game cruise. After lunch you will then head deeper into the Chobe National Park in an open game drive vehicle. The afternoon?s land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home. After the game drive you will be transferred back to the Kasane border post and then back to your hotel in Victoria Falls.
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5. Walk With Giants
An open-design thatch Boma gives guests an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and against this breath-taking back drop, guests will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage.
The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.
You have an opportunity to interact with guides that have journeyed-physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephant, and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. Learn about the elephant as well as their history and how they came to be in this care facility, as well as the threats facing elephant populations today, in an interesting and informative talk.
Venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephant and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on your minds long after you have returned home.
Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animal sand become apart of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
After the encounter with these amazing creatures you can enjoy a selection of refreshments in the cool of the Elephant Wallow.
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6. Bungee Jump
Jump into the rainbow at the Worlds greatest Bungee Jump. The original, the one and only, the must-do, the ultimate thrill! 4 seconds of freefall, 111m of Pure Adrenalin! Off the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, with a spectacular backdrop of the majestic Victoria Falls, move to the edge, arms out and 5-4-3-2-1- BUNGEE leaving yourself plummeting towards the rumbling waters of the rapids of the Zambezi River and let the adrenaline flow.
For the more experienced, speak to your Jump Master and make it more adventurous by doing an Ankle-tied Back-flip or Star Elevator…
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7. Zambezi National Park Game Drive
The Zambezi National Park borders the mighty Zambezi River. A Victoria Falls game drive in the Zambezi National Park is an uncontrived bush experience, covering a genuinely wild, unfenced wilderness area.The game drive will set off either in the early morning or mid-afternoon and explore the vast wilderness of the Zambezi National Park. Using an open four-wheel drive vehicle, the highly qualified guide will go in search of the Big Five.
The Park is home to a variety of larger mammal species, including lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and several species of antelope, including eland, kudu, waterbuck, impala, and Zimbabwe’s national animal, the majestic sable.
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8. Zambezi Dinner Cruise
Enjoy the best of both worlds, a spectacular Zambezi sunset cruise followed by a four-course meal, freshly prepared on-board by our chefs, and served to you while cruising along the river with the sounds of the African bush providing your background music.
Imagine experiencing the sounds and smell of the African bush, the spray of the mighty falls in the distance, while watching crocodile, hippo and elephant, all of which, plus much more, call this home. Our dinner cruises offer guests an opportunity to enjoy the romantic elegance and a sumptuous meal (all drinks included) under the African sky remaining.
This has been rated as one of the ‘best valued’ activity in the falls, and there are three different companies offering this experience, so there is great choice.
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9. Horse Back Safari
Enjoy a horseback ride through the African Bush, through parts of the National Park you can enjoy seeing some of Africa’s wildlife while on the back of a horse, rides also go along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Specifically designed to suite both experienced and novice riders, clients are given the chance to get up close &personal with wildlife in a very natural way. Special attention is paid to matching the client to the right horse so both can feel at ease and Australian Stock saddles ensure a comfortable ride.
All rides start and end at the Stables on the outskirts of Victoria Falls town. Riding through National Park areas there is always a high chance of encountering some of the wild animals which live here, often at close quarters and from the comfort of your saddle.
Qualified, licensed guides lead all rides and are accompanied by a back up rider. All the guides are dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A keen interest is taken in the environment as well as the flora and fauna of the area.
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10. Flying Fox
The site is set high up on the spectacular cliffs of the Batoka Gorge between the Victoria Falls Hotel and Victoria Falls Bridge, above rapids No. 3 & 4. the “Look-out” perched 120 meters above the raging water off the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge below. If you ever wanted to feel like you were flying, then this is a perfect opportunity to see what it feels like.
You will be fully briefed at the “Look-Out” located on the edge of the Gorge. This is a comfortable thatched platform with a spectacular view where you will check-in, sign an indemnity, and be given a briefing and refreshments.
Imagine the adrenalin rush of travelling at a speed of106 km’s hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi water below! As the river zigzags down the Batoka Gorges, the cable is suspended across from one side to the other. For this experience you are harnessed and attached to a pulley, then launched over the edge picking up speed as you descend over the water and reaching a speed of 106 km an hour. This is the longest Zip Line (Foofie Slide) ride in the world.
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- Published in Things To Do