Our Victoria Falls Tours are all centered around the Victoria Falls, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and everything you dream it will be when you’re standing on the edge of the terrifying abyss and all conversation is drowned out by the thunder of falling water. Without a doubt, it is one of the most spectacular sights you’ll see while on your Victoria Falls tour. And one of the reasons why our tour package is proudly named after the iconic Victoria Falls waterfall.

Long before the first European explorer recorded its existence; the Victoria Falls had been named Mosi-oa-Tunya by the Makololo tribe, meaning ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. When the water is high, over 950 cubic metres of water plummets over an almost 2-meter wide edge every minute; dropping over 100 meters into the Zambezi Gorge and creating the largest curtain of water in the world.

David Livingstone described the Victoria Falls waterfall as “a scene so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angles in their flight”. Today, the sight of the mighty falls is no less awe-inspiring than it was in 1853 when Livingstone rounded the bend on the Zambezi River with his weary river guides and saw a towering column of spray and heard the terrifying roar of the raging water. He named the world’s largest waterfall Victoria Falls in honour of the reigning Queen of the British Monarchy at the time.

The Victoria Falls, the surrounding national park and much of the town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major attractions fall within a national park that spans some 24 square kilometres.

Victoria Falls has earned itself the reputation of being the “Adrenalin Capital of Africa” and offers an exciting array of head-rushing activities; from bungee jumping 100 plus metres off a railway bridge to white water rafting through the Batoka Gorge and sitting on the precipice of the mighty falls in Devil’s Pool.

The embattled town of Victoria Falls has limped along for the last decade; having suffered terribly from a slump in tourism on the back of political strife in Zimbabwe. With the winds of change sweeping through the country, interest in Victoria Falls Tours has literally exploded.

What is special about Victoria Falls is there is something for everyone. Victoria Falls tours of the waterfall is obviously the main attraction but the Wonder of the World is only part of the whole Victoria Falls experience.

You have the choice of adrenalin-pumping activities like abseiling down gorge cliff faces or the Batoka Gorge zipline; leisurely boat Zambezi River boat cruises, fly-fishing on on the Zambezi river for ferocious tiger fish; game drives in pristine bushveld; eating crocodile curry and zebra burgers at vibey restaurants; or having High Tea on the same balcony the Queen of England once sat on.

Victoria Falls romantic getaways or men’s fishing safaris on the Zambezi above Victoria Falls; budget tour packages or the luxury of grand safari lodges; swimming in Devil’s Pool or Zambezi white-water rafting through the Batoka Gorge… there are so many things to do in and around Victoria Falls and it does depend on the amount of water that sweeps down the mighty Zambezi River and what time of year you visit.

The only thing we can recommend is that you get to Victoria Falls soon, while the captivating town still retains much of its Out of Africa charm. Before long, every room will be booked and the town will be bursting at its seams...as Victoria Falls tourism booms.

Planning a trip to see the magnificent Victoria Falls? Are you looking for affordable tour packages? ATC Africa Tours offers tailormade tour packages that will suit your travel needs. Contact us today for our wheelchair and child-friendly safaris!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT VICTORIA FALLS

ZAMBEZI RIVER

Victoria Falls waterfall wouldn’t exist without the mighty Zambezi River feeding thousands of cubic metres of water every day. Combined, Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River draw thousands of tourists to the region and contribute significantly to the local economy.

The Zambezi River is the 4th largest river in Africa after the Nile, the Congo and the Niger rivers; spanning some 1 400 000 square kilometers and travelling 2 700 kilometers from its source in Zambia to the river mouth on the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.

It flows through six countries; Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It spends the most time in Zambia and the least time in Botswana. It forms the border of Zambia and Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, and Zambia and Zimbabwe.

There are only a few bridges over the Zambezi River despite its being such a long river. The most impressive is the iconic Victoria Falls bridge; others include Otto Beit Bridge at Chirundu in Zimbabwe; the Katima Mulilo Bridge between Namibia and Sesheke in Zambia; and the Tete Suspension Bridge in Mozambique.

There are two massive man-made lakes on the Zambezi River and both are used to generate hydro electric power for Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. Lake Kariba is located in Zimbabwe and the Cahora Bassa Dam is found in Mozambique. Lake Kariba is spectacular and world-renowned for fishing and safari tours and houseboat holidays. It’s the largest man-made lake in the world.

Over 2 million years ago, the Zambezi River flowed through what is now known as the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana but the river shifted eastwards as a result of a massive tectonic uplift.

A popular thing to do on the Zambezi River is white-river rafting. It’s an extreme sport and not for the faint hearted. The river boats carry its brave passengers from just below the Victoria Falls through 24 scary rapids. These rapids are graded from 3 to 5; the latter being the highest commercial grading possible.

The Victoria Falls white-water rafting tour guides have given the rapids excellent names such as the Gnashing Jaws of Death, the Devil’s Toilet Bowl, Oblivion and the Ugly Stepsisters. Be warned! White-water rafting at Victoria Falls is not a leisurely river cruise; prepare to be challenged in every sense.

DAVID LIVINGSTONE’S LEGACY

Dr David Livingstone was the first European explorer/missionary to record the existence of Victoria Falls in 1854. He had set out for Linyanti, in what is now Namibia, in search of a route from the Atlantic coast which he hoped would open the way for Western trade and Christianity to penetrate the heart of sub-saharan Africa.

On his return trip home in 1855, Livingstone made his way east along the Zambezi River in a fleet of canoes; heading for the Mozambique coast at Quelimane and accompanied by some 200 men. Rounding the bend and about 2 kilometres from the falls, the weary group got their first sighting of a massive column of spray rising miles up in the sky.

Livingston pulled up to one of the small islands close to the falls, fearing imminent danger. He went to investigate the immense roaring sound and the veil of mist shrouding the lush river banks; he lay on his stomach on the edge of the falls and peered over the sheer precipice of some 108 metres into the steaming cauldron beneath him. He would later re-christen the scenic wonder the Victoria Falls, in honour of the reigning Queen of the British Monarchy at the time.

The Royal Livingstone Hotel on the Zambian side of the falls was named in his honour. It contains a vast collection of portraits, drawings and maps that detail his explorations. Livingstone failed in a few of his life’s missions, such as finding the source of the Nile and spreading the Christian faith throughout Africa as a missionary; but his legacy is prolific.

Although Livingstone was wrong about the Nile, he discovered numerous geographical features for the benefit Western science, and his observations enabled large regions to be mapped which previously had been blank. He died from dysentery and Malaria in 1873 at the age of 60 in Zambia; his heart is buried under a Mvula tree in Zambia which is now the site of the Livingstone Memorial.

LARGEST WATERFALL ON EARTH

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on Earth and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This puts it in the same league as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Mount Everest in the Himalayas and the Grand Canyon in the United States.

The Angel Falls in Venezuela is higher but not as wide as Victoria Falls. It’s twice the size of Niagara Falls in North America; 1.5 times wider and double its height. The main difference is Victoria Falls has spectacular scenic national parks on both sides and you’re not limited to seeing them from a viewing platform.

The widest point of Victoria Falls is 1 700 metres; and the highest drop is 108 metres. The Makololo name for Victoria Falls means “the Smoke that Thunders” which describes the deafening roar of the water plummeting over the lip of the falls and the massive column of spray that rises from the seething cauldron below.

There are two islands on the crest of the Victoria Falls waterfall that are large enough to divide the massive curtain of water, even when it’s in full flood. Cataract Island or Baoruka Island, as the locals refer to it, is near the western bank of the waterfall. Livingstone Island is near the centre point of the falls. When the water is low, there are additional islets that divide the curtain of water into separate parallel streams.

The main streams are named in order from Zimbabwe on the west side to Zambia on the east side: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract. Rainbow Falls is the highest point on the Victoria Falls waterfall.

GATEWAY TO PREMIER SAFARI DESTINATIONS OF AFRICA

A major attraction of Victoria Falls is its location to Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The border post for Botswana is less than 2 hours’ drive from Victoria Falls and the world-renowned Okavango Delta about a half-day’s drive from the town.

Hwange National Park on the Zimbabwe side is just 180 kilometres from Victoria Falls and accessible via a decent tar road. The town of Livingstone on the Zambian side is a thriving economic and tourist hub and can be reached easily via the famous Victoria Falls Bridge which was built over the Second Gorge. It links Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe with the town of Livingstone in Zambia. Both towns are excellent as a base to view the world’s largest waterfall.

Travelling from Victoria Falls to Botswana you’ll cross over the only spot on Earth at the Kazangula border post where four countries meet at one point; Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.

THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS

The local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “Smoke that Thunders”. The roar of the waterfall when the water level is high can be heard up to 40 kilometres away. On a wind-free day, a spectacular cloud of mist rises high above the falls and can be seen from hotels and guest lodges in Victoria Falls for miles out of town.

To put Victoria Falls into perspective, about 500 000 cubic metres of water falls over the edge every minute during high-water season. That’s 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools in a minute or 12 000 pools in an hour.

The entire volume of the Zambezi River pours down into the First Gorge which is 110 metres wide. It then zig-zags through a series of gorges. When the water enters Second Gorge, it makes a sharp right turn which, over centuries, has carved out a deep pool called the Boiling Pot. It’s about 150 metres wide and becomes a raging pot of turbulent water in high-water season which is characterised by enormous, slow swirls. Any animal or human swept over the falls will eventually be found washed up at the north-east end of Second Gorge.

GROWTH OF VICTORIA FALLS

European settlers arrived at Victoria Falls in the early 1900s due to a call by Cecil John Rhodes that more manpower was needed for the exploitation of natural resources such as the indigenous timber forests, ivory trade and animal skin trade. Rhodes also harboured a vision to build a railway line that went from Cape to Cairo.

Allegedly, although not believed to be true; Rhodes insisted that a bridge be built over the Zambezi River at a point where the massive spray would fall on passing trains. For this reason, the Victoria Falls Bridge was constructed at the Second Gorge. Prior to 1905, travellers could only cross the river at the Old Drift in dugout canoes or on a rickety barge towed across with a steel cable.

The new railway line and Victoria Falls Bridge made the region accessible and opened up trade between Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) and Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia). The little town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side and Livingstone on the Zambia side grew as the region became a popular attraction during British colonial rule in Africa.

Ironically, Cecil Rhodes never visited Victoria Falls and never saw the famous bridge he was instrumental in developing. His legacy is shrouded in controversy but nobody can argue that Rhodes played a vital role in opening up trade between Northern and Southern Rhodesia.

VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE

The iconic Victoria Falls Bridge which adrenalin junkies throw themselves off was the brainchild of Cecil John Rhodes; the world-famous and quite controversial explorer. It was part of his grand but unfulfilled mission to construct a railway system that would link Cape Town in South Africa with Cairo in Egypt. Rhodes never visited Victoria Falls and died before construction of the bridge started.

Originally known as the Great Zambezi Bridge, it was renamed Victoria Falls Bridge. It was designed by George Andrew Hobson and assisted by Ralph Freeman on stress calculations. Freeman went on to be the principle designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Victoria Falls Bridge was prefabricated in England by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company and then shipped to the Mozambique port of Beira. It was transported to Victoria Falls on a newly-constructed railway line and it took 14 months to construct. Victoria Bridge was officially opened by Professor George Darwin, the son of Charles Darwin, and opened to the public in 1905.

The iconic bridge is 198 metres long with a main arch spanning some 156 metres at a height of 128 metres above the lower water mark in the gorge below. The bridge carries a road, railway line and a footway. It’s the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and one of only three road links between the two countries. Freight trains have historically carried copper ore and timber out of Zambia and coal into Zambia.

The iconic bridge is now a major attraction at Victoria Falls. Don’t miss out on a historical guided tour which promises fascinating information about its constructions. There’s also a small museum on the Zambian side. When that’s done, you have the choice of bungee jumping, gorge swinging or ziplining from the bridge.

NO-PERSON’S LAND

The walkway across the Victoria Falls Bridge that’s so popular for adrenalin-pumping activities and historic walking tours is regarded as no-person’s land. There is no border crossing post at this point and no cost and inconvenience of travel visas and passports. It’s been designated a free-to-go tourism attraction.

At both border posts on either side of the Victoria Falls Bridge, international visitors are required to produce their passports and a travel visa if necessary. Foreign tourists may purchase a KAZA visa for about US$50 that allows them to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe for a period of 30 days.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS

You may ask yourself when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls ? The best time to visit the waterfall is during the high-water season which is from February to July. This when you’ll experience the most spectacular view of the falls and get soaking wet in the spray.

Low-water season is from August to January, and generally known as the dry season in Zimbabwe. It’s not the best time for the falls themselves but it’s the best time for white-water rafting and for swimming in Devil’s Pool.

Peak safari season in Zimbabwe and Zambia is from June to October which is the dry, winter period. The grass is low and thinner which is ideal for game viewing.

The two best months to visit Victoria Falls and combine it with a safari tour of Botswana is June and July, possibly stretching into August. It’s also the busiest tourist season in southern Africa so you have to book well in advance for safari and or Victoria Falls tours and accommodation in Victoria Falls.

 

BEST SIDE TO SEE VICTORIA FALLS

One of the first questions tourists ask when planning a trip to Victoria Falls is which side is best to see Vic Falls ?: Zimbabwe or Zambia? In our opinion; both, if you have the time.

Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side

Most people opt to stay on the Zimbabwe side in the town of Victoria Falls. It’s geared for tourism although it has taken a big economic hit over the last decade due to political strife in the country and tourists staying away from Zimbabwe in general.

On the Zimbabwe side, you get an iconic view of the main falls which is the one most of us have seen in photobooks. The water flows over the edge of the fall all year round, although it’s greatly reduced in the dry season.

Zimbabwe has the best vantage points as three quarters of Vic Falls lies within the country. Walk down the Victoria Falls National Park’s footpath and meander through the damp rainforest until you come to the edge where you are greeted by one of the most spectacular sights in Africa.

The town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side is a hive of tourism activities and has a wide selection of accommodation from backpackers’ dormitories to 5-star luxury safari lodges. The falls are in walking distance from most hotels and guest lodges in Victoria Falls and you’ve got a great choice of restaurants, bars and craft markets in town. The best tour and activity operators for Victoria Falls are based on the Zimbabwe side.

Victoria Falls on the Zambia side

On the Zambian side, you can get exceptionally close to Victoria Falls. If you’re brave enough, you can swim in Devil’s Pool during low-water season and have a great photo taken of you lying on the lip of the falls. At the right time of the year when the water level is low, you can visit Livingstone Island which is where Dr David Livingstone parked his fleet of canoes in the mid-1800s.

During the low-water season, you can join a guided walk down to the Boiling Pot in Second Gorge. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the sheer magnitude of Victoria Falls from the bottom of the gorge.

The town of Livingstone is an economic hub rather than a tourist town. It’s suited to the more mature set who’re looking to escape the busy crowds of in the town of Victoria Falls. It’s not the best side to be in if you’re young and prefer a party town with lots of vibey pubs and hangouts.

One advantage of staying on the Zambian side is you’re a short drive from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which is a small but delightful wildlife nature reserve. You can also pop into the Livingstone Museum for more on the history of the local people and David Livingstone’s epic expeditions.

Both sides if possible

Regardless of which side you stay on when visiting Victoria Falls, you can easily see the falls from both sides by crossing the famous bridge. If you’re white-water rafting, gorge swinging or bungee jumping; your tour operator will organise the transfers and get you to where you have to be on whichever side of the Zambezi River.

Don’t forget you need a passport to cross over into Zambia or into Zimbabwe.

VICTORIA FALLS RAINFOREST

The Victoria Falls Rainforest is the dense woodland area that flanks the edge of the falls and is nourished by the constant spray from the waterfall. The lush vegetation receives what appears to be constant rain as the tumbling water sends up a spray of water which is buffeted upwards and spreads as small water droplets across the green belt.

The result is an incredible eco-zone which supports a variety of insects, amphibians, birds and mammals. In ecological terms, it is not a proper rainforest but rather an elevated extension of the natural river bank. It’s really a riverine fringe; only located some 110 metres above the river bed. The tour operators at Vic Falls coined it a rainforest years ago, mostly because you need a rain jacket to walk through the forest or else you’ll get soaking wet.

LUNAR RAINBOWS AT VICTORIA FALLS

A glorious sight on a visit to Victoria Falls is what the locals call a ‘moonbow’ which is created when the light from the moon bounces off the spray. It’s also known as a lunar rainbow. It lasts from sunset to sunrise and is one of the best kept secrets of Victoria Falls. If you plan you trip to coincide with the full moon, you’ll be blown away by the sheer beauty of the ‘moonbow’ at Victoria Falls.

What to do on your Vic Falls Tour? Allow our experienced staff to create a travel itinerary for you that is packed full of adventure and sightseeing.

THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS

Helicopter Flights “Flight of angels” USD 150.00 per person (12/13min) Excluding $15.00 taxes per person to be paid directly in cash or even have two additional activities

USD 241.00 per person (25/30min) Excluding $15.00 taxes per person to be paid directly in cash

Afternoon Game Drive (3 hours) USD 110.00 per person incl. entrance fees

Livingstone Island “High Tea” USD 210.00 per person incl. return transfers (DEVIL’S POOL)

Low/High water rafting USD 135.00 per person incl. river usage fee

Boma Dinner + Drumming show USD 65.00 per person

Elephant Encounter “Walk with Giants” USD 100.00 per person

3 hours Fishing safari USD 110.00 per person

Low/High water rafting USD 135.00 per person incl. river usage fee

Gorge Swing USD 95.00 per person

Zip line USD 70.00 per person

Afternoon Game Drive (3 hours) USD 110.00 per person incl. entrance fees

Elephant Encounter “Walk with Giants” USD 100.00 per person

3 hours Fishing safari USD 110.00 per person

Evening Game Drive USD 118.00 per person incl. entrance fees

Evening Game Drive + Bush Dinner USD 155.00 per person incl. entrance fees

Chobe Full Day Trip USD 190.00 per person incl. entrance fees

Victoria Falls has a well-earned reputation for being the “Adrenalin Capital of Africa”. The iconic Victoria Falls waterfall is a major drawcard but the town is just as popular for its vast choice of adrenalin-packed activities and sightseeing excursions as it is for its natural wonder of the world.

The good news is that there’s a lot to do at Victoria Falls that is calm and relaxing and doesn’t require you to be super fit and have nerves of steel. There are a number of tour operators on the Zimbabwe and Zambian side offering unique tour packages that have been designed around what is special about Victoria Falls.

Most of them will happily tailor a Victoria Falls tours package around your needs based on your tour budget and what you want to do on your Victoria Falls getaway. Rates and prices for a Victoria Falls tour can range from affordable for the backpacking set and premium for those used to tour packages with luxury options. You need to “shop around” a bit online and find a tour package that suits your budget and offers a variety of things to do at Victoria Falls.

SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS

If you’re looking for an exciting tour package for Victoria Falls, your starting point is Shearwater Victoria Falls. They are the leading tour operator in the region and the original pioneers of safari and adventure in Zimbabwe. The company started its operation in 1982 so it’s had four decades to fine tune its operations and develop the expertise and experience to offer the most exciting getaway to Victoria Falls.

ATC Africa Tours has partnered with Shearwater Victoria Falls because their reputation as a leading operator in the region has been firmly established over the past four decades they’ve been in the area. ATC Africa Tours handles all your travel arrangements on the South African side and Shearwater Victoria Falls will ensure your Victoria Falls package is everything you dream it will be.

Shearwater Victoria Falls started as a small operation running the white-water river rafting on the Zambezi River and has grown to be the biggest tour operator in town offering everything from accommodation in Victoria Falls and activities to airport transfers and safari tours.

The company is unique in that it owns and operates almost all of the major activities in Victoria Falls. It’s a fully-fledged ground-handling and destination management company operating in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.

The company has hosted over a million visitors since it started its operations in the early 1980s and has won the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) Best Tour Operator Award for an unprecedented ten consecutive years. It runs a well-developed tour infrastructure with a vibrant team of over 200 staff based in Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane. It runs a fleet of safari and transfer vehicles and owns and operates a popular safari lodge in Victoria Falls which is the ideal base for their guests on a Victoria Falls tour package.

Assuming you’ve spent a wonderful day at the Victoria Falls waterfall and wandered through the Victoria Falls rainforest until you’re soaking wet; here is a list of the top 10 attractions at Victoria Falls that promise to excite and enthrall …

TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS ( PLUS ACTIVITIES )

We listed only the best Victoria Falls Activities that should definitely be on your itinerary.

1. THE FLIGHT OF ANGELS

An ideal way to grasp the scale of the Victoria Falls is to see the ‘Wonder of the World’ from the sky in a helicopter. The more adventurous can brave a flight over the Zambezi National Park in a microlight. The flight is exhilarating as it zig-zags the length of Batoka Gorge.

You have the choice of a 12 minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls which takes you straight to the waterfall or a longer 25 minute flight which takes you to the waterfall and further up the Zambezi River and over the Zambezi National Park.

Helicopter tour prices range from R2 000 to R4 000, depending on the amount of time you’re in the air. The Victoria Falls Flight of Angels can be booked through Shearwater. It includes pick up from your hotel or guest lodge and a travel guide who’ll point out important and interesting features.

2. CRUISING THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

A leisurely sunset Zambezi River boat cruise down the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end an exciting day at Victoria Falls. It’s idea for game viewing as late afternoon and early evening is the best time to see game in the African bushveld.

If you’d like a more personal or maybe you require a Victoria Falls romantic getaway experience, you can join a guided tour in a 2-person canoe. This is also an excellent option for birding enthusiasts who might want to linger longer on the river if they spot a bird that they’ve been looking forward to seeing on a Zambezi river getaway experience.

3. BUNGEE JUMPING OFF VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE

This is one of the adrenalin-packed activities Victoria Falls is known for and is on the bucket list of every adrenalin-loving tourist. Some say it’s the best bungee jump in the world. It’s not the highest in Africa; that honour goes to Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. But it’s one of the most spectacular purely because of its location and the magnificent backdrop of Vic Falls and the massive free-fall experience into the Batoka Gorge.

The only company allowed to operate the bungee jump activity on the Victoria Falls Bridge is Zambezi Adrenalin Company which is an affiliate of Shearwater Victoria Falls. The company has been running a safe and reputable operation for many years and their approach to safety is outstanding.

If you’re a first-time bungee jumper, you can opt to do a tandem jump with an instructor or a jump buddy. Most people do a head-first dive the first time they jump but the experienced jumpers do all sorts of backflips and tucks.

4. WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

One of the first adrenalin-packed activities to take off in Victoria Falls was white-water rafting on the Zambezi River. Shearwater Victoria Falls started taking people down the river over four decades ago and it’s still one of the flagship activities for the group.

The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is regarded as one of the very best white-water rafting destinations in the world. Canoeist travel through the deep Batoka Gorge and face rapids that are classed between Grade 3 and Grade 5; the latter being the highest grade of rapids and the most extreme. You can catch your breath and steel your nerves in the tranquil pools that intersperse the rapids.

Your white-water rafting experience differs depending on whether you are visiting Victoria Falls in the high- or low-water season. The lower the water level, the more ferocious the rapids. Fortunately, Shearwaters Victoria Falls has built a cable car facility which takes you out of the steep gorge at the end of the day. Before, it was an extremely exhausting walk out of the gorge.

5. ZIPLINE & GORGE SWING

Another exhilarating adrenalin-packed experience at Victoria Falls is ziplining over the mighty Zambezi River. It’s the longest zipline in the world; taking visitors across a 425 metre stretch over the Batoka Gorge. If you’re doing it during the high-water season, you’re drenched by the spray that rises from the waterfall.

The gorge swing is just as exciting. You free-fall some 70 metres into the Batoka Gorge before your rope tightens and you start swinging across the gorge. These activities are managed by Shearwater Victoria Falls who have years of experience so it’s a safe but incredibly exciting activity.

6. SWIM IN DEVIL’S POOL ( A MUST DO VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITY )

This is one of the special things to do in Victoria Falls if you’re brave and enjoy a large dose of adrenalin. It’s the most extreme infinity pool in the world and not for the faint-hearted. It can only be done when the water is low during the high season and under supervision of an experienced tour guide who knows the perils of Devil’s Pool.

It involves wading into the Zambezi River on the Zambian side, swimming across a short distance and being gently swept into Devil’s Pool which is a natural rock pool created by erosion over the centuries. The water must be low enough that the rock wall sticks out above the water at the lip of the waterfall to create a natural rock ledge.

You’ll look like the bravest person in town in photos as you peer over the edge into a 100-metre chasm but it’s actually very safe as long as you follow your guide’s instructions.

WARNING!

Never swim in Devil’s Pool in the rainy season when the water is high. You won’t live to tell the tale!

The best time to visit Victoria Falls if you want to swim in Devil’s Pool is during the low-water season which is from August to December.

You need to book a place on the boat that leaves for Livingstone Island from the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia. It’s a short boat ride to the island and the tour package includes a guided walk on Livingstone Island which is famously where David Livingstone first set eyes on the magnificent waterfall which he later named Victoria Falls in honour of the reigning Queen of the British Monarchy at the time.

A tour of Livingstone Island and a swim in Devil’s Pool takes up half a day. If you have time, plan to have lunch or high tea at the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia. The luxury hotel boasts one of the most incredible settings on the Zambezi River and it’s pure decadence to spend a bit of time there.

7. FINE DINING ON A STEAM TRAIN

For a fine dining experience that’ll take you back in time; book a dinner reservation on the Royal Livingstone Express train. The train has been lovingly refurbished and boasts two wood-paneled dining cars and a lounge car fitted with deep leather armchairs and an open observation carriage which is pulled by a steam locomotive.

The Royal Livingstone Express train chugs through the town of Victoria Falls and through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. You are served delicious hors d’oeuvres paired with sparkling wine, followed by a decadent 3-course dinner prepared by chefs from the 5-star Royal Livingstone Hotel.

It’s a fancy affair so you need to dress in your finest and you can look forward to the whole romantic experience with candlelight glinting off hand-cut crystal glasses and polished silverware and delicate fine-dining meals served with excellent wines from premier wine estates in South Africa.

8. DRUMMING & DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Treat yourself to an authentic African barbeque at The Boma, Place of Eating. The dress code is super casual and the locals wear a chitenje which is a brightly-coloured cotton wrap. Food is served buffet-style and you have the choice of dishes of warthog, kudu and smoked crocodile. If that doesn’t grab your fancy, there are delicious servings of chicken and beef dishes.

Entertainment is a vibrant display of Ndebele dancers and singers with a sangoma (traditional healer) throwing the bones for good measure. Before you know it, you’ll be beating your own drum and joining in the local festivities.

9. LUNAR RAINBOWS OF VICTORIA FALLS ( A MUST DO VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITY )

One of the best kept secrets of a Victoria Falls tour is the lunar rainbows or what the locals call moonbows. They occur when the bright glow of a perfect full moon hits the mist that rises up from the Victoria Falls waterfall.

Lunar rainbows are visible for three nights a month during the high-water season when the sky is cloudless. This season is between January and May. It’s Zimbabwe’s version of the Northern Lights and a spectacular sight to behold.

The best spot to see lunar rainbows is from Victoria Falls Hotel and The River Club on the Zimbabwe side of Vic Falls. There is no guarantee you’ll see a ‘moonbow’ because it requires a special combination of high spray, no clouds and a bright full moon.

10. SAFARI DAY TOUR

Victoria Falls is surrounded by beautiful natural vegetation which falls within the Zambezi National Park. You’ll see an array of wildlife and the birdlife is prolific. For a truly authentic safari tour, book a day tour to one of the two large national parks located just over an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls.

Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and 104 kilometres from Vic Falls. It’s home to the Big 5 which includes buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard and an incredible array of other wildlife and bird species.

Chobe National Park is in Botswana and 162 kilometres from Victoria Falls. You need a passport for a day tour to Chobe as you have to go through border control. It’ll be a very early start to get to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls but well worth it.

Chobe National Park in Botswana is world-renowned as a premier safari destination and for its large herds of elephant and Cape buffalo which you’ll find gathered along the Chobe riverfront in the dry months. It’s also home to the rest of the Big 5 and a spectacular selection of wildlife that inhabit the woods and lagoons around Linyanti Marsh. The floodplains of the Savuti Marsh teem with game including large numbers of migrating zebras.

Another option for a delightful safari tour is a drive around Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. It’s a small stretch of bushveld located along a 12-kilometre stretch of the Upper Zambezi River. There are no large predators in the game reserve but you’ll see elephant and buffalo and an array of antelope and other small game.

Great safari reserves to combine with a visit to Victoria Falls include:Hwange and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe
Kafue and Lower Zambezi in Zambia
Chobe National Park in Botswana
Kruger National Park in South Africa

There are daily flights from OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Airport in Zambia. Your tour operator will organise all road transfers from Victoria Falls Airport and the town of Victoria Falls or Livingstone and the safari tour destinations listed above.

11. ELEPHANT SAFARI TOUR

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time with Africa’s majestic giants at the Wild Horizons Elephant Orphanage. It was established in 1992 as a sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants and has since become a safe haven for orphaned cheetah.

The herd at The Elephant Camp is habituated to humans and you’ll spend an incredible hour with the elephants; walking alongside and stroking them and feeding them delicious treats. The elephant sanctuary relies heavily on tourism to generate much-needed income to keep the establishment afloat and the elephants and cheetahs safe. A visit is not only an uplifting experience but you’ll also be supporting a very good cause.

12. HIGH TEA AT VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL

Victoria Falls Hotel is the ‘Grand Old Lady of the Falls’ and a throwback to a gracious era. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy a decadent afternoon enjoying its famous High Tea on the stately Stanley’s Terrace with a magnificent view of the waterfall.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is steeped in history and a visit to the gracious hotel is one of the more romantic things to do on a Victoria Falls getaway. It was built by the British in 1904 and originally used to accommodate British expats working on the Cape-to-Cairo railway line. It has always been an outstanding hotel and has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World for many years.

The hotel is surrounded by verdant gardens with serene lily ponds and lush lawns. A private path leads guests to the Victoria Falls waterfall which is an scenic 10-minute walk from the hotel. The dramatic views of the waterfall and gorges are world-renowned and probably one of the most photographed vantage points in the area.

13. CRAFT MARKETS & SHOPPING

You can catch up on all your souvenir shopping at one of the many outdoor craft markets in the town of Victoria Falls. These markets are a hive of activity and showcase the local talent of artists and crafters. You’ll find the usual selection of African souvenirs as well as a selection of handmade jewelry and clothing.

14. LIVINGSTONE MUSEUM

Livingstone Museum showcases the rich cultural history of the region as well recordings of pioneering expeditions by the likes of the legendary David Livingstone. The exhibitions include a valuable collection of journals, photographs and drawings which document an era of intrepid travels and exploration.

In 1860, David Livingstone returned to Victoria Falls and made a detailed study of the waterfall with his friend John Kirk. Other European visitors who captured records of the might waterfall include Portuguese explorer, Serpa Pinto; Czech explorer, Emil Holub; and British artist, Thomas Baines.

Until the Victoria Falls Bridge was built and the railway line opened up trade and travel between Southern and Northern Rhodesia, very few people visited the region. The records exhibited at the Livingstone Museum provide a vital insight into the magnificence and awe-inspiring beauty of the region seen through the eyes of travelers in the 16th century.

15. VULTURE RESTAURANT

Visit the vulture ‘restaurant’ at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and witness hundreds of vultures flying into feast on fresh meat that the hotel puts out for them every day. The fresh meat supplements their usual diet of bushveld carrion. It’s an exciting sight but also a valuable endeavour as vultures in Africa are under threat of extinction and this small act of support ensures their survival in the Victoria Falls region.

The vulture experience at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge got a facelift a few years ago with the introduction of a special hide. This provides guests with the opportunity to get extremely close to the spectacle of hundreds of vultures ripping apart raw meat and gives visitors a unique perspective on vulture behaviour.

16. VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE WALK ( A MUST DO VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITY )

The iconic bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia is rich in history and a feat of Victorian engineering. A totally different experience is to view the bridge from underneath, standing high above the Batoka Gorge strapped in with a safety harness.

Using a system of carabiners, cables and walkways; visitors can walk under the bridge and learn all about the engineering marvel from a knowledgeable travel guide.

17. TIGER FISHING ON THE ZAMBEZI ( A MUST DO VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITY )

If you’re an avid fisherman and long to catch one of Africa’s most voracious fish; then a Victoria Falls tiger fishing trip is something for your fishing bucket list. The tiger fishing season on the Zambezi River is from September to March when the fighting fish are more active.

There are over 75 fish species in the warm waters of the Zambezi River so you’re guaranteed a great fishing tip at Victoria Falls. Tiger fishing is rated by many sports anglers as the finest freshwater fighting fish in the world; it’s a swift and powerful predator that gives fisherman a run for their money.

From Victoria Falls, you have the choice of two amazing fishing locations and access to local professional fish anglers who can guide you on how to catch one of those beauties. The sport has introduced fly fishing tackle to catch tiger fish which makes the experience much more exciting.

It’s preferred by Victoria Falls tiger fishing enthusiasts that fisherman adopt a ‘catch and release’ policy but there is a local taxidermy in town that will handle trophy specimens and a freight service that will get your prized tiger fish to your home.

18. HIKE THE BATOKA GORGE

Hiking through the Batoka Gorge is a fantastic opportunity to see the mighty Victoria Falls from a different perspective. It also provides you with a glimpse of timeless African rural life.

The day begins early with a 40-minute off-road drive through the countryside past isolated settlements. The starting point of the Batoka Gorge hike is about 20 kilometres downstream of the Victoria Falls waterfall with a steep descent down to the Zambezi River.

A short trail through the bush takes you to an authentic Ndebele homestead. Hikers get to interact with the local headman of the settlement and his family while enjoying a light meal under the thatched shade of their decorated mud huts. Your gracious host explains their traditional culture and customs which have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Batoka Gorge hike can be enjoyed all year round. Your tour operator will pick you up at any hotel or guest lodge close to Victoria Falls, or from the Victoria Falls Airport.

19. CYCLE ACROSS THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE

One of the cheapest and most enjoyable things you can do in Victoria Falls is cycle across the Victoria Falls Bridge. There are a number of cycle tour operators in town and it’s easy to pick up a bicycle to spend a leisurely few hours riding around the town and crossing over the iconic bridge.

You can rent a bike from Royalty Linkerz for under R100 an hour. The company is conveniently located on the main street.

20. VICTORIA FALLS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

The Victoria Falls New Year’s Eve party is legendary; it starts on 29 December and goes on well into the early hours of New Year’s Day. The atmosphere is electric; drawing locals and tourists across the spectrum. The party has a carnival theme; the music vibrates across the valley, bars teem with people young and old; and the entire sky is lit up by stage lights that flood the night sky with bright colours.

Enquire now and let us help you plan your annual family holiday or a romantic weekend for a special occasion. Contact us for the best romance and family holiday packages. You might also like our Namibia Tours.

SHOPPING & SIGHTSEEING IN VICTORIA FALLS

You can’t leave Victoria Falls without a beautifully handcrafted wooden bowl or lovely soapstone carving. Not only is a it a lovely gift to take home for family or friends, but it helps support local community members who have limited opportunities in the region to earn a living to support their family.

Keep your wits about you and don’t let the local artists badger you into buying something that is overpriced. After a few hours shopping at the local markets in town, you’ll have earned a refreshing drink and delicious meal at one of the local restaurants or bars in town.

Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village

This is a popular shopping centre in Victoria Falls and is made up of a collection of boutique stores, art galleries and the Big Curio Open Market and Tshaka’s Den Complex which are found at the back of the centre. You’ll find quality arts and crafts created by local artists as well as a selection of stores selling casual clothing and accessories and other gift ideas.

Jafuta Heritage Centre

Jafuta Heritage Centre is home to a small but impressive museum which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe’s indigenous ethnic groups. You’ll also find a selection of jewelry and clothing which represents the culture of the Shona, Ndebele, Tonga and Lozi tribes.

Prime Art Gallery

This quality gallery is run by two brothers and showcases beautiful original artwork from local artists. A notable artist on display at the Prime Art Gallery is Dominic Benhura; Zimbabwe’s pre-eminent Shona sculptor who has exhibited his works of art around the world.

African Heritage

This quaint and delightful shop is packed with stuff sourced from all over Zimbabwe and Zambia. You’ll find authentic knitted Zulu dolls, wall hangings from West Africa, ornate head rests for Central Africa and masks from the DRC.

Big Curio Open Market

This is a great place to pick up an authentic Shona sculpture and creative pieces made using recycled material. The Big Curio Open Market showcases the talent of the separate indigenous ethnic groups and captures the essence of their rich cultural history.

Tshaka’s Den Complex

Tshaka’s Den Complex is located next to Big Curio Open Market and also sells a lovely collection of Shona sculptures, handcrafted items and African souvenirs.

EATING OUT IN VICTORIA FALLS

Hotels and guest lodges close to Victoria Falls have their own restaurants and they’re perfect if you’ve come home tired and weary from an exciting adrenalin-packed day at Victoria Falls. But don’t miss an opportunity to eat out in the town of Victoria Falls because you’re in for a treat.

Each restaurant and bar in town has a unique character and offers something different on their menu. It might be a spectacular view, a decadent selection of cakes or an interesting dish of warthog or crocodile; there’s something for everyone in town.

Lookout Café

Lookout Café boasts one of the best views in Victoria Falls. It overlooks the Batoka Gorge with a panoramic view of the Victoria Falls Bridge and Zambezi River. You can tuck into anything from a juicy burger to a tasty crocodile kebab on the open deck or on the grassy lawn terrace. You can watch the daredevils plunging off the bridge or soaring across the gorge on a zipline.

Lookout Café is owned and managed by Wild Horizons

Stanley’s Terrace

Stanley’s Terrace is located at the stately Victoria Falls Hotel and exudes elegance and grandeur. High Tea is served every afternoon with a picture-perfect backdrop of the waterfall and Zambezi National Park. Decadent cakes and three-tiered platters of sandwiches are served off polished silverware. A jug of delicious Pimm’s is a decadent alternative to a cup of tea on a hot summer’s day.

Africa Café

Africa Café is a coffee destination in Victoria Falls, serving the best coffee in town. Expert baristas use coffee beans sourced from Zimbabwe’s eastern highlands which is famous for producing some of the finest coffee in Africa. You can pair a great cup of coffee with a hearty meal or Africa Café’s signature baobab-powder cheese cake. There’s also a bar in the café if you’d prefer something cold and refreshing.

Shearwater Café

Shearwater Café offers visitors a completely different experience; it’s a glitzy café located on the main street in Victoria Falls and is a hit with tourists wanting a chic European-style atmosphere. Sip delicious lattes on the sidewalk on cooler winter mornings or enjoy a respite from the heat in the swanky air-conditioned interior.

Shearwater Café is owned and managed by a leading tour operator in Victoria Falls; boasting quality meals which includes hearty breakfasts, grilled Mozambique tiger prawns and decadent steak sandwiches using Zimbabwe’s finest beef produce.

Rainforest Café

Shearwater Victoria Falls owns and operates the only restaurant situated in the Victoria Falls rainforest, aptly named Rainforest Café. It’s an excellent choice after an exhilarating tour of the waterfall and Zambezi National Park; boasting excellent coffee, juicy burgers, plump toasted sandwiches and delicious pizzas.

The Elephant In The Moon

Shearwater Victoria Falls was bombarded with requests to host large groups at their two restaurants so they opened an outside venue close to the Victoria Falls waterfall called The Elephant in the Moon.

Guests enjoy authentic African cuisine outside under the stars on an elevated escarpment in bushveld surrounds close to the Shearwater Helipad. The view overlooks the magnificent Victoria Falls waterfall and the magical ‘smoke that thunders’.

A magical ambience is created with a multitude of hanging lanterns designed to mimic the twinkling stars of an African sky. The Elephant in the Moon is located a short walk out of town and offers guests some respite from the busy restaurants in Victoria Falls. The soundtrack to a perfect evening is the occasional trumpeting of an elephant and honking of a hippo in the Zambezi River.

The Bridge Café

This stunning eatery is built on a platform overlooking the Batoka Gorge and offers guests a panoramic view of the waterfall and Zambezi National Park. From here you can watch the thrilling activities on the Victoria Falls Bridge while sipping on a cold Zimbabwe beer and enjoying a delicious meal.

It’s an excellent choice if you’ve just plummeted off the side of the Victoria Falls Bridge or spent an interesting hour on an historic bridge walk. The location is hands down the best in town.

The Boma Restaurant – The Place Of Eating

If you want to enjoy an authentic African dining experience, the Boma Restaurant is the perfect choice. The restaurant blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest and you’re bombarded by the sight, sounds and smell of the beautiful African bushveld.

It’s also an opportunity to experience a few traditional rituals of the local people; with guests partaking in a handwashing ceremony on arrival before sampling traditional African beer and snacks. The Boma Restaurant offers a four-course meal made up of a superb selection of local and indigenous dishes which includes a variety of game meat.

Local delicacies served at the Boma Restaurant include dishes of mopani worms and crocodile stew. Entertainment is an exuberant group of traditional dancers who captivate guests with their energetic songs and dance. A witchdoctor is on hand to read bones thrown by you and predict your future and a traditional story teller explains the local folklore, culture and heritage of the different ethnic tribes in the region.

Buffalo Bar

For the best sundowner spot in Victoria Falls, head to Buffalo Bar. This popular restaurant overlooks the Zambezi National Park and a tranquil waterhole. You’ll see game wandering down to the waterhole while sipping on a cold beer or delicious gin & tonic.

Buffalo Bar is located at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge close to Victoria Falls. If you come to the luxury safari lodge at lunchtime, you’ll witness hundreds of hungry vultures feeding at the Vulture Restaurant in front of the lodge. Kitchen meat scraps are given to the vultures to supplement their diet.

Shoestrings Bar

Shoestrings Bar is a popular hangout for vibey youngsters and the backpackers set. As the name implies, it’s easy on your budget if you’re travelling to Victoria Falls on a shoestring. It’s a lively spot with great music in the evening and a chilled, laid-back atmosphere during the day.

Friday and Saturday night is party night at Shoestrings Bar. There’s an entrance fee of US$3 which includes a complimentary drink.

In Da Belly Restaurant

The open-air restaurant is a large thatched hut which overlooks a sparkling pool so it’s a great place to hang out on a hot summers day. It serves delicious meals of warthog schnitzel, crocodile curry and impala burgers as well as a brilliant breakfast and the usual juicy beef burgers and pizzas.

The name In Da Belly is an affectionate play on the name of the local Ndebele tribe which is one of the two major ethnic groups in Zimbabwe.

Lola’s Tapas & Carnivore Restaurant

This popular restaurant is run by the fabulous Lola from Barcelona. She offers guests a delicious combination of Mediterranean cuisine along with African fusion food such as crocodile ravioli and kudu paella. Try Lola’s zebra burgers, impala meatballs or a selection of traditional tapas dishes.

For US$30, you can enjoy a spread of all-you-can-eat game dishes. Dine outdoors under the African sky or enjoy a romantic dinner in the intimate indoor dining area. Pair your meal with a large jug of delicious sangria. Bookings are essential as the restaurant is packed in the busy Zimbabwe tourism season.

Three Monkeys

Three Monkeys is a new restaurant experience in the town of Victoria Falls and is already hugely popular for visitors on a Victoria Falls romantic holiday.

The cocktail bar and restaurant is set up in an ancient 1935 Rhodesian railway carriage. The atmosphere is quaint and endearing and the food is delicious.

Nam Took

Nam Took is run by Toy from Bangkok and is the only restaurant in town offering authentic Thai cuisine. Gear up for an evening of spicy curries and delicious Thai noodle dishes, all prepared using fresh produce.

ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO VICTORIA FALLS

Accommodation in Victoria Falls ranges from budget-friendly backpackers dormitories and homely B&Bs to ultra-luxury safari lodges sitting on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Victoria Falls hotels and guest houses are priced for those travelling on dollars and Euros but there are enough options in town if you’re travelling on a tight budget.

It’s ideal to choose accommodation close to Victoria Falls because you want to be close to all the action and enjoy the incredible array of restaurants and bars in town. If you’ve booked into a more intimate B&B or budget-friendly guest house, you can always enjoy the splendour of the grander safari lodges if you visit for a sundowner drink or light lunch on their outdoor decks.

Luxury lodges close to Victoria Falls offer guests panoramic views of the Zambezi River and national park. They work closely with the leading tour operators in Victoria Falls to offer guests a combination of luxury accommodation and exhilarating, adrenalin-filled excursions.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located a short drive out of the centre of Victoria Falls and just 4 kilometres from the Victoria Falls waterfall. It offers guests uninterrupted views of the bushveld surrounds and excellent game viewing at a waterhole in front of the lodge.

The luxury lodge has been voted “Best Safari Lodge” in Zimbabwe for 11 consecutive years and is listed on Conde Nast Travellers Gold List. It’s situated high on a plateau facing westward over the Zambezi National Park and is a popular pre-dinner sundowner spot. The sunsets are spectacular, particularly if paired with a crisp glass of wine or a frosty beer.

The rooms are lavishly decorated with brightly-coloured ethnic fabrics and fittings; each has its own private balcony overlooking the waterhole. Buffalo Bar and the Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant offer delicious meals or you can enjoy a meal on the outdoor deck.

A’Zambezi River Lodge

A’Zambezi River Lodge is located in the protected Zambezi National Park and offers guests unrivalled views of the surrounding bushveld. The luxury lodge is a short 5 kilometre drive from the main town and the Victoria Falls waterfall; guests have easy access to all the popular activities with complimentary shuttle transfers.

The safari lodge boasts a contemporary African-style design with a distinctive thatched roof and rustic exterior which blends in seamlessly with the bushveld surrounds. Each room at A’Zambezi River Lodge is beautifully decorated with calm elegance in mind.

The Kingdom at Victoria Falls

The Kingdom of Victoria Falls Hotel is designed to capture the essence of the regions rich cultural heritage and pays tribute to the ancient allure of royal African kingdoms. Massive crested domes and ornate pillars bridge the hazy divide between modern reality and indulgent fantasy.

It’s close to the Victoria Falls waterfall and an ideal location for guests who’ve booked one of the many Victoria Falls activities. It’s constructed around a man-made lake and boasts 294 luxury rooms built in a distinctive style based on the Great Zimbabwe Monument at Masvingo.

The Great Enclosure is a large retail and entertainment complex situated close to the Kingdom of Victoria Falls. You’ll find a selection of boutique shops, a pharmacy, bank, internet café, curio shops and a wide range of food outlets. A popular attraction at The Great Enclosure is the Makasa Casino which is one of the most impressive casinos in Zimbabwe.

Elephant Hills Resort

Elephant Hills Resort is a luxury safari lodge in Victoria Falls located on a rocky outcrop about 3 kilometres upstream from the waterfall. From the lodge’s balcony, you can hear the thunderous sound of the water plummeting over the edge of the waterfall and see the towering column of spray. It’s a spectacular location.

A popular feature of Elephant Hills Resort is a championship 18-hole golf course with immaculate fairways which stand out in stark contrast to the rugged African bushveld. Watch out for antelope and warthog who wander across while you’re lining up for a perfect golf drive.

The resort has 276 rooms and is geared for large conference groups and corporate functions. Bedrooms are elegantly decorated with a contemporary ethnic style; seamlessly blending the ambience of the African bushveld with the luxury of modern features.

Professional tour operators based at Elephant Hills Resort handle all your Victoria Falls bookings and reservations and put together tailor-made Victoria Falls packages based on what you’d like to see and do in Victoria Falls.

Don’t want to drive all the way to Vic Falls by yourself? ATC Africa offers transfers and bus tours from Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

The Victoria Falls Hotel

The Victoria Falls Hotel is a diamond in the rough at Victoria Falls. It stands out in stark contrast to other luxury safari lodges and guest houses that are designed to embrace an elegant African safari theme. The Grand Old Lady of Victoria Falls is a British masterpiece and exudes the elegance and grandeur of a forgotten era.

The grand hotel is located in a spectacular garden setting which falls within the Zambezi National Park. It’s the closest hotel to the Victoria Falls waterfall and each room has a breathtaking view of the iconic Seven Wonders of the World.

A popular attraction at the Victoria Falls Hotel is High Tea served on the stately Stanley’s Terrace. It’s an old-fashioned, elegant affair which allows guests to escape from the reality of the modern age and immerse themselves in the serenity and seclusion of the tranquil setting.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge offers guests an authentic safari experience in luxury tented suites also known as glamping. It was the first private safari lodge built in the Zambezi National Park and bagged pride and place on a beautiful spot on the Zambezi River. It’s so close to Victoria Falls waterfall that guests can almost feel the fine spray of the towering column of mist rising up for the deep Batoka Gorge.

The luxury safari tents are nestled in a grove of beautiful bushveld trees. Guests can retreat to their tented accommodation after an exiting day exploring Victoria Falls or they can unwind at the lodge’s sparkling pool with a ice cold gin & tonic in hand.

VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL

Victoria Falls Hotels is an iconic landmark in Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. It’s steeped in history and a stay at the impressive hotel takes visitors back in time to an era of grand hospital and gentry ambience. It has its roots in the Cape-to-Cairo vision of the legendary Cecil John Rhodes although he never visited Victoria Falls and never stayed at the hotel.

Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 by a British construction company. It was originally conceived as accommodation in Victoria Falls for contractors employed to build the Cape-to-Cairo railway line. It was positioned overlooking the Victoria Falls waterfall in a spectacular garden setting which now falls within the Victoria Falls National Park. It offers visitors dramatic views of the Victoria Falls waterfall and the towering column of spray can be seen from most rooms in the hotel.

To fulfil Rhodes’ dream to build the Cape-to-Cairo railway line, his good friend and colleague Sir Charles Metcalfe was tasked with building the iconic bridge that would link Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) with Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia). The Victoria Falls Hotel was built in close proximity to the bridge with the idea that it would become known as jewel of the region and represent unrivalled quality synonymous with British construction.

The hotel was built and operated by the British railways administration but was leased to the then Southern Sun hotel group in the early 1970s. This group went on to become African Sun Limited which owns and operates some of the most prestigious hotels in the country. In the late 1990s, the management of Victoria Falls Hotel was passed on to Meikles Africa Hotel.

Today, Victoria Falls Hotel still belongs to the National Railways of Zimbabwe and is shared in a 50/50 management partnership between African Sun Limited and Meikles Africa.

A stay or short visit to the Victoria Falls Hotel is one of special things to do in Victoria Falls. It allows you to step back in time and soak up the grandeur and elegance of a by-gone era. It’s one of the oldest hotels in Africa and represents an era of distinguished elegance. It has been lovingly restored and maintained and represents the epitome of grand luxury travel.

If a stay at Victoria Falls Hotel is not in your budget, at the very least enjoy a decadent meal in the stately dining room where the Queen of England once dined; or enjoy High Tea on Stanley’s Terrace which offers panoramic views of the beautiful Victoria Falls waterfall. You’ll have to dress a bit more fancy than the regular ‘shorts and sandals’ attire of Victoria Falls so be sure to pack one decent outfit for your visit.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS

The best time to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls is from February to May during the high-water season when the water is pumping over the edge of the falls. The first rains that feed the Zambezi River fall in the Angola Highlands in November but it takes time for the mass of water to reach Victoria Falls.

High-water season

The Victoria Falls waterfall is best experienced at the height of the high-water season to get the full impact of the thunderous roar of water plummeting over the edge and the massive column of spray that rises up from the deep Batoka Gorge. The sheer force of water drives the spray for miles up into the air above the waterfall and drenches the surrounding Victoria Falls Rainforest. This is where the falls local name originated; Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.

The problem with the high-water season is it’s not the ideal time to coincide a Victoria Falls getaway with a safari tour to places like Chobe in Botswana and Hwange in Zimbabwe. The bush is thick and the game is hard to spot in the summer months in the bushveld. Winter is the ideal time for game viewing in Africa.

The high-water season is also not the best time to visit Victoria Falls if you’re planning to go white-water rafting down the Zambezi River. The water levels are high and flow easily over the rocky depths of the gorges which means the rapids in Batoka Gorge are fairly mild and not nearly as exciting as they are in the low-water season. The dry winter months produces Grade III to Grade V rapids which are regarded as some of the best white-water rafting rapids in the world.

Low-water season in Victoria Falls

The spectacle of Victoria Falls is dependent on rainfall and in periods of drought, a visit to Vic Falls may be disappointing. But you can still appreciate the significance of it even if it’s not thundering in all its mighty glory. There’s so much to do in Vic Falls that the waterfall has become only one of the special things to see.

Victoria Falls has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘Adrenalin Capital of Africa’ so it’s extremely popular among the young backpacking set and outdoor enthusiasts who visit Victoria Falls to leap off the iconic bridge, zipline across the Batoka Gorge and white-water raft down the Zambezi River.

Zambezi River is home of the ferocious fighting fish, the tiger fish. It’s on every avid anglers bucket list to catch a fantastic specimen. It’s also a perfect destination for a romantic holiday and very popular as a honeymoon destination. What could be more romantic than sipping a delicious gin & tonic on the large outdoor deck of a safari lodge and watching an array of game come down to the water’s edge to quench their thirst.

The “worse” time to visit Victoria Falls if you’re looking forward to seeing spectacular views of the waterfall is in the dry end-of winter period from October to November. The northern Angola rains haven’t reached Victoria Falls and the water going over the edge goes down to a “trickle”. The Zambian side sometimes dries up completely; although it’s still pretty impressive seeing the bare rock face of the Batoka Gorge.

As mentioned, the end-of-winter dry season is not ideal for panoramic views of the thundering waterfall and massive column of spray but it’s the best time for white-water rafting on the Zambezi River. Expect epic rapids and an adventure of a lifetime. It’s also the only time you can swim in Devil’s Pool because the water is low enough to create the rock wall at the edge of the waterfall that stops people from plummeting over the side.

The Zimbabwe climate is close to perfect all year round; broken only by thunderstorms in the afternoon and the old chilly evening in winter. The rainy season is from December to April and a rainy week can dampen the impact of exciting activities you can book on a Victoria Falls tour package.

Between November to March, temperatures reach a high of 30-35°C. It’s hot and humid and not ideal for people who don’t like extremely hot weather. Of course, it’s ideal for sun-loving international tourists looking to escape the icy grip of winter in Europe.

Zimbabwe winters are mild and pleasant and usually only require an extra jersey or warm coat in the evenings. The average day temperature reaches a high of 25-28°C.

Victoria Falls is a malaria area and the risk of contracting malaria is always higher in summer, although tourists must take anti-malaria precautions throughout the year.

October is the hottest month in Zimbabwe; locals call it ‘suicide month’ because it becomes unbearably hot and everyone is impatient for the rains to arrive. It’s the best month for an African safari tour so you need to decide what’s more important; your comfort or excellent game viewing?

Game viewing on a leisurely boat cruise on the Zambezi River is spectacular in the dry winter season, particularly between September and November. The animals are thirsty and congregate around waterholes and along the river bank. When the rains arrive, they disperse deeper into the lush bushveld and game viewing in the rainy season is not nearly exciting.

A quick recap of the best times to visit Victoria Falls:

Best time for the best views the Victoria Falls waterfall: March to April
Best time to combine Victoria Falls packages with a safari tour: July to September
Best time to swim in Devil’s Pool: September to November
Best time for white-water rafting on Zambezi River: September to November

VICTORIA FALLS TOURS FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Where is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe; lying on some 575 kilometres of the Zambezi National Park. Victoria Falls waterfall is fed by the mighty Zambezi River which flows an incredible 2 700 kilometres through six countries; from its source in north-western Zambia to the Indian Ocean on the coast of Mozambique.

How do I get to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg or Cape Town?

The biggest airlines flying to Victoria Falls from destinations in South Africa or Europe are:

British Airways (BA)
South African Airways (Airlink)
Ethiopian Airlines
Kenya Airways
Airlink is a subsidiary airline of South African Airways. The international airline provides direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Victoria. There is a flight to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg and a return flight to Johannesburg every day.

Kenya Airways offers direct flights from Cape Town to Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. It’s just short of a 3-hour flight and is reasonably priced.

Flights from South Africa to Victoria Falls or Livingstone are less expensive if you book directly with the airline. For the best prices for holiday and tour packages in Victoria Falls contact ATC Africa, we can also assist with airport tranfers and bus tours from Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

What is the Zimbabwe climate?

Zimbabwe and Zambia are blessed with the best weather in the world. Throughout the year it is warm and sunny with extremely hot spikes in summer and mildly cold evenings in winter.

The rainy season in Zimbabwe is the summer months from November to April.

The hottest months in Zimbabwe are between August to October; it’s very hot and dry and the rains haven’t arrived yet to cool down daytime temperatures. Temperatures can reach over 35°C by mid-day and the evenings cool down to a pleasant 20°C in the evening.

The dry season in Zimbabwe is the winter months from May to July. Winter in Zimbabwe is relative; the days are mild and pleasant but temperatures can drop quite dramatically in the evening when the sun goes down. It can get extremely dry in the bushveld during winter.

Zimbabwe tourism is not dictated by the weather but rather by what visitors want to see and do in the country. Winter is an ideal season for a safari tour as the bush is thin and dry; it’s ideal for game spotting and you’ll see an abundance of game at permanent water sources in the bushveld.

The summer season in Zimbabwe transforms the countryside into a lush, verdant oasis. It’s not ideal for game viewing but perfect for a tour of destinations such as Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and the eastern regions of the country.

Most people agree that the best month to visit Zimbabwe is in April because the weather is spectacular; the days are balmy and have lost that excessive edge of heat. You’re less likely to have your trip ruined by heavy downpours and, of course, the Victoria Falls waterfall is still pumping. The views and spray are still spectacular but not as dramatic as the heavy rainfall season.

The best month for white-water rafting on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is August. The water is at its lowest level which makes the rapids hugely challenging and exciting. If this sounds too hectic for you, book a white-water rafting trip closer to the end of the high-water season (March to April) when the rapids are slightly more sedate.

If you are a bird enthusiast, the best time for bird watching in Zimbabwe is in the summer months from September to March. Thousands of migrant birds make their way to sunny Africa to escape the cold winter months in Europe. For photographers, you’ll capture a visual feast of lush vegetation, blossoming flowers, stunning sunsets and spectacular thunderstorms.

What is a concierge service?

Select tour operators offer a concierge service which is an excellent facility for a personalised tour of Victoria Falls. The tour operators have a pool of highly experience Victoria Falls travel guides who’ll organise everything for you based on what you’d like to see and do in Victoria Falls.

The private service includes pre-hotel checks, meet and greets at Victoria Airport, private guided tours and bookings for activities and restaurants. The service includes shuttle transfers between the airport and your accommodation in Victoria Falls and transfers to destinations in Zambia and Botswana if requested.

Best viewpoints at Victoria Falls

The most dramatic viewpoint at Victoria Falls is Cataract View at the most western-point of Victoria Falls National Park. Cataract View is located just before you reach the David Livingstone statue. Steep steps lead you down to Devil’s Cataract where you’ll witness one of the most incredible scenic sights in Africa.

As you head back eastwards, you pass multiple viewing points which are just as spectacular; in the high-water season you’re shrouded in mist with a beautiful rainbow prism creating incredible photo opportunities.

Another path leads you to Danger Point which is hugely popular because it takes you to a sheer 100 metre drop that requires nerves of steel to edge up to. Danger Point is unfenced so you need to be extremely careful at this dramatic viewpoint. From Danger Point, take a side trail for a view of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.

Victoria Falls waterfall is located 1 kilometre from the town centre, just before the border crossing into Zambia. It’s an easy walk from town. You’ll find detailed information boards at the entrance to the waterfall and will need to pay an entry fee. This is charged in US dollars, Euros, Pounds and South African Rands. The administration office has Mastercard and Visa facilities for your convenience.

After a gorgeous morning spent exploring Victoria Falls National Park and finally seeing the waterfall, stop off for a delicious meal and refreshments at Rainforest Café.

Do I need a passport for Zimbabwe?

International tourists need a passport for border crossings into Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.

Your passport must have enough blank pages in it for stamps and must not be due to expire within six months of your arrival in the countries.

Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Travel visas are required of travellers from certain countries. This can be confirmed through the relevant travel authorities or your travel agent.

Is it safe to travel to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is almost entirely dependent on tourism and the town makes security a priority. However, you should still be careful when travelling through Zimbabwe and visiting Victoria Falls. The usual problems of petty theft and tourist scams exist so keep your wits about you.

Booking a Victoria Falls tour package through a leading tour operators in Victoria Falls offer travellers peace of mind. These operators have been in the area for a very long time and will ensure your trip is safe and not marred by opportunist crime that is prevalent in a third-world country.

ATC Africa Tours has partnered with Shearwaters Victoria Falls based on its reputation for service excellence and reliability. Offering Victoria Falls Tours. Shearwaters Victoria Falls have been operating in Victoria Falls for over 40 years.

What is the political situation in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe has come out of a decade of political strife and Victoria Falls did suffer from the impact of the economic downturn of the country. Under the new leadership of the ruling party, the country is bouncing back and Zimbabwe tourism is booming once again.

Of course, you are visiting a third-world country and you should follow all the necessary precautions to stay safe in Zimbabwe. Watch out for dodgy “entrepreneurs” who might try to scam you and avoid falling for the usual tourist traps.

Hyper inflation remains a problem in Zimbabwe and the country is still experiencing a cash crisis. Shop around for specials on Victoria Falls tour packages and pay for your accommodation and activities in advance to avoid any cash payment problems when you’re in Victoria Falls.

Using a reputable Victoria Falls tour operator is the best way to stay safe in Victoria Falls, and Zimbabwe or Zambia in general. Tour operators like Shearwaters and Wild Horizons have been operating in Victoria Falls and Livingstone for decades and will ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. Their reputation depends on it!

What medical issues do I need to know about?

Victoria Falls is a malaria area and visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions to prevent falling ill from the disease. Malaria is a life-threatening disease and needs to be taken very seriously.

Please consult your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on anti-malaria treatment. Take a good supply of mosquito repellent with you, although you can buy from shops in the town of Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls is not a yellow fever risk zone according to the WHO so it international tourists are not required to have the yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Zimbabwe. Vaccinations against rabies, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis are a personal choice.

Beware of the sun and avoid extreme sun burn. Don’t underestimate how badly the scorching African sun can burn you, particularly if you are doing water sports where the reflection of the sun off the water can cause serious sun damage. Liberally apply sunscreen and always wear a hat. Drink lots of water on hot days and stay hydrated.

The water from taps in Victoria Falls is safe to drink; it’s regularly tested. Most international tourists prefer to drink bottled water but all that plastic has a major impact on the environment.

Do I need to book Victoria Falls tour activities in advance?

It is advisable that you book activities you’d like to do in Victoria Falls before arriving in town. If you’re booking accommodation through a reputable Victoria Falls tour operator, you’ll also book your daily excursions through them.

Victoria Falls suffered from a slump in tourism because of political strife in the country but the tide has turned and Zimbabwe tourism has picked up nicely. It’s getting busy again and many of the popular activities have number limits. Book Victoria Falls activities in advance to avoid disappointment if they’re overbooked. Devil’s Pool, for example, is fully booked months in advance of the busy low-water season.

Another advantage of booking Victoria Falls activities ahead of time is you can pay in advance. Zimbabwe has had a major cash crisis for many years and electronic payments can sometimes be erratic. Be safe and make your accommodation reservations for Victoria Falls and book your activity tour packages well in advance, if possible.

Best spot for flying-fishing in Victoria Falls

Zambezi River is world renowned for being one of the best spots for tiger fly-fishing and the new sport is to catch one of these ferocious fighting fish. Tiger fishing on the Zambezi River is good all year round but the best time of year is from May to August when the water is low; thus calmer and clear.

From September to December, the water begins to heat up and the tiger fish are their most active. The best method for catching tiger fish at this time of the year is using the trawling method. If you’re keen to fly-fish for tiger fish, the best time of the year is from January to April when the water level is high and moving fast. That’s when your drifting skills with a fly-fishing rod will be more successful.

The two main fishing spots in Victoria Falls are the Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls waterfall and stretches of river on the Upper Zambezi above the falls. The gently-flowing water in Upper Zambezi is perfect for an exciting day of fly-fishing; the scenery is also spectacular and you’ll see a lot of wildlife on the banks of the river.

There are a number of tour operators in Victoria Falls offering tour packages for fly-fishing on the Zambezi River. We recommend Shearwater Victoria Falls and Wild Horizons; their safari fishing guides have years of experience and know where the best fishing spots are. They offer fishing safari packages for novice and experience anglers.

ZAMBEZI RIVER

Zambezi River means the “Great River” in the local Tonga dialect and aptly describes this incredible river that feeds the Victoria Falls. Zambezi River is not only a vital life source for animals and humans but it’s the reason Victoria Falls exists. It’s one of the main attractions in Vic Falls; offering visitors everything from bungee jumping and white-water rafting to fly-fishing on the Zambezi River and long, leisurely sundowner cruises.

The Zambezi River is the fourth longest river in Africa after the Nile, Congo and Niger Rivers. Its source lies about 1 500 metres above sea level in the Mwinilunga District which is close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet.

It flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana and then winds back along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe before reaching the Indian Ocean at a spectacular delta in Mozambique. The entire catchment area is some 1 400 000 square kilometres; about half the size of the great Nile River.

There are two very important dams built on the Zambezi River; both of them are used to harness the power of the volume of water going over the dam walls to generate hydroelectric power. The first is Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the second is Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. The hydroelectric power schemes supply a significant portion of energy to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Victoria Falls lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is fed by the mighty Zambezi River. Both Vic Falls and the Zambezi River have played a vital role in the economic upliftment in the northern reaches of Zimbabwe and southern town of Livingstone. There is little else in the area for locals to generate income and Zambian tourism and Zimbabwe tourism is critical for the region.

There are three parts to the Zambezi River:

Upper Zambezi

Upper Zambezi runs from the source of the river in a south-westerly direction out of Zambia and into Angola for about 240 kilometres. It re-enters Zambia at the Cholwezi rapids and Chavuma Falls. Most of the section of the Zambezi River is very slow moving and empties into a wide part known as the Barotse Floodplain where the width of the river is about 25 kilometres wide in the high-water season.

The Upper Zambezi is sparsely populated; mainly by scattered family groups subsisting off farming and fishing. During the rainy season, the local inhabitants move to higher ground to escape the flood waters and celebrate the welcome rains in a ceremony known as Ku-omboka. The locals believe in a spirit called Nyami-Nyami, which is represented as a serpent. They believe this spirit brings them water to grow their crops and supplies fish to eat; and refer to the Zambezi as the “river of life”.

Upper Zambezi eventually meets the Chobe River and briefly forms a border with Botswana before becoming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is at this point, about 80 kilometres above Victoria Falls waterfall, that four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

This is the tourism mecca of the Zambezi River and where Victoria Falls tour operators thrive; catering for hundreds of visitors who come to the area (both Zambia tourism or Zimbabwe tourism). Everything from kayaking, canoeing, river cruises, bungee jumping, gorge hikes and ziplining is offered as Victoria Falls tours. The Victoria Falls tour packages offer an array of places to stay in Vic Falls; from affordable backpacking options to luxury safari lodges overlooking the pristine bushveld and stunning Zambezi River.

On the Zimbabwe side is a national park called the Zambezi National Park. On the Zambian side, you’ll find romantic Victoria Falls getaways and small, luxury lodges for those wanting to avoid the busy Zimbabwe tourism mecca. About 20 kilometres of the river’s bank lies within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Victoria Falls marks the boundary between Upper and Lower Zambezi. The water that plummets over the Victoria Falls waterfall cuts through gorges of basal rock between 200 to 250 metres high. This is where you’ll be taken for an exhilarating day of white-water rafting with a reputable Victoria Falls tour operator such as Shearwaters. It’s one of the most exhilarating things to do in Victoria Falls and something you should definitely do if you’re fit enough for such an extreme activity.

Middle Zambezi

From Vic Falls waterfall, the Zambezi River makes its way to Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The Kariba Dam was completed in 1959 and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It’s world-renowned as a tiger fishing destination and offers visitors incredible sightings of wildlife while lounging on massive houseboats on Kariba Dam. The scenery is spectacular and fishing on Kariba Dam is brilliant. It’s one of the best holidays you can have with your family in southern Africa.

The Zambezi River makes its way from Kariba Dam eastwards towards Chirundu and beyond where it is flanked by the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. This stretch is famous for the Zambezi River canoe safaris where guests paddle down the river and camp overnight on the river bank. Wildlife sightings are incredible and the birdlife is spectacular. Encounters with hippos in the river and buffalo and elephant on the banks are not for the faint-hearted.

The middle section of the Zambezi River ends when it flows into Lake Cahora Bassa (constructed in 1974). Before the man-made lake was constructed, this part of the river was impassable because of the dangerous rapids known as Kebrabassa. These rapids created a massive problem for the early explorers and were the reason the area developed at a much slower pace then up and downstream.

Lower Zambezi

Lower Zambezi runs from Cahora Bassa to the Indian Ocean. Large fishing boats can go down this section of the Zambezi River but it gets shallow in places during the low-water season. About 320 kilometres before the river reaches the sea, it winds between high hills and gorges that have formed over centuries.

Fishing and wildlife safaris in the Lower Zambezi are hugely popular and there are a number of isolated fishing and safari lodges located down this stretch of pristine river which is flanked by stunning bushveld and riverine forests.

Zambezi Delta

The Zambezi River spits up into a number of branches about 160 kilometres from the river mouth on the coast of Mozambique. This forms the amazing Zambezi Delta. Water from Lake Malawi also ends up in the Zambezi Delta.

It’s half as wide as it was before the construction of the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams but still a spectacular destination if you love fishing and camping in the wilderness.

WHAT TO DO IN LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

Livingstone is the economic hub and tourism mecca of southern Zambia. It’s the closest town to the Victoria Falls waterfall and all the things to do at Victoria Falls if you’ve chosen to tour the area from the Zambian side.

It’s changed over the years from a colonial-era town named after the infamous explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, to a modern city with upmarket shopping centres, banks and a fantastic collection of restaurants, hotels, safari lodges and B&Bs.

If you’re in Livingstone to visit Victoria Falls and spend some adrenalin-pumping days white-water rafting and bungee jumping or tiger fishing on the Zambezi River or enjoying a leisurely river cruise; you’re find a selection of reputable Victoria Falls tour operators who’ll organise whatever your heart desires.

In the town itself, you have the choice of an historic tour of the town and its colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage or you can enjoy a safari tour of the Zambezi National Park. The scenery in the southern region of Zambia is spectacular and, of course, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the great Mosi-oa-Tunya, the “Smoke that Thunders”.

What to do in Zambia today? A few of the exciting things you can explore on one of the days on a Victoria Falls tour:

A safari boat cruise on the Zambezi River

Floating down the Zambezi River on a cruise boat gives you an armchair view of the spectacular bushveld surrounds and its incredible wildlife and birds. It’s the most magnificent way to end a fantastic day exploring Victoria Falls; with a drink in hand and the sun setting over the magical Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls getaways should always include a trip down the majestic Zambezi River. They can be organised through a reputable Victoria Falls tour operator and are usually included as part of a Victoria Falls tour package. If you’re looking for a romantic activity at Victoria Falls, you can’t ask for anything more magical than a slow boat cruise on the Zambezi River.

Historic tour of Livingstone

Livingstone in southern Zambia is steeped in history. This is showcased at the Livingstone Museum which is located in the heart of the town of Livingstone on the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road. It’s only 10 kilometers from the town of Victoria Falls and tours are arranged by Victoria Falls tour operators if you’re staying on the Zimbabwe side. A trip to the Livingstone Museum from the town of Victoria Falls takes you over the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.

Formerly known as the David Livingstone Memorial Museum, it is the largest and oldest museum in Zambia. It offers visitors a fascinating insight into the colonial period of exploration and missionary work through exhibits of historical artifacts which includes photographs, journals, drawings and the possessions of David Livingstone.

As an added feature, the museum recreated a cultural village which showcases the traditional tribal life of five ethnic groups. Livingstone Museum is also a trustee of numerous archaeological exhibitions which provide insight into the ancient way of life of inhabitants of the Bronze and Iron Age. This includes an open archaeological site located next to the Victoria Falls waterfall where geologists unearthed items from the early Stone Age to the present; showcasing some 250 000 years’ worth of cultural artefacts.

Livingstone Museum is laid out in five galleries: the Archaeology gallery, the Ethnographic gallery, the History gallery, the Art gallery and Livingstone gallery. Topics covered range from archaeology, ethnography, history and natural history to mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, entomology, botany and ichthyology.

Livingstone Island tour

A Victoria Falls tour package often includes an excursion to Livingstone Island which is located a short boat ride from a small harbour at Livingstone on the Zambezi River. David Livingstone pulled over at the island with his weary river guides and all their canoes and possessions when they heard the thunderous noise coming from the Victoria Falls waterfall.

A trip to Livingstone Island includes a delicious lunch.

White-water rafting on the Zambezi River

One of the most popular things to do at Victoria Falls is white-water rafting down the Zambezi River. The experience is exhilarating but not for the faint hearted. You’ll madly rush down the river over some of the meanest rapids in the world. The climb out of the gorge is hectic and you need to be fit to join a group like Shearwaters for day of white-water rafting.

Quad bike tour

If you’d prefer to stay on land but would like to explore the magnificent Batoka Gorge where the adrenalin-junkies are white-water rafting; then you can do it on a quad bike. Tour operators on the Zambian side will take you on a quad biking adventure along a trail around Livingstone and to the Batoka Gorge.

If you haven’t ridden a quad bike before; you’ll get a quick lesson from your guide. No experience is needed and the quad bike tour is easy once you get a hang of the bike.

Wilderness and birding safari

Staying on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, you have easy access to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which is situated on Upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and a stretch of about 12 kilometres of river frontage above the waterfall.

It’s a small national reserve; only 66 square kilometres but it’s a magical place to visit to see wildlife and spectacular birds in the area. The drive takes you alongside the river so you’ll see an abundance of game that comes to the water edge to drink and then takes you on a circular route through magnificent bushveld.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to an array of antelope and regular bushveld species such as zebra, giraffe, warthog and smaller animals. Elephants cross the Zambezi and walk freely through the reserve. Big predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah are kept out of the national park so it’s safe as a camping destination and ideal for the whole family. Birdlife along the Zambezi River is prolific.

Swim in Devil’s Pool

Another activity at Victoria Falls which is not for the faint-hearted is swimming in a pool on the lip of the mighty Victoria Falls in Devil’s Pool. You can only swim in Devil’s Pool in the dry months when the Zambezi River has dropped quite substantially. This is usually from mid-August to mid-January.

Devil’s Pool was created after thousands of years of erosion formed a grouping of rock pools at the very edge of the sheer drop into the gorge below. Some would say it’s the ultimate infinity pool. Visitors walk to Devil’s Pool along a rocky trail and swim across a short stretch to reach the pool. You leap into the water and get pulled into Devil’s Pool by the current. Experienced guides make sure you are safe and don’t go over the edge.

When the water is low, the natural rock wall of Devil’s Pool creates a barrier that stops a person being swept over the edge of the waterfall. Swimming in Devil’s Pool in the high-water season is banned; obviously you’d be swept over the falls to your death.

The view from the edge of the waterfall if you lie on your stomach on the pool’s rocky wall is beyond spectacular. It’s over a 100 metre drop into the gorge below.

Zambezi River canoeing

Canoe safari tours are organised by reputable tour operators in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and offer guests the beauty and exhilaration of an incredible wildlife and birding safari while floating down the magnificent Zambezi River.

Canoe safari tours are suitable for both novice and experienced canoeists with only a few small rapids to spice up the day’s excitement levels. The vegetation on the banks of the river is a visual feast of ebonies, palms, water berries and a huge variety of riverine forest trees. You’ll see an incredible of array of wildlife on the river banks such as elephant, buffalo, rhino and antelope and your guide will keep a wary eye out for hippos and crocodile.

Zambezi River tiger fishing

Every avid fisherman dreams of taking on the ferocious tiger fish on a Zambezi River fishing tour. On the Zambezi River, tiger fish can be caught throughout the year. It’s become a sought-after destination for the best tiger fishing in Africa.

Fisherman can organise a Victoria Falls tiger fishing trip through reputable fishing operators based on the Zimbabwe side or Zambian side. Tiger fishing enthusiasts know which method to use based on the season and where the fish are biting. When the water is clear, tiger fish will see better and chase a fly, lure or bait. If the water is murky, tiger fish seek out food mainly using smell.

The best time to go tiger fishing on the Zambezi River is from late May until December when the water is clear. The peak season for Victoria Falls tiger fishing is between late May and mid-October, before the rain season starts.

Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge

Adrenalin junkies have been jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge for over two decades and it’s still as popular today as it was when Shearwater Victoria Falls started its operation. The bridge is what they call “no person’s land” and people wanting to bungee jump off the bridge can come across the bridge from both sides.

Bungee jumpers plummet over 100 metres down towards the Zambezi River. It’s one of the most scary and exhilarating experiences you can tick off your bucket list. It may sound like a completely reckless thing to do but the bungee jumping operators on the Victoria Falls Bridge have an impeccable safety record and you can trust them with your life.

Looking for a last minute breakaway? Planning your family holiday? ATC Africa offers customized tours and the best safari experiences in South Africa as well as Botswana, Namibia and Uganda. Contact us today for our 2, 3 or 4-night safaris.

VICTORIA FALLS TOURS & ACTIVITIES

‘FLIGHT OF ANGELS’ HELICOPTER FLIGHT

The ‘Flight of Angels’ is one of the most popular tourist activities in Victoria Falls. It’s a spectacular helicopter flight which takes you over a 1 700 metre curtain of thundering water known as the ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ which means ‘the smoke that thunders’.

The helicopter pilot completes a series of clockwise and anti-clockwise turns over the Falls, giving passengers on both sides of the helicopter the perfect view of one of the Seven Wonders of the World in all its thundering glory and spectacular photo opportunities of the waterfall and Batoka Gorge below.

The ‘Flight of Angels’ trip is 12-13 minutes long. You can book a longer flight which lasts up to 20-25 minutes. On your return flight back to the helicopter pad, the pilot flies over the mighty Zambezi River and over Kalunda Island. The longer flight allows you to see more of the Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi National Park.

Zambezi Helicopter Company currently operates a fleet of three helicopters which includes one Bell 206 Long ranger (6 seater) and two Bell 206 Jet rangers (4 seater).

Personalised DVDs and photographs are taken of every trip and are made immediately available for viewing and purchase.

COST

$150 per person

DURATION

12 – 13 minutes

INCLUDED

Daily flights from 08h00 to 16h00

Transfers to and from hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

Minimum required: 2 people per flight

Photos and DVDs of your flight are available for purchase

EXCLUDED

$15 Government fees and fuel surcharge payable on check-in

TIMING

Pick-ups from hotels/lodges in Vic Falls are 30 minutes before allocated flying time

Drop-off times at hotels/lodges in Vic Falls are approximately 15 minutes after end of flight

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no age restriction but young children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Children aged 3 years and above are charged full price. Children aged 2 years and below are flown free of charge sitting on their parent’s lap.

ZAMBEZI SUNSET CRUISE

The Zambezi River is one of the most scenic and magical rivers in Africa and a Zambezi Sunset Cruise gives you a front-row seat to spectacular wildlife sightings and birdwatching.

The boat captain navigates a 6 kilometre stretch of river starting 3 kilometres above the iconic Victoria Falls waterfall. You don’t see the Falls but you get close enough to experience the thundering roar of the cascading water and the towering column of spray.

It’s an activity in Victoria Falls which is suitable for the whole family and the ultimate safari tour; pods of hippo and crocodile are common as well as herds of elephant and lone buffalo. The birdlife is stunning and the scenery is magical.

You spend the cruise in the company of a knowledgeable boat captain who points out animals and birds and tells guests interesting stories. Complimentary sundowner drinks, light snacks and soft music round off a perfect evening.

COST

US$40 per person/ Classic Cruise

US$45 per person/ Signature Deck Cruise

US$80 per person/ Lunch Cruise

US$68 per person/ Dinner Cruise

US$85 per person/ Ra-Ikane Luxury Cruise

DURATION

2 hours 30 minutes

INCLUDED

The Classic Zambezi Sunset Cruise includes complimentary light snacks and local soft-drinks, wines, beers and spirits

Lunch/dinner included for the Lunch/Dinner Cruise

EXCLUDED

US$10 Government fees and fuel surcharge payable on check-in

TIMING

Summer pick-up: 16h00-16h25

Winter pick-up: 15h30-15h55

Summer drop-off: 18h30-19h00

Winter drop-off: 18h00-18h30

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Complimentary bus transfer from hotels and safari lodges in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

All boat crew on Shearwater boat cruises hold a Launch Master’s Certificate Class 1 and are First Aid qualified

There is no age restriction but young children need to be accompanied by an adult

Children aged between 3-11 years pay US$25 and half price (US$10) for the National Parks fee

Children 3 years and younger join the cruise free of charge

Take a warm jacket with you as it gets cool on the Zambezi River when the sun goes down and chilly in winter

CHOBE FULL DAY TRIP

Chobe National Park is the second largest conservation area in Botswana and home to the largest elephant population in Africa. In the dry season, it’s estimated that up to 85 000 elephants roam the beautiful wilderness region where they spend most of their time congregated close to the Chobe River.

It’s also home to buffalo, lion and leopard as well as a vast array of wildlife and birds. The only member of the Big 5 not found in Chobe National Park is rhino. The scenery is spectacular, birdlife is prolific and game is abundant in this bushveld region.

The Chobe Day Trip departs daily from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park which is located in the northeastern corner of Botswana, approximately a 1-hour drive from Victoria Falls. You are transferred to the Kazungula border where a professional safari guide from Botswana meets your safari tour group and takes you on a morning boat cruise on the Chobe River.

The day is broken for lunch on the riverbank at Chobe Safari Lodge. Guests then board open safari vehicles and depart for an afternoon safari tour of the Chobe National Park. The day ends with a scenic drive back to Victoria Falls as the afternoon sun settles over the beautiful Zambezi National Park.

COST

US$ 170.00 per person

DURATION

10 hours including transfers

INCLUDED

Transfers to/from hotels and safari lodges in Victoria Falls and to/from Chobe National Park

Refreshments are provided for the morning and afternoon game drives

EXCLUDED

Chobe National Park fee payable on arrival at Chobe National Park

TIMING

Pick up at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 07h00-07h30

Morning boat cruise on Chobe River: 09h30-12h30

Lunch at Chobe Safari Lodge: 12h30-13h30

Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park: 13h30-16h00

Drop-off at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 18h00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Pick-up and drop-off in Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side

The minimum age requirement is 4 years and older and all children need to be accompanied by an adult

Children aged 4-11 years are charged 75% of the adult price

The order of the day might change in relation to the previous day’s game sightings (i.e. start with a game drive and end the day with a cruise or vice versa)

A Half-day Chobe Day Trip is available where clients have a choice of either the Chobe River boat cruise or Chobe National Park safari tour; returning to Victoria Falls by 14h00

All clients need a valid passport and visa if required to enter Botswana and re-enter Zimbabwe

Clients are responsible for their individual visa requirements.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE FALLS

This is a guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; a breathtaking natural wonder known to the local people as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ which means ‘the smoke that thunders’. It joins the other Six wonders which includes the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Canyon, Aurora Borealis, Paricutin volcano, the harbour of Rio de Janeiro and Mount Everest.

The Falls is the world’s largest waterfall, at 1 708 metres wide and 108 metres high. During the wet rainy season, every minute over 5 million cubic metres of water from the mighty Zambezi River pour over the edge into the Batoka Gorge below.

A guided tour of the Falls takes you through the Victorian Falls Rainforest which forms part of the Zambezi National Park. You’ll stand in awe of the towering cloud of spray; you need a raincoat so you don’t get soaked. Conversations are drowned out by the thunderous roar of the Zambezi River plunging into the Batoka Gorge.

Shearwater Rainforest Café is the ideal place to end your waterfall tour for drinks and a light lunch before heading off to bungee jump off the historic Victoria Falls Bridge or your next exciting adventure.

COST

US$23 person

DURATION

Up to 2 hours 30 minutes

TIMING

Open daily

Summer (1 September to 14 May): opens 06h00/ closes 18h00
Winter (15 May to 31 August): opens 06h30/ closes 18h00
INCLUDED

Knowledgeable Victoria Falls guide

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

EXCLUDED

Zambezi National Park entrance fee

US$30 for international travellers
US$20 for SADC travellers
US$7 for Zimbabwean travellers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no age restriction but young children need to be accompanied by an adult; there are no secure barriers at the edge of the Falls and parents must be vigilant with their children as it’s extremely dangerous to get too close to the slippery edge

Rain ponchos are available to rent from vendors selling cold soft drinks, water, snacks and ice-creams at the entrance to the Falls

Visitors are required to produce a passport or identity/security card to enter; the entrance fee differs for international, SADC and local travellers

Payment covers a single entry to the waterfall; you need to pay again to re-enter if you exit the Park

Payment can be made in cash (US$) or by credit/debit card (Mastercard or Visa)

UPPER ZAMBEZI CANOE SAFARI

The Zambezi River is a feast of stunning scenery, brilliant birdlife and wonderful wildlife. The Upper Zambezi Canoe Safari is an idyllic way to soak up the peace and tranquility of the mighty Zambezi River and far less hair-raising than white water rafting.

The Zambezi River is 1 kilometre wide in most places and guests are taken to calmer waters below the Falls. The beauty of the thick riverine bushveld along the banks of the river is breathtaking and you’re guaranteed incredible wildlife sightings. Watch out for hippos and crocodiles in the water and elephants and buffalo on the water’s edge.

The trip starts with an early pick up at your hotel or guest lodge; followed by an early morning game drive through the Zambezi National Park, a continental breakfast while your canoe guides gives you a safety briefing, and then 2&hours leisurely cruising down 18 kilometres of the Zambezi River.

The canoe trip is broken for lunch on the edge of the river; then continues to the pick-up point at the end of the canoe safari. An open safari vehicle takes you back through the Zambezi National Park and drops you off mid-afternoon at your accommodation in Victoria Falls.

COST

$150 per person

DURATION

7 hours including transfers; 2 hours 30 minutes on the water

TIMING

Pick up at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 07h00

Drop-off at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 14h30

INCLUDED

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Qualified guides who carry a first aid kit and communication radio

Continental breakfast

Soft drinks and water for the canoe trip

Picnic lunch for the day canoe trip

EXCLUDED

$10 Zambezi National Park entrance fee and charge for river usage

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Minimum requirement: 4 people per canoe safari

Minimum age: 7 years and older; must be accompanied by a parent and fit into a lifejacket

Guides reserve the right to turn a child away if they feel he/she will not cope with the activity

There is no fitness requirement but guests should be in fairly good health for the canoe safari

No previous canoeing experience is necessary; guides train and prepare you for the canoe safari

Maximum weight: 150 kilograms

Cameras and videos can be taken on the canoe trip; the guides keep them safe in a waterproof bag

WHITE WATER RAFTING

White water rafting below Victoria Falls is rated as one of the best river rafting experiences in the world. You face rapids classed between Grade 3 and Grade 5; the latter being the highest grade of rapids and the most extreme. Your white-water rafting experience differs depending on whether you’re visiting Victoria Falls in the high- or low-water season. The lower the water level, the more ferocious the rapids.

The day starts with a safety briefing below the Falls in the Boiling Pot. Then you make your way down the river and ready yourself at intervals to face rapids called the ‘Overland truck eater’ or the ‘Gnashing jaws of death’. The biggest rapid is called ‘Oblivion’.

Experienced guides navigate the tortuous rapids and provide all the help you need for a safe but exhilarating day on the mighty Zambezi River.

COST

$120 per person

DURATION

7 hours, including transfers

TIMING

Pick up at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 06h30-07h00

Drop-off at hotel/safari lodge in Vic Falls: 14h30-15h00

Low water rafting season: August to December

High water rafting season: January/February to June/July

INCLUDED

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Qualified guides who carry a first aid kit and communication radio

Rafting gear and helmets

Refreshments (including cold beers) and lunch served at the end of the white water rafting trip

EXCLUDED

$10 Zambezi National Park fee and charge for river usage

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Minimum age requirement: 15 years

Persons under the age of 18 years need to have signed authorisation from a parent or guardian

White water rafting is weather permitting; rafting is cancelled if there is a chance of lightening or very heavy rains

Fitness requirement: you need to be reasonably fit to participate in white water rafting and to hike out of the gorge at the end; guides reserve the right to turn away individuals who they believe may not cope with the strenuous activity or are deemed unfit

Emergence Support: guides are trained and equipped to administer advanced first aid; minor injuries are treated on the scene; for serious injuries or health condition, a helicopter evacuation service is available

Wet suits are provided in the winter months

What to wear for white water rafting:

swimsuit under shorts (no skirts or dresses)
closed takkies/ sneakers (no flip flops)
peak hat for sun protection; must fit comfortably under your helmet
Leave behind valuables including watches, rings and necklaces; these can get ripped off you in a wild rapid if you capsize

Do not carry a camera or cell phone; anything in pockets will be sucked out and lost if your boat capsizes (guides can keep sunscreen and lip balm in a dry bag)

Videos and photos are taken of all rafting trips and are made available for viewing and purchase

CANOPY TOURS

The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour is an incredible way to see Victoria Falls Bridge, the towering column of spray from the Falls and the Zambezi River rapids in the Batoka Gorge. Birdlife in the gorge is spectacular and you often see wildlife across the gorge in the Zambezi National park.

The canopy tour consists of 9 slides which vary in length and one cable bridge walkway. Guests traverse the hardwood forests which surround the Zambezi gorge using a network of slides, trails and rope bridges. The longest slide is about 85 metres lone and the shortest is 40 metres long. It’s suitable for adventure seekers of all ages and requires a natural level of fitness and a head for heights.

Experienced guides give a safety talk at the beginning of the canopy tour and then guide you along the route; taking you step-by-step through the adventure course. There are two guides per tour.

COST

$53 per person

DURATION

2 hours 30 minutes

INCLUDED

Transfers to and from hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

Harnesses and helmets

EXCLUDED

Items of a personal nature

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no age restriction but young children need to be accompanied by an adult

The tour is dependent on the weather; it’ll be cancelled if there is a threat of lightening and very heavy rain

Wear comfortable clothing and hiking/running shoes (no flip-flops)

Wear a peak hat which sits firmly on your head; loose floppy hats might be blown or knocked off

Bring a sweatshirt or jacket if you are doing the canopy tour in winter because it gets chilly in the shaded forest

Leave valuables at your hotel such as watches and jewelry; there are lockers available for cell phones and wallets

Apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent; tie long hair up with a hair band.

BRIDGE SWING

The Bridge Swing requires you to step off the historic Victoria Falls in an upright position; freefalling 80 metres over the mighty Zambezi River into the Batoka Gorge. Your rope tightens and you swing across the gorge like a human pendulum.

If you’re nervous to do the Bridge Swing on your own, you can opt to do a tandem swing with a friend or family member or one of Shearwater’s experienced team members.

This activity is managed by Shearwater Victoria Falls who have been running a successful operation for over 40 years. They take the risk of these and other adrenalin-pumping activities extremely seriously and your safety is a priority.

COST

US$160 per person/ solo

US$240 per person/ tandem

DURATION

1 hour

TIMING

Bridge operating times: 09h00 to 17h00

INCLUDED

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

EXCLUDED

Items of a personal nature

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Bring your passport because this activity takes place on the Victoria Falls Bridge which falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia; a visa is not required

Personalised DVDs and photographs are taken of every swing and are made immediately available for viewing and purchase.

Minimum age requirement: 14 years and older or 40 kilograms; persons under 18 years must have the written consent of parent or adult guardian

Management retains the right to turn a child away at their own discretion if they feel the child is not able to cope with the experience

Maximum weight restriction: 160 kilograms

There is no maximum age requirement

The bridge swing is not suitable for people with the following conditions: pregnant, epileptic, hypertensive or have a existing/previous back injury

There is no maximum age limit.

Maximum weight: 140 kilograms

Tandem swing harnesses are available; swing with a friend/family member or an experienced guide.

BIG AIR EXPERIENCE

The Big Air Experience offers you an exhilarating combination of three of Shearwater Victoria’s Falls most popular activities. At a hugely discounted price, you can bungee jump, bridge swing and bridge slide.

Individual prices would total US$365… this combo package is offered for the reasonable price of US$210. That’s whopping saving of US$155.

A complimentary shuttle is available all day to ferry guests from/to their accommodation in Victoria Falls to the Border post. All you need is your passport and nerves of steel to participate in these three thrilling activities.

This activity is managed by Shearwater Victoria Falls who have been running a successful operation for over 40 years. They take the risk of these and other adrenalin-pumping activities extremely seriously and your safety is a priority.

COST

US$219 per person/ solo

DURATION

1 hour 30 minutes

TIMING

Bridge operating times: 09h00 to 17h00

INCLUDED

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

EXCLUDED

Items of a personal nature

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Bring your passport because the three activities take place on the Victoria Falls Bridge which falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia; a visa is not required

Personalised DVDs and photographs are taken of every swing and are made immediately available for viewing and purchase.

Minimum age requirement: 14 years and older or 40 kilograms; persons under 18 years must have the written consent of parent or adult guardian

Management retains the right to turn a child away at their own discretion if they feel the child is not able to cope with the experience

Maximum weight restriction: 160 kilograms

There is no maximum age requirement

The bridge swing is not suitable for people with the following conditions: pregnant, epileptic, hypertensive or have an existing/previous back injury

There is no maximum age limit

Maximum weight: 140 kilograms

Tandem swing harnesses are available; swing with a friend/family member or an experienced guide

WALKING SAFARI

Guests are transported to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone in Zambia. Following a safety talk and completion of indemnity forms, guests follow a professional safari guide and ZAWA tracker for a fairly leisurely walk through splendid bushveld.

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It’s a small but delightful national park in Zambia and home to an array of antelope and various species such as zebra, giraffe and warthog. Birdlife is prolific and the scenery is gorgeous.

It’s safe if you follow your guides instructions as there are no big cats in the reserve or rhino and buffalo which are dangerous animals to encounter on a bush walk. Elephants cross the Zambezi River and walk freely through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park but you’re in safe hands with a highly experienced armed game ranger.

COST

US$75 per person/ half day walking safari

US$140 per person/ full day walking safari

DURATION

3 hours including transfers; up to 2 hours walking

TIMING

Guided bush walks are only possible from September to December depending on water levels and weather conditions (walking safaris are cancelled if there is a risk of lightening and very heavy rain)

INCLUDED

Transfers from/to hotels and safari lodges on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls

Soft drinks and water during the walk and on arrival at the island

EXCLUDED

US$20 NHCC fee payable directly to the National Heritage office at the entrance to the Falls

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Bring binoculars, cameras, hat, sunscreen, swimming towel, comfortable walking/hiking boots (no flip flops) and bottled water; wear comfortable outdoor clothing that is suitable for hot temperatures in summer and cooler temperatures in winter

A reasonable level of fitness is required for the walking safari; not suited for people who are pregnant or have a pre-existing health condition which may be exacerbated by heat and strenuous activity

Children 7 years and older are welcome to join the walking safari but they must be accompanied by a parent or an adult; management reserves the right to turn a child away if they feel he/she will not cope with the walk

Maximum number per group: 8 people (restriction on island visit)

BOMA DINNER

The Boma Restaurant offers guests an authentic tribal Dinner & Drum show which is a legendary blend of exuberant entertainment, mouthwatering African cuisine and a fascinating insight into the unique cultural heritage of the local people.

The evening starts with a hand-washing ceremony before guests are invited to sample a selection of traditional beer and snacks. Then it’s time to tuck into à la carte starters and a four-course buffet-style meal with a choice of delicious Zimbabwean dishes and a variety of meat. Try local delicacies such as mopani worms, venison potjie (pot stew), warthog steak and spit roast served with peanut butter rice and sadza (thick maize-meal porridge which is part of the nation’s staple diet).

The evening turns festive when traditional dancers entertain everyone with wildly enthusiastic traditional songs and dancing. Get involved and get drumming on a traditional djembe drum. The interactive drumming session starts at 20h45 and is the highlight of the evening.

The restaurant’s traditional storyteller regales enlightening stories to explain the country’s folklore, culture and heritage while a mysterious witchdoctor does the rounds; throwing the bones and reading your future. You can also have your hair braided or your face painted. A group of acapella singers serenade you as the glorious evening winds down.

An onsite shop sells traditional accessories to take home as a wonderful memory of your evening at The Boma Restaurant and you can purchase a DVD which is a compilation of the night’s entertainment.

COST

US$45 per person (excluding soft drinks and alcoholic beverages)

Children aged 3-11 years pay 50% of the adult price

DURATION

2-3 hours

TIMING

The Boma Restaurant runs a shuttle service which picks guests up from their accommodation in Victoria Falls at approximately 19h00. Guests need to be seated by 19h30 for the start of the Dinner & Drum Show.

INCLUDED

Traditional beer tasting

À la carte starters and 4-course main meal

Live entertainment

Interactive drumming session

EXCLUDED

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Purchases at the onsite shop

Gratuities for waiters and entertainers

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no age restriction but young children need to be accompanied by an adult

Dress casually; bring a light but warm jacket in the colder winter months (May to August)

The Boma Restaurant is situated adjacent to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge complex; guests need to pre-book for the show and can request a transfer from/to their accommodation