Activities To Do at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a must-visit destination for any traveler to southern Africa. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this immense waterfall on the Zambezi River offers a wide range of thrilling activities and breathtaking views.

Whether you visit from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable experience. Excited about visiting the falls, lets dive into the Activities To Do at Victoria Falls, remember its riveting experiences and fantasies with a touch of astonishment.

Activities To Do at Victoria Falls

Viewing the Falls

The main attraction at Victoria Falls is, of course, seeing the falls themselves. The best views are from the Zimbabwean side, where you can walk along the Knife Edge Bridge and see the Eastern Cataract and Main Falls. On the Zambian side, the Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool offer a more daring way to view the falls.

Zimbabwe Side

The Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side has a network of footpaths and viewpoints that allow you to see the falls from many angles. The most famous is the Knife Edge Bridge, which gets you right up close to the Eastern Cataract. You’ll be drenched by the spray, so bring a raincoat! Other great viewpoints include the Falls Bridge, Devil’s Cataract, and Danger Point.

Zambian Side

On the Zambian side, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has its own great views of the falls. The highlight is Livingstone Island, which sits right on the edge of the falls. You can take a boat to the island and even swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls. This is only possible when water levels are low, usually from August to December.

Aerial Activities

For a bird’s eye view of Victoria Falls, take to the skies! Helicopter and microlight flights offer stunning panoramas of the falls and the surrounding Batoka Gorge. You’ll be able to see the full 1.7km width of the falls and the columns of spray rising hundreds of meters into the air.

Helicopter Flights

Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls typically last 12-13 minutes. You’ll soar over the falls, Batoka Gorge, and the Zambezi River, spotting wildlife like hippos and elephants below. Longer 25-minute flights give you even more aerial views of the area.

Microlight Flights

For a more intimate aerial experience, take a microlight flight. These small two-seater aircraft give you an unobstructed view as you fly low over the falls and Zambezi. Microlight flights are available on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.

River Activities

The Zambezi River, both above and below the falls, offers a range of exciting water-based activities. From gentle sunset cruises to white-knuckle whitewater rafting, there’s something for everyone.

Sunset Cruises

A sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi is a relaxing way to end the day. You’ll drift along the river, watching elephants, hippos, and crocodiles on the banks as the sun sets. Many cruises include drinks and snacks. For a more adventurous river experience, take a guided canoe trip and float right alongside the wildlife.

Whitewater Rafting

Below the falls, the Zambezi River rushes through the Batoka Gorge in a series of thrilling rapids. Whitewater rafting trips tackle these class III-V rapids, with names like Gnashing Jaws of Death and Oblivion. The rafting season runs from July to January when water levels are lower. At high water from February to June, the rapids are too dangerous to raft.

Canoeing and Kayaking

For a more serene river experience, take a canoe or kayak trip on the upper Zambezi. You’ll paddle along the river above the falls, spotting birds and wildlife on the banks. Guided trips are available from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.

Adventure Activities

Victoria Falls is a hub for adrenaline junkies, with a range of heart-pumping activities on offer. From bungee jumping to zip lining, there are plenty of ways to get your thrills.

Bungee Jumping

The Victoria Falls Bridge offers one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps at 111 meters. Take a leap of faith and plunge towards the Zambezi River below. If you’re feeling really brave, you can even dip your head in the water on the way down!

Zip Lining

For a slightly less terrifying aerial adventure, try zip lining across the Batoka Gorge. You’ll soar hundreds of meters above the river on a series of cables, with stunning views of the falls and gorge. The zip line is located on the Zimbabwean side.

Gorge Swinging

Another heart-stopping activity is gorge swinging, where you jump off a platform and swing out over the Batoka Gorge. It’s like a giant pendulum swing, with a 70-meter freefall before the swing. Definitely not for the faint of heart!

Bridge Slide

For a more family-friendly thrill, try the Victoria Falls Bridge Slide. This 400-meter-long slide takes you from the Zimbabwean side of the bridge to the Zambian side, with great views of the falls. It’s a fun way to cross the border!

Wildlife Viewing

Victoria Falls is surrounded by national parks and game reserves that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. You can spot the Big Five and more on game drives, walks, and river cruises.

Chobe National Park

Just across the border in Botswana, Chobe National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds. Take a day trip from Victoria Falls to go on game drives and river cruises in the park. You’ll see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and more.

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange, is located just a few hours south of Victoria Falls. Spend a day or two on safari here, spotting wildlife like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive black rhino. Stay at one of the many safari lodges in and around the park.

River Cruises

For a more relaxed wildlife experience, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls. You’ll drift along the river, watching elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds on the banks. Many lodges offer these cruises as part of their activities.

Cultural Activities

Victoria Falls also offers a chance to learn about the local culture and history. Visit nearby villages, museums, and historical sites to get a deeper understanding of the area.

Livingstone Museum

Located in the Zambian town of Livingstone, this museum has exhibits on the history, culture, and natural history of the region. It includes artifacts from David Livingstone’s expeditions and a life-size replica of his hut.

Ndebele Village Visit

Just outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, you can visit a traditional Ndebele village. See how the locals live, watch cultural performances, and browse crafts and souvenirs. It’s a great way to interact with the friendly people of Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls Bridge Tour

The Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, has a fascinating history. Take a guided tour to learn about its construction and see the bungee jumping platform. You can even walk along the edge of the bridge for amazing views.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to see and do. The falls have a seasonal cycle that affects their appearance and the activities available.

High Water Season (February to July)

During the rainy season, the Zambezi River is at its fullest, and Victoria Falls is at its most powerful. From February to July, you’ll see the falls at their fullest, with huge volumes of water crashing over the edge. However, the spray can be so heavy that it’s difficult to see the falls clearly from ground level. Aerial views are best at this time.

Low Water Season (August to January)

As the dry season progresses from August to January, the falls gradually diminish in size. By November and December, parts of the falls can be completely dry. However, this is the best time to see the falls from ground level, as the spray is less intense. It’s also when activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool are possible.

Conclusion

Victoria Falls is a bucket list destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to view the falls from above or below, get your adrenaline pumping, or spot wildlife, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and friendly people, Victoria Falls is a must-visit on any southern Africa itinerary.

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