Top 13 Things to do in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southern Africa and Africa at large, the falls are beyond impressive and due to their mist produced by the falling sheet of water, it is called Mosi Oa Tunya “Smoke that thunders” by the local people in Tonga Language.

Victoria Falls is a botanist dream and adrenaline junkies’ paradise with a range of thrilling activities to do, from white water rafting to swimming in the Devil’s Pool as detailed in this Top 13 Things to do in Victoria Falls article.

Here are the top 13 Things to do in Victoria Falls

Walk along the footpaths of Victoria Falls National Park

On the both sides of Victoria Falls there are national parks – Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, both of these parks offer the opportunity to get up close to the mighty falls. However, the experience is quite different from one side to another.

Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side, is a lush rainforest reserve boasting some of the best views of the Victoria Falls. You can walk along the footpaths of the park on a trail which meanders through the rainforest and out onto viewpoints where you can see four of the five different sections of the Victoria Falls on this side that is The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

You can easily cross the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia using the Victoria Falls Bridge, just don’t forget to carry your passport when heading out and get and a visa (zim zim Visa) that is if you need to cross the border from one country to another.

Walk along Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambian side

You can only see the Eastern Cataract, the second deepest falls of the series of Victoria Falls at 101 meters deep. However, this side also offers an incredible opportunity to get exceptionally close to the cascades of water, as you walk along the paved paths on the edge of Victoria Falls and feel the spray on your face.

From February to July which is a high water season, you can cross the Knife Edge Bridge which is an exhilarating walk along the edge of the precipice, 100 meters above the gorge.

Visit Livingstone Island and take a dip in the Devil’s Pool

Named after 19^th Century European explorer David Livingstone, The Livingstone Island is located in the middle of the Zambezi River, right on the edge of Victoria Falls. A trip to the Livingstone Island begins with a thrilling short boat ride through the channels of the Zambezi, then you can enjoy a guided tour of the island.

With a guidance of your tour guide, you will initially trek to the west of the island overlooking the main Falls. This is a magnificent viewpoint and offers a completely different perspective of the views of Victoria Falls that you get from the path through the rainforests on the other side of the other side of the gorge.

During the tour, you can learn about the history of the island and the formation of Victoria Falls, surrounded by spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the falls thundering into the gorge below. Also your guide will take you to the edge of the island where David Livingstone stood for the first time in November 1855.

The Livingstone Island tour is seasonal and can only be done when the water level of the Zambezi River is low enough to allow you to safely access the island that is usually from late June to early March. When the water level of the Zambezi is too high, the island is completely closed to visitors.

Swim to the edge of Devil’s Pool

After exploring the Livingstone Island, you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the Devil’s Pool which is accessed by swimming a short distance upstream, you don’t have to be a strong swimmer as there is a safety rope in place as an added precaution. Then you will climb out on a rocky outcrop close to the edge of the falls and the Devil’s Pool.

The Devil’s Pool is a deep, natural pool created by thousands of years as a result of erosion. What is unique about this pool is that there is a rock ledge on the lip of the falls where the water is only a few centimeters deep, and this natural barrier allows you to jump into the deep pool without getting swept over the edge.

However, taking a dip in the Devil’s Pool is only possible when the Zambezi water levels are low, usually between mid-August and mid-January.

Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River

Enjoy the tranquility of the upper Zambezi and see a spectacular African sunset on a late afternoon boat cruise, during this two hour cruise you can expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, baboons and a variety of birdlife.

Take a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls

A helicopter flight is a fantastic way to appreciate the sheer size of Victoria Falls, the 12-13 flight will take you over the cascades, soaring above the towering wall of mist that gives the site its local name – Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke Thant Thunders”

On the Helicopter ride as you fly over the Zambezi River, you will enjoy scenic views of Batoka Gorge and lookout for hippos or elephants as

Experience the Zambezi river walk

The Zambezi River Walk done on the Zimbabwe side of the falls offers a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the upper stretches of the Zambezi, the walk starts just beyond the Victoria Falls National Park border, just above the Devil’s Cataract.

As you walk along the banks of the Zambezi River, you are likely to see several animals including troops of baboons, warthogs, hippos, elephants and buffalo.

Enjoy a safari experience in Hwange National Park

The Hwange National Park covering an area of 15,000 square kilometers is the largest national park in Zimbabwe, the park is famous for its huge herds of buffaloes and elephants. There is a huge population of approximately 30,000 elephants in the park which is the second largest in the world coming second to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Hwange National Park is located 104 kilometers from Victoria Falls, approximately two hours’ drive making it an excellent day trip option for visitors interested in including a safari experience to their Victoria Falls Itinerary.

On a safari in Hwange National Park, you have a good chance of spotting the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard during your game drives. Hwange is an important breeding ground for endangered African wild dog, black rhinos as well as roan and sable antelopes.

Experience white water rafting on the Zambezi River

This adventure of a lifetime is one of the best things to do at Victoria Falls on the rapids of the Zambezi River, the river below Victoria Falls boasts one of the most spectacular white water sections in the world including class 4 and class 5 rapids.

The views of the gorge are spectacular from the viewpoint of your raft and you will have plenty of time to take in your surroundings during the calm stretches. Also, you will feel the full force of the water on the more challenging stretches.

However, just like many activities at Victoria Falls, white water rafting is a seasonal activity and deeps on the water levels.

Learn about the history of the Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge connect Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is an iconic part of the Victoria Falls landscape. Originally, the bridge was named the Zambezi Bridge. Its construction took 14 months and was completed in 1905.

The Historic Bridge Tour is a fantastic experience and includes an informative presentation on the fascinating history of this famous bridge.

Also, you can get harnessed up and walk under the bridge, where you are treated to the spectacular 360 degree views and full appreciate the immense depth of Batoka Gorge. If you are lucky, you may see a double or full-circle rainbow which is formed by the spray.

Bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge

Bungee jump from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the most daring things to do at Victoria Falls. With the epic waterfalls behind you and the mighty Zambezi River beneath you, this is the ultimate adrenaline activity to do.

The Victoria Falls Bridge is an impressive itself and offers incredible views of the falls and the river as you get ready for your jump.

Once you are on the bridge, ankle and body harnesses will be attached and then your jump-master will give you calm and encouraging instructions, followed by a countdown. Once you leap from the bridge, you will experience four seasons of freefall as you plummet 111 meters towards the rapids of the Zambezi River.

Experience Zambezi zipline and Flying Fox

Zip lining is another exciting way to experience the Batoka Gorge, on a 135 meter zip line across the canyon and 75 meters above the Zambezi you will surely have adrenaline rush as you will reach speeds of 90 to 100 kilometers per hour within just a seconds.

There is also a flying fox option where you will take a running jump into Batoka Gorge and soar horizontally across the gorge within the might Zambezi beneath you, on this activity you will be clipped into a harness attached to a pulley, which glides along a cable over Batoka Gorge, giving you the sensation of flying.

Glide across the Zambezi River on the Victoria Falls Bridge Slide

Beginning from a platform on the Zambian edge of Batoka Gorge and sliding gently over the rapids of the Zambezi River before reaching the Zimbabwean side of the bridge, the Victoria Falls Bridge Slide is a 300-metre zip line.

As you slide from the edge of the gorge towards the bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Victoria Falls. This is the perfect Victoria Falls activity for visitors who are not brave enough to experience the Zambezi Zip line or a bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge.

This excursion is a fantastic option for families with young children.

Caution: only children aged between 4 to 14 years and must ride tandem with an adult.

Explore the historical town of Livingstone in Zambia

The historical town of Livingstone is located 10 kilometers from the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls Bridge and is the gateway to many of the attractions of Victoria Falls and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

Due to malarial outbreaks, the Town was moved from its original site at the Old Drift to Constitution Hill in 1905. This new location was carefully planned with wide, tree-lined streets and buildings, high ceilings and mosquito-netted verandas.

Livingstone has preserved much of its colonial architecture, yet it is also has a small-town African atmosphere. If you spend a morning strolling along the colonial streets, drinking a coffee at one of the pavement cafes and exploring the colorful local markets.

Also, you will get an interesting insight into this fascinating town and local life on a guided tour.

Visiting The Livingstone Museum is recommended, the museum has traces of local history and the life of the Scottish Explorer – Livingstone after whom the town was named.

General Information

On this 9 Days Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Safari, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.

Language On This 9 Days Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Safari:

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

South Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

Top Selling Packages