Imagine standing next to the world’s largest waterfall, being showered with mist like it’s a rainy day and catching glimpses of the rainbows that frequently settle on top of it. The falls are not the only natural wonder of being admired and photographed, but many adrenaline-pumping activities are also in Victoria Falls. As the adventure capital of East Africa, it should come as no surprise that there is a wide range of adventures available, from the mild to the extreme. Here are some of our suggestions for getting your blood pumping and having an experience you won’t soon forget at the mighty Victoria Falls.
Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi River
If jumping off things isn’t your thing, but you still want an adrenaline rush, board a raft. The Zambezi River boasts the best commercially rafted class IV and V rapids in the industry, the season and water levels; it can take you for a real ride. We timed our visit so that the water was not too high, but the river still produced class V surges. It was our best rafting trip to date, and we even fell out twice when the water got rough. These are undoubtedly the most enjoyable things to do in Victoria Falls.
Bungee Jumping
A trip to Victoria Falls would be incomplete unless you jumped off something. Why not bungee jump from the bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, with a view of the world-famous falls in the background? Although the river at the bottom is full of crocodiles, they still offer to touch the water. If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I don’t know what will. The jump here will take you to the top of one of the world’s top five tallest bungee platforms. You get a day pass for a visit to Zambia and walk right to the centre of the bridge, where you’ll find the small platform that will send you plummeting into the water below.
Horse Safari
The opportunity to go horseback riding within the National Park is on the softer side of the adventures. Being on horseback allows you to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s big games that you’ve seen from safari vehicles. We went on a 3-hour safari that gave us a close-up look at the local flora and even had us riding among herds of Kudu within the park. We came across a couple of elephants near the end of the ride but kept our distance. It’s a fantastic way to see Africa, and I recommend it to both horse and non-horse people.
Livingstone Island Tour- Devil’s Pool
A trip to Livingstone Island on the Zambian side fits the adrenaline theme. It’s the only way to get to the Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Armchair. Both are small rock pools that have formed naturally on the ledge of Victoria Falls, just before the falls’ edge. A holiday to the island allows you to visit these pools and take your photos right on the edge of Victoria Falls, with nothing between you and the pool and a 128m drop. The water levels will determine which of the two pools are open during your visit but keep in mind that it is impossible to visit them during high water. We recommend that you not miss this activity out of all the things to do in Victoria Falls. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an incredible trip to sit at the world’s largest waterfall. It is also one of the Top 100 Travel Adventures.
Helicopter Ride over Victoria Falls
The best way to see Victoria Falls in the air, to hop into a helicopter for a birds-eye view. The experience will make you appreciate the world’s largest waterfall in a whole new way. Being inside an aircraft will provide a thrilling experience if that isn’t enough. The helicopters are luxurious, with leather seats, legroom, and large windows that open to provide clear views of the falls. See how the Zambezi River flows towards the falls and widens before dropping and continuing through Batoka Gorge.
Bouma Dinner & African Dance Show
Look no further for a fun night out. One of our nights in town was spent eating our weight in African game cooked over a fire grill while being entertained by local dancers. You can even consult a medicine man to learn about your future.
Up Close Tour of the Falls
If you’ve come to Zimbabwe, you might as well get up close and personal with the world’s largest waterfall. This 2-hour tour takes you right up to the edge for some breathtaking views. You’ll also learn about the area’s history.
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi
Take it down a notch and board a boat to cruise the Zambezi River and watch the sunset. This is the most popular thing to do in Victoria Falls and is an excellent way to unwind after a day of adventure.
Take a Village Tour
You’ll have the opportunity to meet local Zimbabweans and learn about their culture during this half-day local village tour. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in something new. Remember to smile.
