Written by Lauren Maker
Known as the biggest waterfall in Africa, Victoria Falls is a playground for fun, adventure and adrenaline-filled activities for all ages.
Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this Natural Wonder of the World is described by the Kololo tribe, who have lived in the area as far back as the 1800s, as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. This incredible waterfall is thrilling to experience: the noise, heat and moisture arrive together making it a memorable feast for the senses.
Looking for fun and adventure, or relaxation and a slice of luxury? Here are our top ten things to do in Victoria Falls:
1. High Tea at The Victoria Falls Hotel
As the grand dame of Victoria Falls, the 5* Victoria Falls Hotel has one of the area’s best locations, overlooking Batoka Gorge with views of the spray rising into the air. This splendid hotel was built in 1904 and has a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. One of the highlights of a visit to the Falls is enjoying a full English High Tea on famous Stanley’s Terrace. A mouth-watering selection of teas, cucumber sandwiches and tasty pastries are served, and you are really spoilt for choice! After a few lazy hours – possibly accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or two – enjoy a leisurely stroll across the perfectly manicured lawns to enjoy views of the Zambezi River which runs under the Victoria Falls Bridge.
2. Bungee Jumping in Batoka Gorge
This is simply exhilarating! Taking a 111-metre plunge into the Batoka Gorge is not for the faint-hearted, but rather for a true adrenaline seeker. This is the most scenic bungee jump in the world: you have the Falls as your backdrop and the enormous Zambezi River underneath you.
This bungee jump is situated off the Victoria Falls Bridge, and the scenery as you get ready to jump is spectacular, with incredible views of the gorge, waterfall and river below. When you are ready to jump, you’ll enjoy a thrilling 4-second plummet and bounce approximately ten meters from the bottom. Once you have taken the plunge, you will be brought up by the incredible crew back to level ground.
3. White-Water Rafting up the Mighty Zambezi River
This is one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world. To get to the start of this thrilling experience you need to walk down into the Bakota Gorge, which is approximately 100m. Once you get there you will be equipped by the experts, go through very important safety briefings and then it’s game on. This white-water rafting experience takes you through a journey of up to 24 Grade 3-5 rapids; it’s like going on a rollercoaster but on water. Remember to keep some energy at the end as you will need to climb back out of the gorge; this is about a 200m climb. Do note though, low-water rafting (bigger rapids) takes place between August and December.
4. Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi
For a truly unforgettable end to your day at Victoria Falls, we recommend a Zambezi sunset cruise. Bring your camera as the setting of the African sun is sensational! Prolific flocks of birds skim the waterline, elephants gather to drink and lazy crocodile and hippo drift just beyond the boat. On your cruise, enjoy delicious snacks, drinks and even a custom-made cocktail to tickle your fancy!
5. Game Drive in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
Enjoy a 4×4 game drive through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, which can be arranged as a door-to-door service from your hotel. This exciting adventure is full of game-viewing opportunities! You will be with experienced guides who know the land and who are trained to help you spot some of Africa’s finest wildlife, including the endangered white rhino, elephants, lion, giraffe and herds of zebra and buffalo and many more.
6. Visit the Victoria Falls Town Curios
This unique town is full of hand-made African Curios, so why not spend the afternoon shopping at one of the local markets! Here you will be able to buy handcrafted carved wood and stone statues, all locally made. Painting and batiks (colored designs on textiles by hand dyeing) are plentiful; you will love all the amazing color choices! You are also able to find beautiful jewelry made from local stones and seeds. The talent and craftsmanship will impress you, so make sure your wallets are full of cash! Shopping is fun and interactive as the stalls are African style.
7. Thrills & Spills
Victoria Falls is widely considered the Adrenalin Capital of Africa, and with more than just bungee jumping on offer, this title is justified! Ziplining is a popular choice: suspended 120m above the mighty Zambezi River, you’ll hurtle 425m across the Batoka Gorge, moving at incredible speed. Considered the world’s longest zipline, the thrilling adrenalin pumping through your veins is pushed to the max as you pick up speeds close to 106km per hour.
Another option is the gorge swing. Just like the ziplining experience, you’ll stand on a raised platform on the edge of the gorge, strapped to a harness and simply step off the edge. Dropping a sheer 70m down in free-fall, the rope then tightens and sends you airborne over the Zambezi River. Heart-pounding adrenalin and a sheer sense of accomplishment is sure to be the result!
8. Swim in the Devil’s Pool
Another thrilling activity is a swim in the famous Devils Pool, which is found on the edge of the Falls on the Zambian side. This sounds a little scary but can be incredibly fun as you enjoy an infinite view of the Falls. The Devil’s Pool is most likely to be open between mid-August to mid –January during low-water season. This activity is great for friends and family to enjoy together. You will have an expert to guide you and provide safety instructions before jumping in. For this expedition, all you need is a sense of adventure!
9. Guided Tour of the Falls
A guided tour of Victoria Falls is a wonderful journey around one of the most beautiful and breathtaking walls of water in the world. Your knowledgeable guide will take you along the various viewpoints, starting at Livingstone’s Statue and taking in the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Livingstone Island, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract. During your walking tour, you’ll explore the diverse rain forest, learning about the local flora and birdlife. The Falls is in full flood between March and April, so be sure to wear a raincoat and use protective gear for your camera!
10. Helicopter flips over the Falls
Famously known as The Flight of Angels, a 15-minute helicopter flip over Victoria Falls offers an incredible bird’s eye-view of the Falls, Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge. During the rainy season, the full-flood river sends a cloud of spray into the air, up to 100 feet high! This is a special experience to enjoy with your family or as a romantic surprise. For those looking for a little more adventure, a microlight flip over the Falls is an alternate option.
Enjoy the endless Victoria Falls activities with the whole family. Victoria Falls makes for an epic year-round destination due to the comfortable winters, hot summers and the ideal location of being situated between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Summer takes place between October and April and in the afternoons, you are blessed with dramatic thunderstorms, while the summer rains fall in the area between the months of November and March. May to October the days are dry and sunny, with the water over the Falls drying to a trickle on the Zambian side.
Combine your Victoria Falls trip with a Botswana safari into Chobe and the Okavango Delta, both exceptional African safari destinations that offer world-class land and water-based game-viewing.
