Victoria Falls. Picture: Safari.com
Victoria Falls is home to one of the world’s seven natural wonders and the largest waterfall. It is a sight to behold and worth visiting on a trip to Southern Africa! It comes as no surprise that Victoria Falls is regarded by many as the Adventure Capital of Africa, offering a range of activities to suit everyone – whether you are looking for a soft adventure or adrenaline-pumping experience.
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination but is at its very best from May to September, directly after the summer rains. Accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, there is no reason why anyone can’t admire the splendour of Victoria Falls.
There is no better way to admire the vastness and power of the Falls than from the sky, particularly during the high water season when the spray of the Falls causes poor visibility from some lookout points.
“Gazed upon by angels in their flight” is how David Livingstone described his first visit to the waterfall and so “The Flight of Angels” offers travellers an opportunity to soar like the angels and stare deep into the 108-meter waterfall – the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The flights vary from 10 minutes to 25 minutes and fly along the Zambezi River and surrounding parks.
For a slower-paced but thrilling experience, one should consider microlighting over Victoria Falls. The smaller size, open cockpit and the wind in your hair will make you feel like a real-life bird.
Bungee jumping is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls – a favourite among thrill seekers and one of the highest bungee jumps in the world! You jump headfirst and freefall for 111 meters towards the rushing waters of the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in the background.
White water rafting on the Zambezi features regularly on itineraries and is regarded as the best in the world.
The Zambezi River is classified as a high volume; pool-drop river i.e. there is little exposed rock either in the rapids or in the pools below. The pool drop river has been graded level 5 – being extremely difficult and long.
There at a total of 19 rapids, with a distance of 100 metres to 2 kilometres between rapids. Big drops and low-pressure areas are part of the experience. The low water rafting trip covers approximately 24 kilometres.
A tour is a must on your visit to Victoria Falls as a knowledgeable guide takes you to the best lookout points to photograph and admire this natural wonder. They also share the history of each lookout point which is incredibly interesting. Prepare to be drenched by the spray of the Falls when visiting during the high-water season.
The Flying Fox experience has you clipped into a harness that is attached to a pulley system and sends you gliding across the 200-metre wide and 120-metre deep gorge – creating this feeling of flying. This experience is definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Only available during the dry season when the water levels are low, one is able to take a guided trip to Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and swim in a rock pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls!
You take a boat trip to Livingstone Island where you then walk over rocks and swim to get to Devil’s Pool where you can peer over the edge of the Falls and the gorge below. There is no other experience that will send you this close to the edge!
A great way to unwind after a day of adventure is on a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise as you sit back, sip on sundowners and enjoy the spectacular views and magical sunsets. There is also the option of taking a smaller speedboat trip for a more intimate experience – a great option for couples and families alike.
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