Are you a thrill-seeker in search of the ultimate adrenaline rush? Look no further than Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most iconic destinations for adventure enthusiasts with endless thrilling activities! I’ve gathered the top thrilling activities you can experience at Victoria Falls along with some useful tips and things to know for each.
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Top 7 Thrilling Activities in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, locally known an “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, is a natural wonder nestled on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The areas surrounding this majestic waterfall offers tons of heart-pounding activities for every adrenaline junkie. Here are the top 7 thrilling activities to experience at Victoria Falls:
1) Bungee Jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge
If you’re looking to get your heart racing and feel THE ultimate rush of adrenaline, then you should definitely leap off the historic Victoria Falls Bridge! Here, you’ll freefall ~364 feet (111 meters) towards the roaring waters of the Zambezi River. This bungee jump is not for the faint of heart but for those seeking an unforgettable thrill.
Where to Experience
Experience this at Shearwater Victoria Falls Bungee. The staff here is extremely nice and welcoming and they will ensure you feel safe and entertained. They will take photos and make an edited video of the entire experience which you’ll be able to review and purchase after your jump.
Things to Know
- If you’d like an epic video of you jumping, you are able to ask for a GoPro to hold while you bungee jump
- After the jump, you’ll be helped onto a lower bridge deck to disconnect from the bungee harness. After which, you will have to climb up a ladder to an upper deck, then walk along the bridge’s edge to exit off
- To exit the bridge, you will be attached to a metal line via a carabiner. Stay connected to the line to prevent from accidentally falling off the bridge
Bungee Jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge
2) White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Go on an epic aquatic adventure and navigate the tumultuous rapids of the Zambezi River! They have rapids named “The Washing Machine” and “The Devil’s Toilet Bowl” that undoubtedly offer a thrilling challenge for even the most experienced rafters. The course is 14 miles (23 kilometers) long where you’ll tackle Class IV and V rapids while surrounded by stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
Where to Experience
Experience this at Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls. At the end of the tour, included food and ice cold drinks (including beer) will be waiting for you. Additionally, there are Shearwater shirts available for purchase, although sizes are limited.
Things to Know
- You will be asked to leave larger items like bags and backpacks at the start of the tour
- If you need to bring items for the hike and raft, such as medicine or a personal fan, then you are able to bring it with you onto the raft. Bring a Ziploc bag to hold these and it will be stashed in the raft’s bin. If you need access to any of these during the rafting, then you can ask the raft guide and they will fetch it for you during the calm stretches of water.
- Wear a bathing suit or clothes you can get wet. For women, I found wearing shorts was more comfortable for sitting on the raft than bathing suit bottoms.
- You will be wearing a life vest the entire time on the raft, so don’t need to worry too much if you’re not a strong swimmer. But you should still have some swimming skills before attempting to tackle these high class rapids.
- Your guide will go over some basic safety rules and will have your group perform raft-remounting techniques in case of fall-offs or raft-flips
- The rapids will get up to Class V so be sure to pay attention to the guide’s directions if you don’t want to flip the raft and find yourself in the water!
- There are times when there are some calm stretches to take a breather or drink some water. I definitely advise to take advantage of those breaks and drink water. It gets HOT so stay hydrated!
Be Prepared
- The Zambezi River is at the base of a gorge, so to reach the waters, you will have to descend into the gorge to get to the rafts. This also means having to ascend the steep gorge at the end of the activity, so be prepared!
- The hike back up after rafting was definitely unexpected for me, and it took me about 30 minutes to reach the top. If you’re on the slower side (like I was), then a guide will help and encourage you along the way
- Wear shoes/sandals that you’re both able to hike and raft in. I wore waterproof strapped sandals and that worked just fine for me. Additionally, I found a personal fan to be super helpful for the hiking portion back up. I can’t stress how hot it was!
White Water Rafting the Zambezi River
3) Helicopter Flights over Victoria Falls
Get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Victoria Falls with a helicopter flight! Soar high above the cascading waters and misty spray of the falls while taking in panoramic views of this natural wonder. Don’t forget to bring a camera to take some breathtaking aerial photographs.
Where to Experience
At Victoria Falls Flight of the Angels Helicopter Flight, you are able to choose from two different flight options. I opted for the 25-minute flight that flies over the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi Gorge, and the Zambezi National Park. When flying over the gorge, you can see the Zambezi River rapids which you can white water raft! (#2 activity in this post). Then when you get into the Zambezi National Park, you’ll be able to get an incredible aerial view of any wildlife roaming the vast lands.
Things to Know
- The helicopter can fit up to 7 people, where 1 person can sit in the passenger seat next to the pilot
- Not sure if all helicopter pilots fly the same, but the pilot I was with took very sharp (and quite thrilling) turns.
- There may be a short wait before boarding your helicopter
- There is a large yellow frame for a picture opportunity
- They take photos and make an edited video that are available for purchase. You’ll be shown both at the end to help you make an informed decision.
Helicopter Ride over the Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park
4) Victoria Bridge Swing and Slide
Swing out over the Zambezi River or slide (zipline) across it for another thrilling experience. Step off the Victoria Falls bridge and freefall into the gorge before swinging out in a giant pendulum motion, or glide effortlessly across the river on a high-speed zipline. These adrenaline-pumping activities offer a thrilling way to take in the beauty of Victoria Falls.
Where to Experience
At Shearwater Victoria Falls Bungee, you can experience the Bridge Swing and Bridge Slide. You can also combine these two activities with the Bungee Jump they also offer. The staff will take photos and videos of the entire experience which you’ll be able to review and purchase after your jump.
Things to Know
- For the Bridge Swing, the staff will go over how you should jump or walk off the bridge to get into a swing. If you’re going solo then they may instruct you to jump off the bridge. If you’re going in tandem then they may instruct you and your tandem partner to walk off the bridge in unison.
- The Slide (zipline) will nicely glide you to a lower bridge deck where a staff member helps you dismount the zipline
- After Bridge Swing, you will have to climb up a ladder to an upper deck, then walk along the bridge’s edge to exit off (another thrill in itself)
- To exit the bridge, you will be attached to a metal line via a carabiner. Stay connected to the line to prevent from accidentally falling off the bridge
Bridge Swing and Bridge Slide at Victoria Falls Bridge
5) Walking Safari
For a more grounded adventure, go on a thrilling walking safari in the Zambezi National Park of Victoria Falls. On a walking safari, you’ll get to explore the pristine landscapes and, if you’re lucky, observe Africa’s iconic wildlife up close. These safaris are guided by experienced rangers and offer a unique opportunity to be in nature and witness the African bush firsthand. Keep your senses sharp as you track wildlife, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the untamed wilderness surrounding Victoria Falls.
Where to Experience
I experienced this with Shearwater Explorers Village. I had stayed at this accommodation so the pickup/drop-off was at this location as well. After selecting the “Game Walks” experience at the link, select the “Tours and Hikes” category, provide your desired tour date and number of persons, click search then scroll to “Walking Safari”.
Things to Know
- The only restroom is at the entrance into the Zambezi park. Once inside the park, there are no access to toilets so if you have to use the restroom during the walk, you may have to go in the bush.
- The guides are equipped with rifles, but only for your safety from any unexpectedly aggressive animals
- Even though you’re on foot, still bring binoculars! You may be led to a top of a hill with a view of the lands where your binoculars will come in handy for spotting wildlife
The guides point out animal bones, animal dung, footprints, flora and fauna found along the path. During my tour, I unfortunately wasn’t able to see any wildlife on foot, but once we got back on the safari trucks, we saw so many it made up for not seeing any during the walk. I actually took my favorite giraffe photo while driving through Zambezi National Park!
RELATED: Ultimate Safari Tips, Top Safari Essentials
Zambezi National Park finds
6) Devil’s Pool
For the ultimate adrenaline rush with a touch of adventure, don’t miss the chance to visit Devil’s Pool. Devil’s Pool is located right at the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. It is a natural rock pool where daring visitors can swim right up to the edge of the waterfall itself. You can look over the edge and gaze right down into the abyss below, with the thundering waters just a few feet away. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you exhilarated and awe-struck, and provides the perfect combination of excitement and natural beauty.
Where to Experience
Experience this at Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island Tour. Also, the only way to access Devil’s Pool is by booking a guided tour. Doing so will ensure your safety and will also provide an unforgettable adventure.
Things to Know
- If you get picked up from a Zimbabwe accommodation, be sure to bring your passport to be able to cross the border into Zambia.
- You will have to swim or wade a bit across the River to reach the Pool from the Island. Guides will assist if needed
- To cross the river, wear water shoes or shoes/sandals that won’t slip off and you don’t mind getting wet
- If you want a picture seemingly “hanging” off the edge, a guide can hold your feet for safety
Aerial View of Victoria Falls where Devil’s Pool is located
7) Zambezi River Cruise
Although this option won’t get your heart pumping as much as the other activities in this post, any wildlife spotting is a thrill to me :). A Zambezi River cruise offers a peaceful yet thrilling way to experience the natural beauty and incredible wildlife of Victoria Falls from a different perspective. You’ll hop aboard a multi-deck boat and sail along the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River and soak in the picturesque scenery. But be sure to bring your camera to capture sightings of the elephants and hippos who call the river home!
Where to Experience
Experience this at Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. The staff is super friendly and fun, and they can make simple cocktails of your choosing.
Things to Know
- Small hors d’oeuvres are provided
- Unlimited drinks (including alcohol, but alcohol options are limited)
- Bring a camera for wildlife sightings and to capture the breathtaking African sunset!!
Zambezi Rive Sunset Cruise
Final Words
Victoria Falls is a playground for thrill seekers that offers a diverse range of adrenaline-fueled activities guaranteed to get your heart racing. From bungee jumping off a bridge to flying above the falls, there’s no shortage of excitement in this exhilarating destination. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare for the thrill of a lifetime at Victoria Falls. Bon Voyage!
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