Imagine standing next to the largest waterfall in the world, shrouded in mist like a rainy day while catching a glimpse of the rainbow that often falls over the waterfall.
Not only are the falls a natural wonder to admire and photograph, but you’ll also find plenty of adrenaline-fueled activities at Victoria Falls.
Touted as the adventure capital of East Africa, it’s no surprise that there’s something for everyone, from the soft to the extreme. Here are our recommendations to get your blood flowing and give you an adventure you won’t soon forget, from mighty Victoria Falls.
1. Whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River
If jumping off stuff isn’t for you, but you still want an adrenaline rush, jump into a raft. The Zambezi River touts some of the best commercial rafting Class IV and V rapids in the business that can take you on a real ride depending on the season and water level.
The timing of our visit happened to be where the water wasn’t too high, but the river was still producing a Class V swell. This was the best rafting trip we’ve had so far, we even fell a few times when the water got rough. This is one of the best things to do in Victoria Falls.
2. Bungee jumping
A proper visit to Victoria Falls is not complete until you have thrown yourself away. Why not bungee jump from the bridge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe and see the world-famous waterfalls?
It is often said that the rivers at the bottom are full of crocodiles, despite this they still offer the option of touching the water. If that’s not enough to get your heart racing, I don’t know what is.
A jump here will find you at the end of one of the 5 highest bungee jumping platforms in the world. Nestled within the gorge you will get a day pass to visit Zambia, then walk to the center of the bridge where you will find a small platform that will drop you into the water below.
3. Horseback Safari
On the subdued side of adventure, there are opportunities for horseback riding within the national park. On horseback, you get the chance to get up close and personal with some of the big African games you’ve seen from those safari vehicles.
We went out on a 3-hour safari which gave us an up-close look at the flora of the area and even spotted us riding among the Kudu herds in the park. Towards the end of the ride we encountered a few elephants but kept our distance.
This is a great way to experience Africa and I can recommend it to horses and non-horses alike.
4. Livingstone Island Tour – Devil’s Pool
In keeping with the adrenaline theme is a visit to Livingstone Island on the Zambian side. This is the only place where you can enter Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Armchair. Both are small rock pools that form naturally before the edge of Victoria Falls.
A trip to the island gives you the opportunity to visit these pools and take pictures at the edge of Victoria Falls, where nothing separates you from the pools and the 128-meter drop.
Water levels will determine which of the two pools will be open during your visit, but be aware that during periods of high water, it is not possible to visit them at all.
Of all the things to do in Victoria Falls, we recommend you don’t miss this one. It’s not for the faint of heart, but an incredible trip to sit on the edge of the world’s largest waterfall. It’s also a top 100 travel adventure.
5. Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
The best view that can be enjoyed at Victoria Falls is to hop on a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view. This experience will give you a whole new respect for the world’s largest waterfall. And if that wasn’t enough, you can also get great thrills from inside the helicopter.
The helicopter used was luxurious, with leather seats, legroom and large windows that opened up to clear views of the falls. See how the mighty Zambezi flows towards the falls, then widens before reaching the falls, spreading the water over a wide area before descending and continuing through the Batoka Gorge.
This is an experience not to be missed when you visit Zimbabwe.
More amazing experiences not to be missed
Victoria Falls is an amazing destination because it combines true African grit with some amazing experiences. Be sure to plan enough days not only to explore the falls but also to enjoy all the activities in the surrounding area as well as Victoria Falls.
6. Boomer Dinner and African Dance Show – For a fun evening, look no further. We spent the night on the town, eating our body weight at African races, cooking over fire grills while being endlessly entertained by local dancers. You can even visit a pharmacist to inform your future.
7. Waterfall Up Close – If you’re traveling all the way to Zimbabwe, you might want to get up close and personal with the world’s largest waterfall. The tour lasts 2 hours and takes you to the edge for a great view. You’ll also learn about the history of the area.
8. Zambezi River Sunset Cruise – Take it down a few notches and hop aboard a boat on the Zambezi River to experience the sunset. It’s a great way to relax and unwind after a day of adventure, and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Victoria Falls.
9. Take a Village Tour – On this half-day local village tour, you will have the opportunity to meet local Zimbabweans and learn about their culture. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in something unfamiliar. Don’t forget to smile.
Endless adventure options in Victoria Falls
Of course, the few we’ve named here are just the start of what’s on offer here, these are just some of our favorites that we don’t think you should miss! You really can’t go wrong when visiting Victoria Falls, so pack your swimsuit, camera, and get ready for the time of your life.
