Activities
Victoria Falls is frequently referred to as the adrenalin capital of Southern Africa. Here you can enjoy the wildest 1 day White Water Rafting the World, or zip across the gorge below The Falls. Enjoy an incredible scenic Helicopter flight, or whizz through the canopy in the Rain Forest.
You might also wish to interact, and learn about, the Elephants (no riding allowed), or visit a local village, or the well-stocked craft market. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the mighty Zambezi River, with a choice of Lunch or Dinner (including Sundowner) cruises. In addition there is the traditional Boma Dinner, a great and entertaining way to enjoy your evening.
Take a delightful canoeing trip on the River, or a guided Tour of the Falls. There is also birding, fishing and game viewing on offer. In terms of activities and excursions... there is practically something for every taste and interest.
Water-based activities are somewhat seasonal, but are still available for most of the year.
Visit Victoria Falls for a wide variety of activities, or just spend some time at a luxury lodge, relaxing and unwinding.
You might also wish to interact, and learn about, the Elephants (no riding allowed), or visit a local village, or the well-stocked craft market. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the mighty Zambezi River, with a choice of Lunch or Dinner (including Sundowner) cruises. In addition there is the traditional Boma Dinner, a great and entertaining way to enjoy your evening.
Take a delightful canoeing trip on the River, or a guided Tour of the Falls. There is also birding, fishing and game viewing on offer. In terms of activities and excursions... there is practically something for every taste and interest.
Water-based activities are somewhat seasonal, but are still available for most of the year.
Visit Victoria Falls for a wide variety of activities, or just spend some time at a luxury lodge, relaxing and unwinding.
Some of the more popular activities and excursions are listed below. No matter where you stay in Victoria Falls, these activities are still available, as transfers are arranged to pick-up and drop-off guests. This makes planning things a lot easier for you.
Depending upon your interests you might therefore actually add a couple of nights to your stay at The Falls.
Depending upon your interests you might therefore actually add a couple of nights to your stay at The Falls.
The Victoria Falls reaches its zenith in about May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell. This tour is conducted both in the morning and afternoon. You will be accompanied through by a qualified Guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist you with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed (generally on the Vic Falls side).
The Falls are at their lowest around November and December and on the Zambian side no water may fall at all, which gives you the chance to cross the bridge and see the Falls from the Zimbabwean side.
If you are staying in Livingstone at a time when the Falls are flooding, then there are some other points of interest, such as the Knife edge bridge, where you have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns sharply and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region.
As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width, no water falls at all.
Visa fees and rainforest entry fees are at an additional cost.
The Falls are at their lowest around November and December and on the Zambian side no water may fall at all, which gives you the chance to cross the bridge and see the Falls from the Zimbabwean side.
If you are staying in Livingstone at a time when the Falls are flooding, then there are some other points of interest, such as the Knife edge bridge, where you have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns sharply and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls bridge and the Lookout Tree which commands a panoramic view across the Main Falls. Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region.
As the floods abate the view of the falls gets better and better through the year, but at its lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width, no water falls at all.
Visa fees and rainforest entry fees are at an additional cost.
Low or High Water trips depart daily, but are dependent upon the water levels of the Zambezi, which fluctuate depending on the time of year. As the rapids on the Zambezi River are officially defined as "Grade 5" by the British Canoe Union (Grade 6 being commercially non-navigable), the full day rafting is arguably the wildest 1 day rafting anywhere! You should be reasonably fit for this activity, as there is a fairly steep walk into and out of the Batoka Gorge as well as the white water rafting activity itself.
High white water rafting runs from approximately the end of January to mid-July. If the water is too high, then rafting is cancelled - this usually happens between April and May but can last as long as up to July.
Low white water rafting runs from about mid-July to the end of January. The best months are usually August and September. A half-day white
water rafting trip in the morning takes in rapids 1 – 10, breakfast, a light lunch and drinks for the climb out. The afternoon white water rafting trip
includes lunch, rapids 11 –21, and drinks for the climb out.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous then the Rafting and River board Combo might be the thing for you! This activity includes 2 of the most exciting activities on the Zambezi, river boarding and rafting. Using shorter sections of the river, you can stop at “play spots”along the way to surf, ride whirlies and “squirt” (best described as “flying underwater”). You must have basic swimming skills and a reasonable state of fitness as a minimum
prerequisite. Basic skills are taught in still water and then you progress into moving water.
Age Restrictions: The minimum age is generally 15 years, and although there is no maximum age limit, the organisers retain the right to refuse to take a client who is clearly going to be unable to cope with the rigors of rafting.
Transport to/ from your accommodation is generally includes, as are lunch and snacks.
High white water rafting runs from approximately the end of January to mid-July. If the water is too high, then rafting is cancelled - this usually happens between April and May but can last as long as up to July.
Low white water rafting runs from about mid-July to the end of January. The best months are usually August and September. A half-day white
water rafting trip in the morning takes in rapids 1 – 10, breakfast, a light lunch and drinks for the climb out. The afternoon white water rafting trip
includes lunch, rapids 11 –21, and drinks for the climb out.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous then the Rafting and River board Combo might be the thing for you! This activity includes 2 of the most exciting activities on the Zambezi, river boarding and rafting. Using shorter sections of the river, you can stop at “play spots”along the way to surf, ride whirlies and “squirt” (best described as “flying underwater”). You must have basic swimming skills and a reasonable state of fitness as a minimum
prerequisite. Basic skills are taught in still water and then you progress into moving water.
Age Restrictions: The minimum age is generally 15 years, and although there is no maximum age limit, the organisers retain the right to refuse to take a client who is clearly going to be unable to cope with the rigors of rafting.
Transport to/ from your accommodation is generally includes, as are lunch and snacks.
Lunar rainbows, also known as “moon bows”, are rainbows that take place at night, when a rainbow is seen in the light of the moon. Victoria Falls is one of a very limited number of sites around the world, which are known for the occurrence of moon bows. The lunar rainbow is a spectacular event that can be seen only during the full moon.
The Lunar rainbow tour is conducted over a period of 3 days, during full moon at the Victoria Falls. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist you with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.
The Lunar rainbow tour is conducted over a period of 3 days, during full moon at the Victoria Falls. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist you with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.
One of the best ways to experience the Victoria Falls is on a scenic helicopter flight (the so-called Flight of Angels). Soar over the Falls, and get some really incredible photographic opportunities, whilst getting to see the amazing geography that makes this waterfall unique.
You can choose between a 13 or 25 minute flight. The longer flight takes in part of the sinuous gorge which has been carved out by the Zambezi River, and part of the National Park. You are collected from your hotel 30 minutes prior to your flight departure time and are given a safety talk on arrival at the Heli-pad (near the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, and at the activity centre of the Falls Resort on the Livingstone side).
Please Note - the price does not include park fees.
You can choose between a 13 or 25 minute flight. The longer flight takes in part of the sinuous gorge which has been carved out by the Zambezi River, and part of the National Park. You are collected from your hotel 30 minutes prior to your flight departure time and are given a safety talk on arrival at the Heli-pad (near the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, and at the activity centre of the Falls Resort on the Livingstone side).
Please Note - the price does not include park fees.
Lunch Cruise: You will be collected at 12h00 from your accommodation and transferred to the jetty for your 2 hour lunch with a difference.
Lunch includes a variety of salads, fresh bread rolls, chicken, beef and vegetables, deserts, tea, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Sun downer Cruise: departure is at 16h00 (winter months) from the jetty, and 16h30 (summer months). You will be collected from your accommodation. The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. You have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.
Dinner Cruise: departure is at 17h00 (winter) and 17h45 (summer)
Enjoy an unforgettable Zambezi Dinner Cruise. Sun downers and snacks will be served upon boarding the boat followed by a three course set menu. The cruise offers local drinks which are included in the price.
Lunch includes a variety of salads, fresh bread rolls, chicken, beef and vegetables, deserts, tea, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Sun downer Cruise: departure is at 16h00 (winter months) from the jetty, and 16h30 (summer months). You will be collected from your accommodation. The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. You have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.
Dinner Cruise: departure is at 17h00 (winter) and 17h45 (summer)
Enjoy an unforgettable Zambezi Dinner Cruise. Sun downers and snacks will be served upon boarding the boat followed by a three course set menu. The cruise offers local drinks which are included in the price.
Meet the People: This tour departs from hotels and guest houses in Victoria Falls. You are taken to an authentic rural village approximately 20 kilometres from Victoria Falls town where you are given the opportunity to watch local villagers going about their daily tasks. The tour enables you to see rural life first hand; visiting rural homes, watching fields being tended and possibly getting the chance to help in some of the day-to-day chores.
Chinotimba Township Tour: The word Chinotimba describes the roar of the water from the mighty Victoria Falls in the local Nambya language. The Nambya and the Tonga people are the original people of the Victoria Falls area. The majority of people in Victoria Falls live in the Chinotimba township, which has a population of approximately 60 000. During this tour, you will have an opportunity to observe township-life - from the oldest houses to the taverns, the local market and churches. During a visit to the Chinotimba Primary School you are introduced to the school headmaster - he or
someone assigned will take you on a tour of the school after which the children may sing a song (Please note that school visits are subject to the schools being open).
Home Hosted Lunch: Experience the true flavours of Victoria Falls with a home lunch. You will be collected from your hotel in Victoria Falls Town. A short transfer takes you to the Chinotimba High Density Suburb. You will be hosted by a local family in their residence and served a traditional African homemade lunch. Minimum 4 participants required
Chinotimba Township Tour: The word Chinotimba describes the roar of the water from the mighty Victoria Falls in the local Nambya language. The Nambya and the Tonga people are the original people of the Victoria Falls area. The majority of people in Victoria Falls live in the Chinotimba township, which has a population of approximately 60 000. During this tour, you will have an opportunity to observe township-life - from the oldest houses to the taverns, the local market and churches. During a visit to the Chinotimba Primary School you are introduced to the school headmaster - he or
someone assigned will take you on a tour of the school after which the children may sing a song (Please note that school visits are subject to the schools being open).
Home Hosted Lunch: Experience the true flavours of Victoria Falls with a home lunch. You will be collected from your hotel in Victoria Falls Town. A short transfer takes you to the Chinotimba High Density Suburb. You will be hosted by a local family in their residence and served a traditional African homemade lunch. Minimum 4 participants required
Art and Elephants:
An open-design thatch Boma gives you an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and here you will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. You have the chance to talk with the guides that have journeyed - physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants, and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. You get to learn about their history and how they came to be in at the Sanctuary.
You then proceed to the waterhole and mud wallow where, under the shade of an enormous Mopane tree, you will find a chair and easel - each set up with a fresh sheet of paper. Aprons and palettes with bright splotches of paint are handed out and your private tutor is on hand to guide you through a painting workshop. Once finished, you go to the "The Wallow” for a delicious two course buffet lunch accompanied by a cold beverage rounding off a perfect morning’s experience. After lunch you will be transferred back to your Hotel in Victoria Falls Town.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Children aged 5 and older can participate if accompanied by a parent.
Included:
Scheduled transfers from/to Vic Falls Town/Hotels; an Elephant Interaction; an art lesson; art equipment required for the lesson; a two course buffet lunch; local beer, wine, water, soft drinks, coffee & tea.
Elephant Encounter:
The Elephant Encounter affords guests the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment, allowing you to spend time and connect with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.
You will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.
You have an opportunity to talk to guides who have been involved with the elephants for years. Guests will learn about the elephant as well as their history and how they came to be at the Sanctuary.
You then get to venture out into the bush, spending time with the elephants. You get to witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
After the encounter with these amazing creatures you are offered a selection of refreshments in the cool of the Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow.
You can enjoy early or mid-morning excursions, or late afternoon.
Duration: Approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours
Minimum age: Children aged 5 to 12 may participate if accompanied by a parent.
Inclusions: Scheduled transfers from/to Vic Falls Town/Hotels, an Elephant Encounter
Early morning encounter: Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & breakfast
Mid-morning: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold snacks.
Afternoon encounter: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold canapés.
An open-design thatch Boma gives you an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and here you will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. You have the chance to talk with the guides that have journeyed - physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants, and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. You get to learn about their history and how they came to be in at the Sanctuary.
You then proceed to the waterhole and mud wallow where, under the shade of an enormous Mopane tree, you will find a chair and easel - each set up with a fresh sheet of paper. Aprons and palettes with bright splotches of paint are handed out and your private tutor is on hand to guide you through a painting workshop. Once finished, you go to the "The Wallow” for a delicious two course buffet lunch accompanied by a cold beverage rounding off a perfect morning’s experience. After lunch you will be transferred back to your Hotel in Victoria Falls Town.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Children aged 5 and older can participate if accompanied by a parent.
Included:
Scheduled transfers from/to Vic Falls Town/Hotels; an Elephant Interaction; an art lesson; art equipment required for the lesson; a two course buffet lunch; local beer, wine, water, soft drinks, coffee & tea.
Elephant Encounter:
The Elephant Encounter affords guests the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment, allowing you to spend time and connect with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.
You will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.
You have an opportunity to talk to guides who have been involved with the elephants for years. Guests will learn about the elephant as well as their history and how they came to be at the Sanctuary.
You then get to venture out into the bush, spending time with the elephants. You get to witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
After the encounter with these amazing creatures you are offered a selection of refreshments in the cool of the Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow.
You can enjoy early or mid-morning excursions, or late afternoon.
Duration: Approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours
Minimum age: Children aged 5 to 12 may participate if accompanied by a parent.
Inclusions: Scheduled transfers from/to Vic Falls Town/Hotels, an Elephant Encounter
Early morning encounter: Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & breakfast
Mid-morning: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold snacks.
Afternoon encounter: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold canapés.
This is not just another ethnic restaurant but a rather unique cultural experience, set in the grounds of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, and a Sangoma (story teller) . The Boma is open for dinner from 7.00pm until late, 365 days of the year.
The Boma nestles in a Gusu Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. A feast of nightly entertainment incorporates Shangaan dancers and singers and a local witchdoctor. You are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages. Your are then invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, as a prelude to dinner. After dinner, you are invited to while away the evening with the restaurant's very own Sangoma - a traditional storyteller to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage. The highlight of the evening is the interactive drumming and dancing.
The Boma nestles in a Gusu Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. A feast of nightly entertainment incorporates Shangaan dancers and singers and a local witchdoctor. You are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages. Your are then invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, as a prelude to dinner. After dinner, you are invited to while away the evening with the restaurant's very own Sangoma - a traditional storyteller to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage. The highlight of the evening is the interactive drumming and dancing.
Gallery of activities
