10 of the best activities in Victoria Falls

On the edge of the mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya, the ever-popular resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, offers a wealth of exciting activities for all tastes and interests. From a nail-biting bungee jump to a relaxed sunset cruise, here are ten of our top suggestions of what to do in and around Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls
The mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya: the Smoke that Thunders.

Go white-water rafting

The frothy waters of the Zambezi River make for the perfect rafting experience. Once the water plunges off the top of the falls, the resulting Grade 5 rapids continue for 70 kilometres (43 miles). You can go rafting during the low water season from August to December and when the water is higher in January, February, June and July.

Rafting
Rafting down the Zambezi.

Explore the trails around the falls

Of course, you’ve come here to see the falls, which is easily done on foot in Victoria Falls National Park either by yourself or with a guide who can provide the history of the falls as you walk. Wander along the nature trails stopping at each lookout point to admire Victoria Falls from various angles; to cover every single vantage point, you will need to cross over into Zambia and walk around the trails on the other side of the falls in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. If you’re visiting when the moon is full, it’s possible to enter the park (on either side) and see the moonbow. Lunar tours are available on the day of the full moon and one day either side.

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls.

Sip a G&T on a Zambezi sunset cruise

A Zambezi sundowner cruise is a must-do when in Victoria Falls. There are multiple boats offering cruises – some offer snacks and drinks, others a full three-course dinner. Watch the sun go down from the river with a cold G&T in hand, spotting elephants snorkelling across the river and hippos chilling in the shallows.

Cruise
A sundowner cruise. Credit: Wild Horizons.

Sit on the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool

Head over to Livingstone Island on the Zambian side for an adventure set right on the edge of Victoria Falls. Only safe when the water is low enough (usually from mid-August to mid-January), Devil’s Pool is a natural infinity pool at the very top of the falls. The ledge stops swimmers being carried off the edge and there are guides on hand to make sure everyone is safe. This is a unique opportunity to lean over the side of one of the world’s most famous waterfalls – and live to tell the tale!

Devil's Pool
Ashworth Africa founder Patrick in Devil’s Pool

Go on safari

You might not think of Victoria Falls as being a safari destination, but the national parks on both sides of the falls have wildlife you can see on a game drive. On the Zambian side, you can visit rhinos on foot – the at-risk animals are protected by armed guards 24 hours a day. In Zimbabwe, you can go on game drives through Victoria Falls National Park, spotting elephants and hippos on their way to the water, lions, rhinos and buffalos.

Rhino walk
Walking with rhinos. Credit: African Bush Camps.

Sample local craft beer

Victoria Falls has responded to the international trend for craft beer by opening its own brewery in 2017. The River Brewing Company is in the centre of Victoria Falls town, serving a range of beers from the Kaza Blonde to the Painted Dog Pale Ale. Head here for a beer, a burger and some live music.

River Brewing Co.
The River Brewing Co., Victoria Falls.

Bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge

Ready to take the leap? Victoria Falls in not known as the adventure capital of southern Africa for nothing. This bungee is one of the most famous in the world due to its location on the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge that crosses the Zambezi River and links Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Bungee
Bungee jumping over the Zambezi. Credit: Shearwater.

Take a helicopter flight to see the falls from above

 It can be difficult to get a perspective of Victoria Falls from the ground due to the fact that you can’t see the whole thing from any one point. But from the air, you get an aerial, bird’s-eye view of the falls and its surroundings. Regular helicopter ‘flips’ depart from Victoria Falls throughout the day.

Victoria Falls
The falls from above.

Try your hand at tiger fishing

Tiger fish are famous for their fighting spirit, which makes them a popular fish to try to reel in. There are some good spots to catch and release tiger fish around Victoria Falls, so if you fancy yourself an angler, put aside a morning or afternoon to tackle one of these fierce fighters.

Fishing
Fishing in the Zambezi. Credit: African Bush Camps.

Fly over the falls in a microlight

For the more adventurous, another way to admire the falls from the air is to take a microlight flight. These open-sided flights soar above the falls and the gorge and are either 15 or 30 minutes in length.

Victoria Falls
The Flight of Angels. Credit: Batoka Sky Microlights.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our top reasons to visit Zimbabwe now.

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