Victoria Falls Town Activity Guide

Victoria Falls Town stands on the Zimbabwe bank of the Zambezi, beside the falls the Lozi and Tonga call Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”. Most adventure activities are sold by two large operators, Shearwater and Wild Horizons . ZimParks levies are added on top of the operator price, so check what a quote includes.

Bridge bungee, swing and slide

Shearwater runs the bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which opened in 1905. The drop is 111 m, with about four seconds of freefall. Prices differ a lot between sellers, from roughly US$130 to US$200, so compare before paying. Shearwater also sells the bridge swing and the bridge slide.

White-water rafting

Rafting on the Zambezi depends on the water level. Between about August and late December the river is low and the full run covers Rapid 1 to Rapid 19, which is the best rafting of the year. In the high-water months, about January to March and May to July, trips skip the first ten rapids and run roughly Rapid 11 to 23. Around March to about June the flood peaks and the river closes. Dates move from year to year.

The minimum age is 15. Expect a full day, including a steep climb of about 250 m out of the gorge at the end. Both Shearwater and Wild Horizons sell it, from about US$120 plus a US$12 river levy.

Flight of Angels helicopter

The 12 to 13 minute flight shows the main falls, the gorge and the river above them. Resellers list it at about US$150 to US$190, plus a US$18 ZimParks levy per person. Children under 12 pay half the levy. Shearwater’s Zambezi Helicopter Company and Batoka Sky both fly. Batoka Sky takes off from the Zambian side and also offers microlight flights.

Sunset cruise

A cruise on the calm river above the falls usually passes hippos, crocodiles on the sandbars and fish eagles, and sometimes elephants crossing at dusk. The ZimParks levy is US$12. Several resellers sell the luxury boat Ra-Ikane at about US$80 to US$240, depending on the package.

Canopy tour

Wild Horizons runs the Batoka Gorge Canopy Tour, with nine zipline cables and one cable suspension bridge along the gorge edge. It suits first-time zipliners from about age 6. The operator also runs a gorge flying fox.

Fees to expect

  • Rainforest entry for international visitors is about US$58 per entry, VAT included. Lower tiers apply to SADC and Zimbabwe residents, and children get a discount.
  • Zambezi National Park daily entry is US$17 for international visitors.
  • Prices are quoted in US dollars. The ZiG is the local currency, so carry cash as a backup.

Safety

Never swim or wade in the Zambezi outside an operator-run pool, because of crocodiles and hippos. Elephants and buffalo walk through town, so take a taxi after dark. Malaria is present, so ask a doctor or travel clinic about tablets before you fly.

Read more: Adventure Sports in Victoria Falls Town lists the high-adrenaline options in more detail.

Booking help

Compare tours and activities on GetYourGuide .