Victoria Falls has always been Zimbabwe’s biggest tourist attraction, and as one of the 7 Natural World Wonders, it was always a place for us to brag about as children to any of our visiting neighbors.
PHOTO LAURA PATERSONKnown in the local language as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls has been one of the few places in Zimbabwe that continued to attract tourists despite the economic and political turmoil that the country has experienced.
In the Victoria Falls Town itself you will find a plethora of activities to keep you busy, and the hardest part is trying to choose between everything that is has to offer. It is certainly not a place in which you will find yourself with a loose end, trying to figure out how to pass your time. It is one the best places in the world to do some adrenaline filled adventure activities, a place that boasts a beautiful and diverse national park filled with African wildlife.
1. White Water Rafting
White water rafting on the Zambezi is a once in a lifetime experience, and one that you will not regret doing. Your rafting starts at the base of Victoria Falls and runs along around 20 grade 5 rapids. This is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls and for good reason: it is one of the most exhilarating and fun filled things that I have ever done.
Price: Dependent on Season- about $160.00pp
Company Details: wildhorizons.com
Photo: Laura Paterson 2. Bungee Jumping
Not something that I had on my to-do list, but an activity I managed nonetheless (I had to eventually be “helped” off the edge). This 111-meter bungee jump takes place on the famous Victoria Falls Bridge with a backdrop of the Victoria Falls itself. It is an incredible experience, which any adrenaline junky would absolutely love.
Price: $135.00pp
Company Details: victoriafallsbungee.com
Photo: Laura Paterson 3. Flight of the Angels
This is a short helicopter ride above and along the Victoria Falls. A spectacular view from the air of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, it is a favorite amongst honeymooners and the wealthier guests of Victoria Falls.
Price: 12/13 minutes- $172.00
25 minutes- $333.00
Company Details: zambezihelicoptors.com
Photo: Laura Paterson 4. Boma Dinner
This was one of my favorite experiences in Victoria Falls and I would happily do it over and over again. Guests are welcomed with a dance and song in the local Ndebele and Shona languages and are encouraged to don the traditional dress. Dinner is a sumptuous feast of local beers and strange snacks, every kind of meat you can think of, from warthog to buffalo, and an abundance of delightful sides. Throughout the night you speak to traditional Witch Doctors known as “Sangomas,” and after dinner all the guests take part in a huge drumming and dancing session. This is a great evening that showcases the traditional Zimbabwean way of life in all the best ways.
Price: $65
Company Details: The Boma Place of Eating
Photo: Laura Paterson 5. Horse Riding
The Victoria Falls National Park offers a great place for a few hours of horse back riding. It is run by a fiercely passionate and thoroughly entertaining woman, who ensures that you are properly geared up and aware of the risks you could encounter in the wild. We were lucky enough to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, bushbuck, impala and wandered into a 100 strong heard of buffalo. It’s not just the big game that is fantastic but there are also hundreds of birds to be seen, and the knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the plants and trees that surround you.
Price: $145 for a full day
Company Details: Victoria Falls Horse Safaris
Photo: Laura Paterson This is certainly not an exhaustive list of things that you can do in Victoria Falls, otherwise we would be here all day. Whether you want to relax on a sunset cruise with a gin and tonic, or hurtle down rapids in an inflatable boat, it is guaranteed that Victoria Falls has something for you.
Find out more about the activities on offer in Victoria Falls here.
