Victoria Falls Activities

The Livingstone / Victoria Falls area offers an incredible diversity of activities and experiences to suit all tastes.

Please use our Travel Enquiry Form to start the reservations process.

The Chobe National Park in Botswana is only a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Livingstone. It is one of the greatest game reserves in southern Africa and famous for the number of elephants in the area.

The Chobe River flows lazily through the Caprivi floodplains and provides a haven for huge herds of buffalo, elephant, zebra, wildebeest and impala which are followed closely by the predators – lion, hyena, cheetah, leopard and even the endangered wild dog. The bird life is also exceptional.

Getting to Chobe includes crossing the Zambezi River on a boat at the point where 4 countries meet - Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. The Safari starts with a morning game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks are served on board. Large flocks of birds, big pods of hippos and very large crocodiles are all about. Disembark for lunch at the Chobe Marina Lodge overlooking the Chobe River and the plains beyond. Then onto open safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive into the park. The game drive meanders its way back to Customs and Immigration, crossing the Zambezi and back to Livingstone.

The Chobe Day Trips begin at 7:30am and guests are back at their hotel by about 6:30pm. *Please note that there are visa implications for some nationalities.

The trip includes National Park fees, transfers, services of the professional guides, drinks and snacks on the boat, water on the game drive, lunch and one soft drink or beer at lunch.  The price is the same for all ages, although children under 5 are not encouraged to join on this activity.  This safari is also available every day upon request.

It is not often one can climb onto the back of an African Elephant and set off at an easy rolling pace in search of other wild game; wild elephant, giraffe, buffalo and much more. This is an elephant ‘experience’ and the guides are highly trained experts in the behaviour of elephants and the wildlife around them.

Includes transfers, tea/coffee, breakfast on the morning trails, snacks and cordial drinks. All participants will be required to sign an indemnity form. Children under 10 on request only. A guardian must accompany all children under 18 and the guardian will be required to sign an indemnity form for all persons under 18.

Zambia
Morning and afternoon ½-day trails are available.
The trails begin at Thorntree Lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park an attractive lodge overlooking the Zambezi River. Tea, coffee and cordial is served on arrival. After a short introductory talk and safety briefing guests are introduced to the elephants and their handlers before mounting the great animals. The handler and no more than two guests on each animal then head off through the riverine bush, crossing the river in shallow water to get onto islands.

Halfway through the ride guests will dismount and interact with the elephants on the ground giving the guides an opportunity to make an interesting an informative explanation about the African Elephant and their relationship with man.

Safaris in the morning last about 4 hours and end with a full English breakfast and the opportunity to view a video of each guest’s elephant ride. The price includes transfers, tea, coffee, breakfast and cordial drinks.

The afternoon safaris go on for about 4 hours with snacks at the end of the day and the opportunity to view a video of each guest’s elephant ride.

Children must be 10 years or older. Children aged 10, 11 and 12 will be charged 50%. A guardian must accompany all children under 16 and a guardian must sign an indemnity form for all persons under 18.

Zimbabwe (Visa costs not included)
Morning Safaris:
Guests are collected at approximately 6:15am and transferred to Woodlands Estate - home of the elephants. The transfer is approximately half an hour long and game is often seen on the way. On arrival tea/coffee and biscuits are served and guests are introduced to the elephants. A short training session follows and guests witness the bond between groom and elephant being reinforced and new handling commands being introduced.

Training is an integral part of the relationship between the elephant and the groom and continues throughout the elephant's working life. The elephants are then saddled and the safari commences. The elephants follow ancient game trails and are led by an armed guide on foot. The grooms are friendly and knowledgeable and explain as much as possible about fauna and flora along the way. A bush breakfast is served mid-morning and the elephants then roam wild until the afternoon activity. Guests are then transferred back to their hotels arriving at approximately 11:00am.

Afternoon Safaris:
Guests are collected at 3:15 and are transferred to Woodlands Estate where the elephants will have been fed during the day. The transfer is approximately half an hour long and game is often seen on the way. On arrival soft drinks are served and introductions are made between the guests and the elephant. A short time will be spent with the elephants prior to saddling them and setting off on safari. This time allows the elephants to familiarize themselves with the new guests. The elephants follow ancient game trails and are led by an armed guide on foot. The grooms are friendly and knowledgeable and explain as much as possible about fauna and flora along the way. Guests enjoy the truly magical experience of an African sunset from elephant back. ‘Sundowners’ and snacks are served in the bush prior to the guests making their way back to town by 7:00pm.

(Subject to water levels and may not be available as tour usually opens mid July)
The Makololo paddlers skillfully landed Dr. David Livingstone on ‘Goat Island’ (now Livingstone Island), right on the lip of the chasm before the Zambezi River plunged over the cliff. A few steps through the small rainforest and, on the 16th November 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (The Smoke that Thunders), which he named The Victoria Falls.

Today visitors are collected in a twin engine boat with powerful motors and a skilled skipper to re-trace Livingstone’s approach to the island and witness the very best view of the Falls that there is. All visits to the island are during the ‘low water’ season, which usually begins in mid July and goes through to the end of January. High water visits are not possible as the island is continuously covered in spray/downpour from the Falls.

The pick up place is the jetty off the Royal Livingstone River Deck and guests take a 5-minute transfer to the island in a 12-seater aluminum launch, with twin water-jet-propelled engines. Drop off is at the Royal Livingstone jetty an hour later. The trip includes a short guided tour of the island, viewing the Falls and a light snack, depending on the time of the visit.

Prices:
Morning Breezer Tours: Includes tea, coffee, biscuits and soft drinks.
Lunch Tour: Includes lunch, wine, beers, soft drinks.
Afternoon Breezer Tour: Includes high tea, beer and soft drinks.

Children under 12 are not encouraged to visit Livingstone Island.

These aluminium hulled, jet-propelled boats, are carefully designed to give them access to places other boats cannot go. Experience a unique wildlife safari through the channels and rapids between the numerous islands to be found in the wide part of the river just before the Falls. Elephant, hippo and wonderful birds are the main wildlife attractions and the views and sunsets are highlights.

Each safari lasts for 2 ½ hours.

Includes light meals or snacks, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer, tea and coffee. Children under 4 are free. Children aged between 5 and 12 years of age pay 65% of the full price.

Probably the best way to appreciate the beauty, peace and wildlife of the Zambezi River above the Falls is to paddle slowly downstream in a raft (canoes not able to accommodate this group’s size) with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa.

Watch the Pied Kingfisher hover and dive, listen to the haunting call of the fish eagle and the grunts of the hippo, see elephant, buffalo and other animals come down to drink and explore the islands and waterways along the route. There is time to stop for something to eat and drink and listen to tales of Livingstone’s journey to the Falls.

There are 5 ½ hour safaris which begin in the morning and include tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Guests are picked up at 08.00 and dropped off at about 12.30 for a morning half-day or picked up at 12.30 and dropped off at about 17.00 for the afternoon half-day safari. Children must be 10 or older to go on a ½ day safari. Price is the same for all ages.

Morning safari includes tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Afternoon safari includes soft drinks only.

Guests are met by staff from the boats and driven to the ‘Royal Landing’ jetty on the Zambezi River. Board the attractive cruise boat and make your way slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park looking for game on the way. A number of animals and a host of bird species can be seen from the decks.  Hot and cold snacks are served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drinks are included in the price and served throughout the cruise by waiters.

Lunch Cruise
Departs at 12:30pm from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes lunch, drinks and transfers. Guests should be back at their hotel by about 3:00pm. 

Sunset Cruise
The Sunset Cruise Pick up is at 3:30pm. The boat departs at 4:00pm from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes hot and cold snacks, drinks and transfers. Guests should be back at hotel by about 6:30pm.

Includes National Park fees.
Children under 12 are ½ price, children 4 and younger are free.

The ultimate view of this natural wonder can only be seen from the air. Flights over the Falls provide a fabulous vista of this magnificent river, with hippos and crocodiles often visible in the shallow waters, and elephant quietly browsing in the surrounding countryside. Experience a bird’s-eye view of the seemingly tranquil Zambezi River, with its many islands, as it plunges over the edge, thrusting spray a thousand feet into the sky and see the tortuous zig-zag of gorges leading to the Batoka gorge downstream.

From a Helicopter:  a 15-minute flight will take you over the Falls and the Zambezi River. A 30-minute flight will take you over the Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Includes transfers to and from the airport.
Children under 4 are ½ price, children under 1 are free.

From a Microlight:  one person and an experienced pilot fly over the same sights as the other craft for either 15 or 30 minutes. The minimum age is 8; however, if a child is younger but big enough to fit into the harness, then they are permitted to fly. Children are at full rate.

Includes transfers to and from the airport.
Children under 4 are ½ price, children under 1 are free.

The rapids below the Falls are among the world’s wildest, but safest, due to deep water, steep canyon walls and no mid-stream rocks. The top section of the Batoka Gorge includes the highest concentration of grade 4 and 5 rapids anywhere in the world.

Spectacular scenery, sunshine, generally warm water and superb rapids all make this one of the greatest white water venues in the world. Safety is paramount, and all precautions are taken to avoid accidents, including plenty of safety kayaks, highly trained and experienced guides, radio communications and evacuation facilities.

High water rafting runs from the end of January to mid-July (approximately). IF THE WATER IS TOO HIGH, THE RIVER IS CLOSED FOR SAFETY REASONS – this usually happens between April and May. A full day begins with breakfast and takes up to 8 hours through rapids 11 to 25, with lunch in the middle. This section of the river flows swiftly and features huge wave trains and whirlpools. There are drinks during the climb out.

Please note the water runs swiftly so half days are too short. The ‘full day’ can end sooner than 4:00pm depending on how fast the water is running.

Includes light breakfast, refreshments, lunch with soft drinks or juice.  No children under 14, but if someone younger is big enough for the life jackets,then they are welcome. Prices are the same for all ages.

Pumping vast amounts of power from huge jet engines, powerboats shoot down the rapids below the Falls at 100 km an hour. A thrilling half hour spent flying over the water and ‘buzzing’ rock faces between rapids 23 and 27.

There are two departures, morning and afternoon. Pick up is at the Day Activity Centre, followed by a drive for half an hour to the edge of the gorge. Walk into the gorge and board the boat. The ride lasts for ½ an hour. Walk out of the gorge at the end.

Includes beer and cool drinks after the boat ride and at the top of the gorge, after the climb out. Children must be 7 or more. Prices are the same for all ages.

Ride the rapids in a jet boat then, instead of clambering out of the gorge on foot, take a helicopter and complete a thrilling day by flying up the river skimming the water under the shadows of the cliffs, rising out of the gorge for a quick look at the Falls before landing.

There are two departures a day. Pick up is at the Day Activity Centre, followed by a drive for half an hour to the edge of the gorge. Walk into the gorge and board the boat. The boat ride lasts for ½ an hour and the helicopter flight for 15 minutes. Children must be 7 or more. Prices are the same for all ages

Please note that for the Jet Boat and Helicopter flight out of the gorge, costs are per helicopter for the flight. ie. 3 Seater and 6 Seater helicopters.  Should there only be 2 guests on this tour they will be liable for the full helicopter cost.

Includes beer and cool drinks after the boat ride. Children must be 7 or more. Prices are the same for all ages.

With the Falls behind you and the river rushing below the Victoria Falls Bridge, this is no ordinary bungi jump! This death defying leap into the Gorge off the Victoria Falls Bridge, between the Zimbabwean and Zambian border posts may be the ultimate thrill available here. The bridge is 111 metres from the water level and is one of the highest commercial jumps in the world.

The adrenalin rush is as wild as the river itself. There are two bungi options. A single jump on your own and a tandem jump with a partner. You meet at the Day Activity Centre at a time convenient to yourself and stroll to the Victoria Falls Bridge with your passport, passing through the Zambian immigration point. Including the walk, the entire experience takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The bungi supervisors are there from 9am until 4pm.

Prior to jumping, guests are given a safety talk, explained how the harness system works and what to expect as well as the recovery procedure. Age restriction is 14 years (under 18 needs written parental permission).  This activity happens on the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe; therefore, no visa’s are required.  Guests are issued a gate pass at the border (don't forget your passport).

The jumps operate from 9:00am, subject to the season and weather. The cords are very safe and the ankle harness has 2 components. There is also a waist harness with separate attachments to the bungi cord as a backup system. There have been well over 500,000 jumps worldwide with this system without incident of slipping or coming undone. Jumpers are hoisted up to the catwalk below the bridge after the jump, assisted by the trained crew.

Includes transfers. The minimum age is 14 years, the minimum weight is 40 kgs and the maximum weight is 140 kgs. Prices are the same for all ages.

Abseiling:  Slide 53m down the gorge on the end of a rope, facing the cliff face or looking down into the void. The walk out is up a steep slope.

Gorge Swing:  Fling yourself over the edge in a body harness falling some 50m, and swinging right across the gorge and back until the momentum runs out and you are lowered to the ground to walk out.

Flying Fox:  A cable slide across the gorge high above the floor. You can sit on the ‘chair’ or be strapped, face down, looking at the ground far below as you fly across the gorge. No walk out necessary because you are pulled back.

You may spend a whole day doing all three activities as often as you wish. Start early in the morning and spend 8 ½ hours dropping over the edge and climbing back up again. Transfers, a cold lunch, iced water and soft drinks are provided. Beers are served at the end of the day. Pick up at the Day Activity Centre. Drive for about 20 minutes to the edge of the gorge.

A half-day either begins at 9am and ends at 2pm or pick up is at 1:30pm and drop off is at 5:30pm. Children are welcome as long as they are big enough to fit into the harnesses. Children under 12 are ½ price. An adult must accompany children under 14.

Half Day Abseil/Gorge Swing (includes refreshments & transfers).
Full Day Abseil/Gorge Swing (includes refreshments & transfers).

The Zambezi River is famous for one of the great freshwater game fish – The Tigerfish. Powerful, swift predators, Tigerfish are a thrill to catch and require a great deal of skill. A good river specimen can weigh over 15 pounds.

Bream and tilapia also live in large numbers in the river. Spinners and lures are the most common method of catching these fish, although using light tackle, a fly and fly-rod, is becoming very popular and brings an extra dimension to a very exciting sport.

Drive to one of the launch sites. Board the boat and set off to the fishing grounds.

Includes transfers, tea and coffee, full English breakfast, or lunch as applicable, soft drinks, beer and fishing tackle. No children under 12. Prices are the same for all ages.

Combination Half-Day tour: Choose any TWO of the following:
   • Tour of the Falls (Zambian side only)
   • Tour of Makuni's Village
   • The Livingstone Museum
   • Maramba market
   • The Railway Museum
   • Tour of Livingstone town.

Chief Mukuni’s Village (or Simonga Village) Mukuni's village is home to the Leya people. The chief has invited guests to visit his village to make it possible to view local people living their traditional lives, see their huts, how they are built and decorated, go inside, view them a work and even taste some traditional foods and beer. Guests must realize, however, this is a working village and not one built as an example for tourists. The population is over 5000.

The Livingstone Museum The musuem houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of the great explorer and Missionary, Dr David Livingstone. With the guides, guests will be given a comprehensive tour of the museum and the history of the great explorer. They also organize the curator of the museum to give a guided tour for groups. There is also an anthropological section that includes traditional living, medicines, and witchcraft. From a cultural and historical point of view, this museum is of great value to Livingstone town.

Maramba market Maramba Market is a vibrant local market where you can test your bargaining skills where everything is sold from “chitengies”, curios, pots and pans among other items. This is where the people of Livingstone come to shop - its colourful and bustling and great for photography and their guide will smooth the way and show you things.

Railway Museum This wonderful museum shows a broad history of the railways, beginning in Europe and Zambia, its origin, its financiers, engineers, contractors and its socio-economic impacts. Among its celebrated collections are: the pioneer Rhodesia 7th class steam locomotives, the vintage deluxe train coach, the mine Hunslet steam locomotive, an array of ex South Africa, a Cape Government Railways 7th class steam locomotive of the 1890’s and vast collection of architectural/engineering records of the recent Tan-Zam Railways.

Historic Tour of Livingstone The two hours are spent walking and driving around Livingstone, looking at the first school, hospital, Library, Sports Club, churches, the High Court and the old North-wester Hotel and learning of its famous history. The Railway reached Victoria Falls in 1904 and the bridge was completed in 1905. It was then that the BSA decided to move the town from the Old Drift at the river to a healthier site to Constitution Hill which is now the town of Livingstone. In 1907 it became the capital of then Northern Rhodesia and remained so until 1935 when it moved to Lusaka. The town was well planned and also split – the railway workers lived at the bottom of the hill and the administrators and business people at the top of the hill and the two rarely mixed.

Starts with a transfer from Zambia, clear customs at the two borders. Proceed to the 'Open Market" and Craft Village for shopping. At the market, this is where your bargaining skills will be tested. You will find everything from printed T-shirts and hand woven bedspreads, to varved woodwork, basketware, soapstone and verdite carvings. Soapstone comes in various colours including balack, bluish, brown or red but is found most commonly as green or white. This will take approximately 2 hours.

The next stop is the Victoria Falls Hotel for High Tea. High Tea is served from 3:30pm on the Terrace overlooking the gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge. The oldest Hotel in town, it recently celebrated a century and has maintained its charm and Edwardian feel. After the tea, clients are transferred back to Zambia. The whole tour lasts approximately 3 - 4 hours and operates in the afternoon only. Expected departure from Vic Falls is around 5pm.  Please note visa fees are not included.

Includes High Tea at the VF Hotel.  Other drinks and food are at guest's own cost during the trip.