Named after one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and situated on the southern bank of the Zambezi river in Zimbabwe is the town of Victoria Falls. Locally known as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls is not just one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but also a playground for adrenaline seekers. 

Bungee jumping, white-water rafting and helicopter rides are just a few of the top adrenaline activities in Victoria Falls that will leave your heart pounding. Whether you're an adventure junkie or just looking to step outside your comfort zone, this guide will help you explore the most exciting ways to experience the magic of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

From the centre of town, it is walking distance to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park, which is the best place to visit the iconic waterfalls. Vic Falls (as it is more commonly known) has so much more to offer for its tourists than just the falls as there are many things to do in Victoria Falls town.

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The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa and after the backdrop of the waterfall, the river cuts through the Batoka gorge, making it a perfect host for various adventure activities. Hence, the area is known as the adrenaline paradise of Southern Africa. What makes it even more special is that the river defines the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, making any river activity balancing in between two countries.

Every time Sean and I travel to Zimbabwe we really enjoy the many things to do in Victoria Falls and everything the town has to offer, like good food, wildlife, friendly people and of course the majestic Victoria Falls. The waterfall is also on the list of our choice of 7 natural wonders of Southern Africa.

White Water Rafting

The most epic adrenaline activity to do in Victoria Falls is to conquer the mighty Zambezi river on a white water raft. With its high concentration of number 4 and 5 grade rapids, this rafting is considered as being one of the best and wildest one day commercial raftings in the world. On top of that you are in a 120 meters deep gorge in between two countries (Zambia and Zimbabwe) and the views are amazing during the rafting trip. The river is considered as one of the safest for white water rafting, due to the deep water, steep cliffs and lack of rocks sticking out of the water.

The rafting takes place during low water levels, when the river is fast and the rapids are even more epic. A few months per year during high water the upper part of the river under the falls will be closed for commercial white water rafting.

Good to know: The full day rafting, starting from 'The Boiling Pot' by the falls itself is only possible during low water season from August to December. From January to April the rafting will start mid-way due to high water levels. This half day rafting is also lots of fun.

When doing the full day rafting, you will have to conquer up to 23 rapids, all with interesting names like ‘The washing machine’, 'Stairway to heaven’, ‘Overland truck eater’, ‘The devil’s toilet bowl’ and ‘Morning glory’. All rapids follow each other pretty fast, making it a full day adrenaline rush right to the end.

There is a big chance of falling in the river and having to swim the rest of the rapid. If the boat does not flip, don’t worry, your rafting guide will do his best to make it flip at least once to make the ride more fun. When you fall in the water, to say it with the words of the guide ‘hold on tight and enjoy the swim’. The guides are very professional and do everything they can to make you feel at ease and enjoy the day. Just one thing is for sure, you will definitely get very wet.

The most difficult part of the day, in my humble opinion, is the climb in and out of the steep gorge before and after the rafting. The river lays 120 meters deep in the Batoka gorge and there is not really an easy path, nor a cable car, nor a lift. You will walk down, with your gear (except the boat). In the morning, going down it is still fun.

But after a full day of rafting, your muscles are very tense and climbing out becomes a real challenge. However, when reaching the top, a nice buffet lunch is waiting plus a cooler box filled with drinks and ice cold beers. You’ll be going up fast to enjoy this as soon as possible…believe me.

As a bonus, a local photographer will join the rafting and make a video of the most epic rapids and take photos, which you can buy. It’s definitely a must have and nice souvenir of your experience. The rafting photos are taken by VicFallsProductions.

I am not an adrenaline junkie, but I just love the rafting. I have done it twice now and will definitely do it again.

Victoria Falls Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping can be done in a lot of places around the world. So what makes this 111 meters high bungee jump in Victoria Falls so spectacular over other places?

First of all, the jump takes place on the legendary Victoria Falls bridge which was built in 1905 and commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes as part of his historic Cape to Cairo railway project. A project that was sadly never fully completed. The bridge crosses the Zambezi river and connects Zambia with Zimbabwe. The border post of each country is located at either side of the bridge. So, you’ll be bungee jumping in ‘no man’s land’.

The scenery of the Batoka gorge is striking and in the background you’ll be hearing the thunder of the Victoria Falls. While jumping, you’ll go straight down to the roaring of the mighty Zambezi flowing with all its force under the bridge.

As the bungee is done on a public bridge, you’ll have an audience around you and all your friends can stand by your side watching you jump while filming the whole scene. It is definitely one of the more spectacular activities in Victoria Falls town.

A few years ago, this bungee jump came into the news with a negative experience. One of the bungee cords snapped and a girl fell in the water. The first good news is that she survived. The other good news is that higher safety precautions have been taken due to this experience. Even just after the incident, the Zambian minister of tourism himself jumped in order to reassure all tourists that it is still safe to jump.

helicopter Flight over the falls

Taking a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls to get a bird’s eye perspective is another thrill seeking experience and a must do when visiting. It provides breathtaking views over these majestic falls as the mighty Zambezi River thunders down into the gorge. Also don’t miss out on the stunning vistas of the Batoka gorge as well as the surrounding landscape and bush, spanning both Zambia and Zimbabwe. You might even spot large game, like elephants or giraffes roaming through the bushes.

The standard scenic flight takes 12 to 15 minutes where you'll make a few turns over the Victoria Falls both clockwise and anticlockwise so that all passengers have equal view over the majestic falls. If you think 15 minutes is too short, there is also an option to take a longer flight of 25 minutes.

Gorge Swing Victoria Falls

If you still don’t have enough adrenaline pumping after jumping off cliffs and bridges, or you would like something different other than a bungee jump, you can do the gorge swing.

The swing is 95 meters long and 120 meters above the ground…uh, water. The difference with a bungee jump is that you’ll be wearing a harness attached to your upper body instead of a cord around your feet. You also won’t hang upside down with the gorge swing. There is a free fall of about 70 meters and you’ll be swinging in a pendulum for a little while. The gorge swing is attached across the Batoka gorge and again the views are magnificent.

If you are not sure about jumping alone, it's also possible to do a tandem swing with your partner or friend, but there is a total weight restriction.

Book the gorge swing in advance in order not to miss out. This can be done with this tour or with this provider.

Zip Line

Attached to a harness and a pulley you’ll be rushing along a zip line over 425 meters across the gorge.
It is slightly less of an adrenaline rush than the gorge swing and the bungee jump, so it's perfect if you'd like to experience a slide into the gorge but somewhat more relaxed. Even children are fine to do this. The zip line can also be done in a tandem with a friend or partner.

The Zip Line experience can also be booked in advance and also here.

The Flying Fox

What’s in a name?

With this activity, the Flying Fox, a line is attached over the gorge. You stand on a platform and starting with a run, you launch yourself off that platform into the air. You fly straight over the gorge hanging from a cable while enjoying the spectacular view of the area.

It really is a fun activity to do, especially as a combined package with the other activities.

The Devil’s Pool

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, a visit to the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is an unforgettable experience. Located on the edge of the falls, on the Zambian side, this natural rock pool allows you to swim right up to the precipice, where the Zambezi River drops into the gorge below. In all the years we have visited Victoria Falls, this has been the highlight for many tourists, however, we have not yet done it ourselves. It's still on our bucket list seeing how many other people have enjoyed this ultimate thrilling experience.

A visit of the Devil's Pool takes place on the Zambian side, so when visiting, you'll be crossing the border into Zambia. When booking this Devil's Pool excursion, a pick up from your hotel can be organised. Don't forget to bring your passport!

Good to know: Keep in mind that this excursion can only be done during low water, for obvious reasons, so a visit to the Devil's Pool is only available during certain months of the year. Generally this is from late August up to early January, but depending on the rain this can vary.

Where to book these adrenaline activities in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe?

All these Victoria Falls activities can be booked around town. The price will be more or less the same with every booking company. For most of the activities, you’ll be picked up with a vehicle from your accommodation and dropped off again, except for the bungee jump, where you’ll have to make your own way to the bridge.

Depending on the time of year, it is recommended to book the adrenaline activities you really want to do in advance in order not to miss out. We recommend using reliable platforms such as Get Your Guide or Viator to do this.

If you don’t have many days to spend in VicFalls, it is possible to combine a few of these activities on the same day. Even if you do a full day rafting, you’ll be back in town around 3PM and can still make your way to the gorge swing or bungee jump.

And last but not least, after a day filled with adrenaline activities, you could round it all off with a sunset cruise (also known as the ‘booze cruise’) or a more relaxed dinner cruise on the upper Zambezi, while admiring the local wildlife and scenery. You might be able to see the spectacular Big Five animals during your safari in Victoria Falls.

And if you would like a food adrenaline experience, try this local dish of Mopane Worms.

Would you consider any of those activities? Or have you already done one and how did you like it?

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