What is there to do in Victoria Falls? There are many amazing things….
Visiting the Victoria Falls – discovered by explorer Dr David Livingstone in 1855, and now a UNESCO Natural Wonder of the World, is a truly awe-inspiring experience for all the senses. No photograph can begin to capture the awesome reality of when you are standing there looking at such huge volumes of water cascading down to the gorges below. When the Falls are at their peak, normally between February and May, no raincoat will do, just accept that you’ll be soaked to the skin, but enjoying every minute of this momentous occasion. This is a place that everyone should visit once in their lifetime! Whether you are adventurous or not so, Victoria Falls, also known as the ‘adventure capital’, offers both high adrenalin activities like white water rafting, flying fox ride over the Falls and canopy tours, as well as more relaxed pastimes such as river cruises, helicopter trips, canoeing, fishing or elephant encounters. With many activities to choose from, here are some must-do’s!
Zambezi River Cruising
For those looking for a ‘step back in time’ on the river, the Ra-Ikane is a small luxury cruise boat, exquisite in detail with an ambience of a bygone era. The vessel was built to replicate the ‘Ma-Robert’ – Dr David Livingstone’s boat. This exclusive cruise boat accommodates a maximum of just 14 guests on a two-hour cruise, and with its personalised – period decor, historic memorabilia, fine cuisine and refreshments, it characterises a level of comfort and grace unsurpassed on the Zambezi River. Drift along the Zambezi River in a wonderfully relaxed way and enjoy breakfast, lunch or drinks and snacks at sunset! The other alternative for a sunset cruise is the luxurious and spacious Zambezi Royal, a 28-seater cruise boat offering a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. The contemporary boat is the first of its kind here, custom built to maximize comfort, style, practicality and service. Relax in the lush furnishings of this modern vessel, enjoying delicious snacks, wines and cocktails, as you coast up-river taking in the stunning scenery and surrounds.
A brand new offering on the the Zambezi River, The Victoria, offers a unique sunset cruise, with exclusivity for its guests as the only boat that navigates downstream from the Falls through shallow water. The Victoria comfortably seats 20 passengers, gliding downstream towards ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, whilst pampering guests in pure luxury, and creating endless memories.
Elephant Encounter
The Elephant Encounter offers the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, elephants. In a pristine wilderness environment spend time and connect with these elephants in the most natural way possible.This recognized elephant sanctuary began with just four young orphaned elephants, who were translocated in 1997 as a result of culling operations in the National Parks. An open-design thatch Boma gives an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and against this beautiful back drop, you will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphange. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost. There is the opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed – physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants, and learn about their history as well as the threats facing elephant populations today. Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephants and the sight of them up close and personal will be imprinted on guests’ minds’ long after they have left. Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
Ultimate Gourmet Dinner Experience
The Bushtracks Express in Victoria Falls is an indulgent luxury fine dining rail experience not to be missed. Enjoy the opulence of a time gone by, going back to the age of romantic steam train travel. The train travels to the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905. With five-star service, the African sunset and a view of the Falls from the bridge, guests can enjoy the best that Victoria Falls has to offer. Departing twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, this luxurious steam train will travel to the Victoria Falls Bridge and then out to Jafuta Siding, serving light snacks, followed by a five course gourmet meal with drinks, all prepared by the talented chefs from the prestigious Victoria Falls Hotel.
Full Moon Dining
If you happen to be in Victoria Falls during a full moon, the Lookout Cafe is the place to be for dinner. Watch the moon rise over a truly special scene. The lookout clings to the edge of the Zambezi Gorge just downstream of the Victoria Falls. Below lies the mighty Zambezi, a force you are aware of before you even catch a glimpse of it, as its low rumble emanates upwards from the river below. The dining area faces the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge and you are surrounded by wonderful natural surroundings – the gorge and the canyon. As the sun sets, the full moon rises over this mesmerising scene.
Game Drives & Walks in Zambezi National Park
Starting a safari in Victoria Falls? Then time permitting consider a half or full day in the relatively unknown Zambezi National Park right on the doorstep, with a variety of habitats including riverine woodland along the Zambezi River, rocks and rapids and vast open grasslands. Stunning scenery, a variety of animals and superb birding can be seen here.
Historical Bridge Tour
This interesting tour takes you on a hundred year journey under the Victoria Falls Bridge. Discover Cecil John Rhodes’ plans for his Cape to Cairo Railway, and see how the bridge was constructed. Learn the intriguing story of how and why a full locomotive was transported across the gorge before the actual completion of the bridge, and enjoy the camaraderie involved in checking your buddy’s safety systems. Highly trained and experienced guides will ensure a safe and informative tour of and around the bridge, and enjoy the magnificent views of the Falls and Batoka Gorge.
