Adventure in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is the centrepiece of Zimbabwe's adventure scene, and all the major activities are concentrated there. The bungee jump at Victoria Falls Bridge is operated by Africa Extreme (formerly Shearwater). It runs from 111 metres above the Zambezi and costs approximately USD 160 to 165. The jump happens year-round, weather permitting, and the bridge straddles the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, so technically you freefall over two countries. Bookings are made at the operator offices in Victoria Falls town or via hotels.

White-water rafting on the Zambezi runs through the Batoka Gorge below the falls. The standard half-day run covers Rapids 1 through 13 (or 14 through 23 for the lower section) and costs USD 120 to 145. Full-day runs covering the entire section start at USD 155 to 165. Operators including Shearwater, Wild Horizons, and Safari Par Excellence all run scheduled departures from the gorge access point. Rafting is best from July through February when water levels produce full Grade 5 rapids. High water in the April to June period changes the river character significantly.

The gorge swing launches you into a 70-metre freefall before swinging across the canyon on a 120-metre arc. It costs around USD 90 to 100. Gorge zip-lining, which crosses the canyon on a steel cable, is roughly USD 85 to 95. Microlight flights over the falls give a top-down view of both the falls and the gorge for approximately USD 120 to 150 for a 15-minute flight. Helicopter flights over the falls run approximately USD 175 per person for a 13-minute circuit. Elephant-back safaris in the bush surrounding Victoria Falls cost around USD 120 to 140 per person for a two-hour experience.

Away from Victoria Falls, canoe safaris on the Zambezi through Mana Pools run typically over two to five days and cost USD 250 to 450 per person per day with a full operator package including meals and camping. Tiger fishing on Lake Kariba runs on day charters from around USD 100 to 150 per boat. Horseback safaris at Hwange and Matobo Hills are available through specialist operators and cost approximately USD 100 to 180 for a half-day ride including a guide.

Booking adventure activities in advance during peak season (July to October) is important. Many activities run at capacity during this window and last-minute availability is limited, particularly for rafting and bungee. Most Victoria Falls operators have walk-in offices along Livingstone Way in the town centre.