Livingstone
Livingstone, in southwestern Zambia, known as the adventure capital of Zambia. It is also the main hub for visitors to the famous Victoria Falls. Guests can travel from the town to the historic Victoria Falls bridge. The bridge spans the Zambezi River and gorge, connecting Zambia to Zimbabwe. This landmark bridge was commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes as part of his vision to link Zambia and Zimbabwe by rail and road. From its vantage point, visitors can view the magnificent falls, feel the spray, and look down the gorge at the mighty Zambezi River.
Mosi-oa-Tunya - The Smoke That Thunders
First described by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders”. Victoria Falls is one of the greatest attractions in Africa and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mighty Victoria Falls lies on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur whose masses of spray can be seen from miles away. There are many activities and experiences for visitors to indulge in when visiting the mighty Victoria Falls.
highlights
TOUR OF VICTORIA FALLS
The thunderous roar of the falls, clouds of brilliant spray where the mile-wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi and the constant rainbows are awe-inspiring for visitors. The bordering ebony groves and mopane forest, are a birders paradise, attracting a variety of bird life as well as fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river.
LUNAR RAINBOW TOUR
This is certainly one of the most unique, not to be missed experiences at Victoria Falls, witnessed from March to July. While rainbows usually appear through direct sunlight, the Lunar Rainbow is rare and occurs when light is reflected from the moon’s surface. Experience it from the vantage point of Victoria Falls as the spray from the water going over the Falls causes a beautiful “Moonbow” over the chasm.
DEVIL’S POOL
Enjoy the most spectacular view of the Falls from the island where Dr Livingstone first viewed the Mosi-oa-Tunya. At low water the island has its very own bathing pool, (Devil’s Pool) which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge. The pool with the width of approximately ten meters is located next to the cliff found near Livingstone island, separated from the abyss only by a narrow bridge.
The island can only be visited during the ‘low water’ season, from mid-July through end-January every year. Visiting the island during high waters is dangerous and therefore discouraged.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
One of Southern Africa’s biggest thrills! Acclaimed as the best one-day white water runs, the Zambezi river is recognised as one of the top ten paddling rivers in the world.
Navigating the rushing waves of 19 Level 4 and 5 rapids, covering some 23km is an adrenaline pumping adventure and will surely be one of the most memorable African adventure moments.
Starting off at the famous Boiling Point, directly under the Victoria Falls, ride the raging white water rapids of the mighty Zambezi River. With names like “Stairway to Heaven”, “Washing Machine” and “Oblivion”, you can imagine what the rapids have in store – be prepared to get soaked! Half and full day guided trips are available depending on water levels, with rapids ranging from class 3-5.
CANOE SAFARI
The Zambezi, AKA the river of dreams and romance, evokes images of the great era of adventure and exploration. Wild and captivating, the Zambezi beats to a rhythm and a time that is fast disappearing. The clear waters of the river and the surrounding game reserves attract herds of elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard.
A canoe safari on the upper portion of the Zambezi River is a wonderful, relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery, dotted with many islands of varying size and home to many birds and small animals.
Enjoy a full or half-day canoe trip, negotiate small but exciting rapids, canoe through narrow channels and drift down open stretches. A surreal experience!
BUNGEE JUMPING
An incredible life-changing experience – the highest commercial bridge jump in the world! 111 meters of pure adrenaline rush, from the historical bridge into the Batoka Gorge, with a spectacular backdrop of the Victoria Falls. Or take a zipline across the Gorge, with the Zambezi below you!
Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear as you leap off the impressive bridge, with the scenic Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below.
The bungee jump operates off the Victoria Falls Bridge and has a 100% safety record.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Experience the power and beauty of the Victoria Falls from a birds-eye view. The short flight circuits the Falls and offers superb views of the gorges of the Zambezi River. The longer flight skims over the Zambezi rapids, ascends over the Falls and finishes with game viewing over the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The adventure flight in a helicopter, flown with doors open at a lower lever, skims over the African bush, deep down into the Batoka gorge and over the falls.
After a romantic flight over the Falls and into the gorge, land at an exclusive setting on the banks of the Zambezi River and toast this amazing adventure with a gourmet champagne picnic.
RIVER BOAT CRUISES
Whether a stunning and romantic sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, enjoy the breathtaking views and exciting wildlife from the comfort of the river boat. There’s always an abundance of hippo and crocodile, as well as a few other surprises along the way.
MICROLITE FLIGHTS
An adventurous flight above the mighty Victoria falls and Zambezi river, enjoying a birds eye view of the spectacular scenery. An open cockpit for the ultimate adrenaline ride, Microlites have a unique, wing-mounted camera for visitors to capture the exciting experience on film. Certain restrictions apply on the microlite flights – a minimum age of six years and maximum mass of 100kg.
SWIM UNDER THE FALLS
Swim in the rock pools below the mighty Falls, surrounded by massive black basaltic rocks towering up above you and the water cascading down. A most incredible experience which combines perfectly with white water rafting.
STEAM TRAIN
Travel back in time to the glorious age of steam for a unique fine-dining experience on the historic Mulobezi railway line, formerly one of the largest private railway networks in the world.
Romantic five-star dining on rails at Victoria Falls is now possible with Bushtracks Africa’s Livingstone Express. The 15km journey begins in Livingstone through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and continues along one of the most historic railway lines in Africa. Enjoy the sunset over the Zambezi, then indulge in pre-dinner drinks in the lounge or observation cars before enjoying a six-course meal in the dining carriages. A superb dining experience not to be missed.
BRIDGE TOUR
Enjoy a tour of the landmark Bridge, commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes as part of his vision to link Zambia and Zimbabwe by rail and road. Discover how the bridge was constructed and how a full locomotive was transported across the gorge before the actual completion of the bridge. Stop to take a sneak peak over the edge at the valley below, where Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.
Best time to visit
Victoria Falls is a year round destination, however that being said, depending on your interest for the destination there are certain factors to consider.
From February to May the river is flowing at its greatest volume, showcasing the largest sheet of falling water, the weather is also pleasant at this time.
