Victoria Falls – An adventure awaits!

Embarking on a journey to Victoria Falls promises a breathtaking adventure filled with natural wonders, adrenaline-pumping activities, and cultural discoveries. Here’s a guide to help you plan an unforgettable visit to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit:

Victoria Falls’ water flow varies throughout the year, impacting the overall experience. The peak flow occurs during the rainy season (March to May), offering a thunderous cascade but limiting visibility due to mist. The dry season (July to October) provides clearer views, and activities like Devil’s Pool become accessible.

Exploring the Falls:

Begin your adventure with a visit to Victoria Falls National Park. Multiple viewpoints along the walking trails offer stunning panoramas of the falls. The main viewpoints, such as Devil’s Cataract and Danger Point, provide different perspectives, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of this natural marvel.

Thrilling Adventures:

For adrenaline seekers, Victoria Falls is a playground of thrilling activities. Experience the ultimate rush with activities like bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, taking a helicopter flight over the falls, or navigating the Zambezi River on a white-water rafting expedition. Each adventure promises a unique perspective of this magnificent landscape. These activities may also be available at Zambia resorts in Victoria Falls the likes of Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

Image via Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Cultural Encounters:

Engage with the local culture by exploring the nearby town of Victoria Falls. Visit the vibrant markets for souvenirs, interact with friendly locals, and savour traditional Zambian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a cultural tour or witness the region’s rich heritage.

Eco Adventures in Livingstone – The Top Activities to Embark On

Livingstone is a charming little town located in Zambia. Named after the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, this town contains a variety of sites for travellers to explore. Located a few kilometres away is the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Many of the activities are thus situated around this iconic river.

Microlight Flight

One of the best things to do in Zambia would be to visit Victoria Falls while on a Microlight Flight. Although not for the faint-hearted, this flight would allow one to have an aerial view of Victoria Falls. One would also be able to observe the magnificent Batoka Gorge from this flight.

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

If staying at a property such as the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, visitors would have access to modern pools. However, if you are an adrenaline seeker, then take the time to visit the Devil’s Pool, which is located at the edge of Victoria Falls. As there is a safety rope to assist the visitors, one does not have to be a particularly strong swimmer to visit this pool.

Bungee Jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge

This activity is ideal for thrill-seekers as it entails jumping 111 metres. It is also a great activity for couples as it is possible to book tandem jumps. However, as solo jumps are also available, this is an activity that even solo travellers can easily engage in.

Diego Delso, Puente de las cataratas Victoria, Zambia-Zimbabue, 2018-07-27, DD 10, CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel on the Zambezi Tram

For a leisurely and scenic experience, consider taking a ride on the Zambezi tram. This journey takes you from the town to the Victoria Falls Bridge, passing through the Zambezi National Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter a wealth of sights and experiences, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate relaxation and enjoying the natural scenery.

The Best National Parks in Zambia for Safaris – Adventures Full of Wildlife Wonders!

Zambia boasts some of the African continent’s most pristine and diverse wilderness areas making it a safari enthusiast’s paradise. Here are some of its top national parks where unforgettable wildlife encounters and natural beauty await.

Joachim Huber, Plains zebra, South Luangwa National Park (2508422743), CC BY-SA 2.0

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park 

Mosi-Oa-Tunya, known as ‘The Smoke That Thunders,’ is home to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions, Victoria Falls, near The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. Those based at such hotels within the national park can easily embark on game drives as well, amongst the most thrilling things to do in Zambia. On your drive, you have a chance to see antelopes, elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, African fish eagles and more; you can also take a cruise along its boundaries on the Zambezi River to spot hippos and crocodiles.

Kafue National Park

Kafue, Zambia’s largest national park, is a vast wilderness waiting to be explored and can be reached on excursions from Livingstone. With its diverse ecosystems, it offers the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, while over 500 bird species have been recorded here too. On your safari, be on the lookout to spot leopards, elephants, buffalos, lions, African wild dogs and cheetahs. Those venturing near the Kafue River may not only catch sight of hippos and huge crocodiles but depending on the season, elephants swimming in the water as well!

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is often hailed as one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, renowned for wildlife safaris including walking safaris that allow you to get up close to certain members of the animal kingdom. You will come across diverse landscapes from woodlands to grassy plains, not forgetting the Luangwa River. Those exploring the park by vehicle have a chance to observe lions, elephants, leopards, antelopes, giraffes, and hyenas to name a few. You can even take a night drive to spot elusive nocturnal creatures.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Nestled along the Zambezi River’s northern bank, this national park offers a unique blend of wildlife and water-based adventures. Best visited from June to September, this wildlife sanctuary can be explored on safari game drives on which you can see animals like elephants, lions, buffalos, and leopards roam freely. For a different perspective, embark on a canoe safari down the Zambezi, where you have an ideal opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks as well as numerous bird species.

The Exhilarating Victoria Falls Gorge Swing – A New Relam of Heart-Pounding Excitement!

Victoria Falls, a natural wonder that needs no introduction, offers more than just breathtaking views. Amidst the roar of cascading waters, an exhilarating adventure awaits the bold-hearted. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled experience that is the Victoria Falls Gorge Swing!

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Not Your Usual Swing 

The “swing” you will find here is not your everyday playground variety; instead, it’s a swing that happens to be tied to a rope measuring 95 metres. You may say to yourself, sure, that sounds impressive but it’s not exactly daring. That’s true till you realise that the swing involves being suspended 120 metres above the Zambezi River! Amongst the most awe-inspiring things to do in Zambia and Zimbabwe, this activity is not for the faint-hearted.

Planning a Visit

The site where the Gorge Swing is located is on the Zimbabwe side of Vicotria Falls; that said, those staying at nearby Livingstone properties on the Zambian side such as Avani Victoria Falls Resort will be able to easily access it too. The experience is for around one hour and you can inquire about a tandem gorge swing option if interested. Remember to wear comfortable clothing, while loose footwear is a no-go, as the last thing you would want is for your shoes to take an unexpected plunge!

The Experience Itself 

The adventure begins with a climb up to the platform where you will be securely strapped into a harness. Don’t worry, you will also receive safety instructions from one of the experienced guides here before your leap. As your heart shifts gears and revs up the pace so to speak, take a leap of faith; prepare to plunge into the abyss, free-fall for about 70 metres, reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and then swing in a 95-metre pendulum motion. When experiencing it firsthand though, you will forget about all these numbers and just enjoy living life on the edge!

More Thrills Await

The adventure doesn’t end at the gorge swing and there are plenty more action-packed things to do in Victoria Falls. You can take to the skies on a helicopter or microlight flight, witnessing the falls from high above or brave wild rapids while white water rafting on the Zambezi River. For a mind-blowing experience, visit the Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island and peer over the edge, though for the ultimate adrenaline rush, go bungee jumping off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge!

Livingstone: The Tourist Heart of Zambia – Experience the pulsating beauty of Zambia in Livingstone

Livingstone, located in southern Zambia, has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The city offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from cultural and historical attractions to adventure activities.

The Victoria Falls

The main attraction of Livingstone, Victoria Falls, is a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of visitors every year. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and geology of the falls, or opt for a thrilling activity like bungee jumping or white-water rafting.

Stiac H, Victoria Falls The Smoke That Thunders July 2019, CC0 1.0

Accommodation

Livingstone offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts like Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a Livingstone hotel at Victoria Falls, there’s something for everyone.

Adventure activities

Livingstone is an adventure-seekers paradise with a wide range of activities available, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides. Take a microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a bird’s-eye view of the falls, or go on a safari to see the wildlife of the area.

Cultural experiences

Livingstone is home to a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional villages and historical sites to explore. Take a tour of the Maramba Cultural Village to learn about the customs and traditions of the local people, or visit the Livingstone Museum to learn about the city’s history.

Diverse Safaris in Zambia That You Can Enjoy – Thrilling Wildlife Encounters Await

From national parks home to exotic wildlife to stunning natural landscapes, Zambia offers much to discover on a safari and the great thing is, you get various adventure-filled options too!

Game Drive Safaris

A great way to explore national parks is while being driven in 4×4 open safari vehicles that take you to the heart of these reserves home to plenty of wildlife. An ideal place for this is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara; on your game drive, you will get a chance to see white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes and much more.

Canoeing Safaris

Apart from game drive safaris, you can look to enjoy those on water too! For example, for travellers staying at a Livingstone hotel, Victoria Falls is not the only natural attraction to experience here; one can also embark on exciting canoeing safaris along the Zambezi River to spot wildlife and birdlife. Other areas for such escapades include the Kafue and Luangwa rivers as well as various lagoons in the country.

Image via The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

Walking Safaris

For more up-close exploration, certain areas can be toured on a walking safari. As you would expect, such excursions, be it on short trips or longer mobile safaris, are done with highly trained guides. Getting closer to animals will be truly rewarding and unforgettable and places, where you can look forward to such experiences, include the South and North Luangwa and Lochinvar national parks. 

Other Safaris

For something different, look to set off on a safari in Zambia on horseback or even atop an elephant! Such excursions are available for those staying at hotels in Livingston close to Victoria Falls. Since the country is a place where one can see over 740 bird species, it has also become a prime destination for bird-watching safaris at spots like the Lower Zambezi and Lochinvar national parks.

Tips for Your Upcoming Zambian Adventure – A Land of Waterfalls, National Parks and Unique Wildlife

Venture into a country of diverse wildlife and natural beauties that guarantee an action-packed vacation for travellers. Enriched by large pools of water and vast areas of land, Zambia is one of South Africa’s awe-inspiring tour locations. 

Game Drives

Fancy a game drive to spot the African buffalo? Thrilling rides at the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park are one of the top things to do in Zambia, which is easily reachable in a 27-minute drive from Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Explorers will be able to spot a wide array of wildlife species from birds to feared predators. Among them are the Angolan giraffe, warthog, impala, Burchell’s zebra and sable. 

Walking Expeditions

Take strolls down Zambian National Parks to enrich your stay in the country. This South African exploration may seem like quite the challenge at first glance, but with the guidance of armed guards and professional guides, it will seem like a walk in the park, only much better and exciting. The guided walks will open the doorway for travellers to discover fauna and flora that haven’t been spotted before in their lives. 

Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia (48598577681), CC BY 2.0

A Dinner Cruise Down Zambezi River

Connect with Zambian nature as you cruise down the Zambezi River by Victoria Falls. The river cruises create space for travellers to get up close and personal with the surroundings of the river and the astonishing offerings of Zambian nature. The Zambezi-style dinner at the dinner cruise is a bonus to your experience. 

Victoria Falls

The jaw-dropping view of Victoria Falls is guaranteed to linger in your memories for years to come. Back in the 1800s, the tribal people, Kololo described the cascade of waters as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which translates into ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, owing to the grandeur standing of the waterfall as the greatest curtain of falling in the world.

Victoria Falls Devils Pool and Livingstone Island

Located adjacent to hotels in Livingstone Zambia offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Livingstone Island is a perfect place for a day out; however, only a maximum of 24 people are allowed on the island at a time.

Victoria Falls

A waterfall that is formed by the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is hailed as one of the largest waterfalls in the world due to its humongous width. It provides a flourishing habitat to its many species of animals and plants.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Livingstone Island

If you’re planning on a tour to this scenic island, you should know that they are seasonal and the island can only be reached when the Zambezi River’s water level is low enough to provide safe access to the island. The best time to visit this island would be from late June to early March.

Story behind Name

David Livingstone first revealed the whereabouts of this island in November 1855; hence the name of the island. It is said that he lowered a length of cotton cloth with a bullet attached to it in order to measure the depth of the pool.

Devils Pool

As the name suggests, the water level has to be pretty low for someone to even consider swimming at the Devils Pool.

River & Wildlife Experiences in Zambia: The Adventure of a Lifetime in South Luangwe

Africa is a land that is synonymous with adventure and wild-life, and there is no better way to experience the glory of an African wilderness quite like a safari, and there is no safari quite like a Zambian safari in South Luangwa. The Luangwa region is iconic for its spectacular scenery and wild-life amidst an unforgiving and rugged wilderness. Despite this, the safaris in Luangwa are renowned for providing a comfortable voyage into some of the harshest yet most beautiful terrains of Africa.

You can enjoy your stay in Luangwa in a variety of ways, one is by spending it at one of the area’s many lodges in the heart of the wilderness, if you wish to venture even deeper, the accompanying professionals will set up a camp for you to intimately experience the African wilderness. If the first two options are a tad too extreme for you, there you can go for a luxury hotel such as the Victoria Falls Hotel Zambia by the renowned Anantara Hotels, Resorts Spas where you can comfortably enjoy the river and wild-life experiences in Zambia amidst five-star luxury.

The safari providers in the area have decades worth of experience as well as recognition and will uncompromisingly provide you the best, and safest, experience you can hope for. The South Luangwa National Park encompasses almost ten thousand square kilometers and plays refuge to over four hundred species of birds and more than sixty different species of mammals. Leopards, Elephants and Crocodiles in particular are known to gather in large numbers in South Luangwa Park. The dry season from April to October is the best time for a visit, since the rivers dry up and the animals wander towards the lagoons where water is plentiful.

So if you seek a safari adventure like no other, head on to South Luangwa for a voyage you will surely cherish for a lifetime.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
Google+