These are some of the best Victoria Falls activities to do after having spent several days there over 2 different trips.
This isn’t a complete list of all activities as there are quite a lot and most travellers would have only a few days there. But they are the most popular things to do and what I did.
This is based on going from the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, not the Zimbabwe side.
The Best Victoria Falls Activities in Zambia
I’ve added links throughout this article (affiliate) to where you can book the tours for the activities if you want to. The companies I link to are my favourites and highly recommended.
The Victoria Falls activities prices range from the not-so-bad (Zambezi River Cruise) to the more expensive (helicopter flying). It all depends on your budget and what you want to do.
I very much recommend if you only had two choices the white water rafting and Devils Pool (to be close to the edge of the falls).
Zambezi White Water Rafting at Victoria Falls
White water rafting is one of the most fun adrenaline activities you can do anywhere and white water rafting the Zambezi River below the mighty Victoria Falls is an adrenaline hit that’s hard to beat!
The rapids go up to grade 6 (the highest grade anywhere) but the grade 6 rapid you will carry the raft around it as it’s too dangerous.
There are around 25 rapids in total and a few are grade 5’s where you will get tossed around a lot 🙂
Some very gnarly rapid conditions on a grade 5 rapid!
It is hard work paddling for the whole day but so worth it.
If you’re worried about being a beginner don’t be. It was my first time white water rafting and it was a blast!
They have backup safety rafts and kayakers to keep an eye on you if you do fall out of the raft (I fell out twice too much embarrassment).
Paddling hard!
One part you have to carry the raft around as it’s a grade 6 rapid and too dangerous!
There are 2 options for white water rafting: a half-day trip or a full-day trip.
Personally, I did the full day and that’s the one I highly recommend as it was so much fun and one of the best adventure experiences you can have.
Oh, and there are crocodiles…
Book a full-day white water rafting trip here.
Microlight Flying at Victoria Falls
Flying a microlight over Victoria Falls is the other highlight of the Victoria Falls activities that I did.
There are 2 options for it: a 15-minute flight or 30 minutes. I chose the first option as it is half the price of the longer flight and still gave a great experience.
It’s awesome seeing the falls from above.
Flying across the Zambezi River on the microlight and seeing the wildlife below and the vastness of the area is breathtaking and worth it for this alone.
A mini aerial safari of the Zambezi River on the way back spotting hippos.
If the thought of being so free in the microlight doesn’t appeal to you, or you just want the experience of being up in a helicopter, you can do a helicopter flight over the falls as well.
It’s called the Flight of Angels. I didn’t do it but if I wasn’t keen on the microlight flight I would have done the helicopter instead for sure.
Book a Flight of Angels Helicopter Experience here.
You can find out more about the microlight here with price options etc.
Devils Pool Victoria Falls
This is not one for those afraid of heights (well the last part of the trip anyway).
The Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is a deep hole right next to the edge of the falls.
You can walk or swim out to the falls from Livingstone Island and relax (if you can) with a view down the falls.
And…
Yes, you can hang off the side for an epic pic (friend in this one).
It’s a really fun time and is what I would consider a ‘must do’ activity at Victoria Falls to get so up close and feel the power as close as you can be.
Just do it 🙂
Book a Devil’s Pool tour here.
Chobe Safari Day Trip From Victoria Falls
A safari at Victoria Falls sounds good but the best option is to actually head to Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana as it’s so close to Victoria Falls and makes a great day trip.
It’s a premier safari destination and I saw several lions there.
Elephants by the river in Chobe National Park.
Out of all the safaris I did across Africa (over 30) I can highly recommend heading to Chobe for the day if wildlife is your thing.
If you plan on going to Botswana after Victoria Falls then don’t bother with the day trip, just do it when you get to Botswana anyway.
Book a Chobe day trip safari here
Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls
Ok, I’ll admit I bottled this one, partly because (yes I admit it) I had never bungee jumped before, and due to my budget had to choose which activities I did and didn’t (backpacking for a long time).
However, I did have fun watching others jumping and would definitely do it if back again!
The bridge for the bungee jumping at Victoria Falls.
They also have a zip line and gorge swing options as well. Man Victoria Falls is so much fun 🙂
Here’s a fun video showing you what it’s like bungee jumping at Victoria Falls:
Adventure travel tip: Take travel insurance!
Seriously if you’re doing any adventurous activity get some travel insurance for your travels just in case.
Take insurance anyway for whatever you do. I had a serious medical emergency when travelling and thankfully I had insurance otherwise it would have cost me 10’s of thousands of dollars in medical fees.
I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.
Get a quote for your trip here:
I’ve added these 2 as “relaxing” activities to do at the end of the day…
High Tea at The Royal Livingstone Hotel
This is definitely the opposite of the other activities mentioned but is the perfect way to unwind for an afternoon.
One of the most luxurious hotels in Africa, and right next to the Zambezi River, it is the place to go for some true indulgence.
They have the best cakes I have eaten in Zambia and the atmosphere is classical and sublime.
Cutting one of the cakes.
Sit out on the front porch and watch the Zambezi River flow past as you enjoy tea, cakes, and the location.
The high tea is an afternoon thing only and lasts for 2 hours from 14.00 until 16.00 where you can have all-you-can-eat cakes and tea for $20 (price may change)!
You can just show up don’t need to book ahead.
Get the best clothes you have with you for the high tea.
Feel like treating yourself while in Livingstone? Why not book a room at the Royal Livingstone Hotel and live it up for a night (or however long)? 🙂
BOOK A ROOM AT THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL HERE
Watch The Sunset By The Zambezi River
It doesn’t get more chilled than this…
Grab a cool beer, wine, or whatever and sit down and watch the sun go down over the fast-flowing waters of the Zambezi River with the sounds of hippos snorting in the distance.
This is actually an excellent add-on to the Royal Livingstone Hotel high tea as you can chill down on their river deck after tea time is finished.
The sunset will come soon enough and is a great ending to your time at Victoria Falls.
Sunset on The Zambezi River.
Another option is to go on a Zambezi sunset cruise.
The cruise lasts for around 2 and a half hours and you will get the chance to see hippos(not guaranteed but highly likely) in the water and (obviously given the name) watch the sunset from the boat on the Zambezi.
Sunset as seen from the boat.
Book a sunset cruise on the Zambezi here.
Have Fun At Victoria Falls!
So get your adrenaline on and get out on some Victoria Falls trips!
For more on the country have a look at my epic guide to backpacking in Zambia.
Let me know in the comments what tours you got up to.
Looking for a Victoria Falls Hotel to stay at? Check out these options:
FIND PLACES TO STAY IN LIVINGSTONE HERE
If you’re interested in more safaris in Africa then this is my in-depth guide to safaris in East Africa along with a safari packing list.
And this is my favourite guidebook for Zambia. It’s a travel guide company that I have written for and is my favourite overall guidebook company.
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