Exploring the Wonders of Zambia: The Best Attractions for a Complete Adventure

Despite being surrounded by eight other countries in the southern African region, Zambia has plenty of exciting adventures and attractions to keep travellers enthralled. Abundant in natural landscapes and beauty, here are some of Zambia’s best attractions that showcase its natural wonders.

Victoria Falls

Known as the Crown Jewel of Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in the country. With a stunning 2-kilometre waterfall that cascades down its cliffs, many flock to the site to admire its majestic beauty and for a chance to touch the water before it drops to the river below.

The Devil’s Pools

These natural rock pools are located just before the edge of Victoria Falls and are ideal for a thrilling dip when the water levels drop. Despite the natural barrier at the edge that makes it a safe spot, visitors are often accompanied by guides to ensure maximum safety.

Image via Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Zambezi River Cruise

If you choose a nearby hotel or resort to stay in like Avani Victoria Falls Resort, you’ll have the golden opportunity to enjoy the luxury of a river cruise along the Zambezi River. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the mesmerising sunset views with additional entertainment and expertly prepared meals.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Visiting this National Park is one of the key things to do in Zambia as it gives you the incredible chance to witness the white rhino, a nearly extinct species. Given their dwindling populations due to poaching, spending time with these animals makes for a rare but brilliant encounter.

Gorge Swinging along the Victoria Falls – Adrenaline-fueled activities along the Falls

The Gorge Swing at Victoria Falls is a heart-pounding and exhilarating adventure that takes thrill-seekers to new heights, both literally and metaphorically. Suspended above the Zambezi River, this adrenaline-pumping experience offers a unique perspective of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and its breathtaking gorge.

Image via needpix

A little overview

Embarking on the gorge swing stands out as the pinnacle of your Victoria Falls experience. Spanning a length of 95 meters across the gorge and soaring at a height of 120 meters, this thrilling ride promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other. The swing’s harness, capable of reaching speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour, adds an extra layer of excitement for the daring, alongside a nearby spot of luxury like the Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

Things to bring and leave behind

Opt for comfortable clothing during the Gorge Swing experience. If your shoes are loose, it’s advisable to go barefoot during the jump to prevent them from falling into the river. Rest assured, you can retrieve your shoes once the thrilling adventure concludes.

Bringing your Children​​​​​​​

Participants must be a minimum of 14 years old, and individuals under 18 must obtain written consent from a parent or guardian. The weight requirements dictate a minimum of 40 kilograms and a maximum of 160 kilograms – and remember, full pricing applies to children aged 14 years and above, but it makes for great fun at any Victoria Falls hotel.

A few final tips

Each jumper is securely harnessed, with jumping ropes affixed to the cable’s midpoint. Participants are advised to tie back long hair and secure it throughout the swing. It is also recommended to leave valuables at your accommodation for added convenience during your visit – and a guide to Gorge Swinging at Victoria Falls is indispensable for those eager to partake in this extraordinary activity.

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 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!

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.