Victoria Falls | Activities

* Zambezi Rafting & Riverboarding Combo

Brave the mighty Zambezi rapids with only flippers and a body board! This activity combines riverboarding with rafting and will have you "surfing" the rapids on body boards (accompanied by a qualified Wild Horizons River Guide) in no time!

Our HALF Day Rafting & River Boarding Combination Trip combines the greatest of rafting with the challenge of awesome river boarding. This product runs during LOW water and for a limited period only during High water. The trip commences at rapid #11 and finishes at rapid #21.
Check in is at 10h30.

Our FULL Day River Boarding & Rafting Combination Trip runs during the Low season only. Not all the rapids are suitable for river oarding so the trip offers both rafting and river boarding in a full day excursion, from rapid #1-21 depending on the water level and where the best “play spots” are at the time. The FULL day trip returns to Victoria Falls at approximately 16h30.

Certain rapids are considered unsafe for river boarding and clients will either portage or raft through these sections. Please note that clients must be competent, strong swimmers and understand and speak English for safety reasons.

Important Rafting Information

Client Suitability & Age Restrictions

Clients should be reasonably fit for this activity, as there is a fairly steep walk into & out of the Batoka Gorge as well as the white water rafting activity itself. Rafting is suitable for the majority of clients. The ability to swim is not essential; however non-swimmers should inform the Wild Horizons Rafting Guide at the briefing.
Minimum age: 15 years (This can be flexible, at management’s discretion i.e. if the child is of the right maturity, strength and will fit into a lifejacket properly younger kids are sometimes accepted.) Maximum age: There is no maximum age limit, however Wild Horizons retain the right to refuse to take a client who is clearly going to be unable to cope with the rigors of rafting.

Transfers

Wild Horizons offers courtesy transfers and will collect from any pick up point in Victoria Falls town. All guests will be collected from their respective hotels and meet at the Wild Horizons Office at 8.00am. After signing an indemnity form they are taken to the “look-out” on the edge of the Gorge for a full briefing. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served at the check-in at 8.00am (PLEASE BRING YOUR VOUCHER TO CHECK IN). If guests are catching a flight from Victoria Falls airport after the low water A.M. Half Day trip, arrangements can be made to transfer clients directly from the river to the airport. Transfers can be arranged on request and should be booked and paid for at check in. Please check with Wild Horizons for cost of airport transfer.

The “Look-out”

Clients will be fully briefed at the “Look-Out” located on the edge of the Gorge. This is a spectacular thatched viewing platform where clients will check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing. The bridge over the Gorge, the boiling pot, Rapids 3 and 4 and the High Wire adventure activities can be viewed from this spot.

Raft Options – Oar Boat/Paddle Boat

At certain water levels clients are given the option between an “oar boat” and a “paddle boat”. An “oar boat” is controlled and maneuvered by the guide using “12 foot-long” oars from the middle of the raft. Guests are seated in the front and rear of the raft and hold on to the safety line around the perimeter of the raft. A “paddle boat” requires the passengers to actively assist the guide in maneuvering the raft through the rapids and the calm stretches, they are seated around the perimeter of the boat and all paddle, but do not hold onto the safety line.

Valuables

Do not bring valuables with you. Please leave all valuables, jewelry and passports at your hotel for safekeeping. Wild Horizons provide a safekeeping facility at check-in, where valuables can be left at your own risk.

What to Wear

Walk –In/Walk Out

The walk in and out of the gorge is steep and rocky, but with ample of places to rest. The walk out is approximately 750 feet to the top of the gorge (equivalent of climbing a 70-story building) and requires a reasonable degree of fitness. Clients will carry their buoyancy aids and helmets while porters carry all other rafting equipment. At the top of the gorge cold beers, soft drinks and water is awaits you at the end of an awesome day!

Video and Photographic Coverage

Photographic coverage will automatically be taken on every half and full day raft trip. All guests will be offered DVD coverage on request. Depending on passenger volumes coverage can be arranged on request for Multi-Day trips.

Wild Horizons Rafting Safety Information

Wild Horizons RAFTING & RIVERBOARDING products have thrilled 45,298 guests to date in 9 years of operation (October 2007). We are proud to have a clear safety record.

• Off-shore Public Liability of Rand 1 Billion (One Billion Rand)
• Medical Air Rescue (M.A.R.S.) coverage for every client rafting.
• Full compliance with R.A.Z. (Rafting Association of Zimbabwe).
• Radio communication with our offices, vehicles and M.A.R.S.
• Comprehensive First Aid Kits are carried on all trips.
• All guides hold M.A.R.S. (Advanced First Aid) Certificates which are renewed every two years, Refresher courses are attended every four weeks.
• Wild Horizons guides are fully trained in helicopter emergency casevac rescue

* Zambezi River Cruises - Victoria Falls & Livingstone

Victoria Falls

The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and sometimes even rhino in their home environment, as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Wild Horizons boating fleet in Victoria Falls consists of two 30-seater Pontoon cruise boats powered by two 40hp outboard motors on each.

Please note: Return transfers to hotels within Victoria Falls Town are included on all Wild Horizons River Cruises

Breakfast Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 60
Departure – 07h30
Duration – 2 hours
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
This cruise is perfect for the early riser and a wonderful opportunity for keen birders. Inclusive of a cooked breakfast, fruit, muffins, tea/coffee and orange juice, this is a beautiful time of day to be on the River as there are often fewer boats which give one a real sense of privacy - excellent value for money.

Lunch Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 60
Departure – 12h00
Duration – 2 hours
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
Lunch includes a variety of salads, fresh bread rolls, stir fried chicken, beef and vegetables, deserts, tea, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks. All food is cooked on board on a skottle-braai so it is served fresh and hot. (Please ensure we are informed in advance of any vegetarians).

Sundowner Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 60
Departure – 16h00 (winter months)
16h30 (summer months)
Duration – 2 hours
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
A popular cruise including finger snacks, beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.

Zambezi River Cruises - Livingstone

The Zamcruiser

A single deck cruise boat furnished with teak throughout with a maximum capacity of 40 guests. Once on board the ‘Zambezi Cruiser’ the beauty of the Zambezi river is immediately apparent as you are welcomed with an ice cold drink of your choice from our full bar. The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and sometimes even rhino in their home environment, as well as enjoy the many different bird species.

Please note: Return transfers to the Livingstone Day Activity Centre are included on all Zamcruiser River Cruises

Breakfast Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum / Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 120
Departure – 07h30
Duration – 1 hour
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
This cruise is perfect for the early riser and a wonderful opportunity for keen birders. Inclusive of a cooked breakfast, fruit, muffins, tea/coffee and orange juice, this is a beautiful time of day to be on the River as there are often fewer boats which give one a real sense of privacy - excellent value for money.

Lunch Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum / Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 120
Departure – 12h00
Duration – 1 hour
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
Lunch includes a variety of salads, fresh bread rolls, stir fried chicken, beef and vegetables, deserts, tea, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks. All food is cooked on board on a skottle-braai so it is served fresh and hot. (Please ensure we are informed in advance of any vegetarians).

Sundowner Cruise

Days – Daily
Minimum / Maximum participants – Minimum Two / Maximum 120
Departure – 16h00 (Winter months)
16h30 (Summer months)
Duration – 2 hours 30 minutes
Language – English (French, German, Italian & Spanish available on private tours, at supplement cost – subject to availability)

Highlights
A popular cruise including finger snacks, beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets.

The African Queen and Princess

Guests are met by staff from the cruise boat and driven to the ‘Royal Landing’ jetty on the Zambezi River for boarding. The African Queen and Princess meander slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park looking for game on the way. A number of animals and a host of bird species can be viewed from comfortable chairs on cool wooden decks. Excellent hot and cold food is served on board and the bar is well stocked with spirits, good wines, beers and soft drinks. All food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the Zambezi river.

Please note: Return transfers to the jetty are from The Day Activity Centre in Livingstone

African Queen - The Decks can accommodate:
Lower Deck: 40 – 70 people
Mid Deck: 40 – 60 people
Captains Cabin: Up to 10 people
Capacity: The African Queen can accommodate up to 120 passengers

African Princess - The Decks can accommodate:
Lower Deck: 30 – 45 people
Mid Deck: 30 – 45 people
Captains Cabin: Up to 10 people
Capacity: The African Princess can accommodate up to 90 passengers

Mid morning cruise

Pick up is at 09h00 with the boat departing at 09h30 from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes drinks, limited, a continental breakfast and all transfers. Guests are usually back at the Victoria Falls Resort at about 12h00.

Two hour lunch cruise

Pick up is at 12h00 with the boat departing at 12h30 from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes an excellent lunch, drinks and transfers. Guests are usually back at the Victoria Falls Resort at about 15h00.

One hour lunch cruise
Please note that transfers are not included in the price of this cruise.

Pick up is at 12h00 with the boat departing at 12h30 from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for an hour and includes lunch and drinks. Guests are usually back at the Victoria Falls Resort at about 14h00.

Sunset cruise

Pick up is at 15h30 from May to August (winter), and 16h00 from September to April (summer) with the boat departing at 16h00, or 16h30, respectively from the Royal Landing. The cruise lasts for 2 hours and includes hot and cold snacks, drinks, house wines, and transfers. Guests are usually back at The Victoria Falls Resort at about 18h30 in the winter and 19h00 in the summer.

*Tour of the Falls

Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum 1/ Maximum Unlimited
Departure – Between 08h00 and 08h30 / 13h20 and 13h45 from hotels in Victoria Falls
Duration – 2 hours

Highlights
The Victoria Falls – Now In Its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year - Reaches Its Zenith In About May Each Year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route, clients may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where they may stop and take photos. Clients will be accompanied through the Rainforest by one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

Tour of the Falls and Craft Village
Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum 1/ Maximum Unlimited
Departure – Between 08h00 and 08h30 / 13h20 and 13h45 from hotels in Victoria Falls
Duration – 3 hours

Highlights
This tour is done in conjunction with the Tour of the Victoria Falls as detailed above, after which they are taken to the Traditional Craft Village. Here clients are shown replica homes of the various tribes throughout Zimbabwe & Southern Africa. They will learn about the history of how each tribe began and how they have evolved. There are local people in the village performing traditional skills such as carving, basket weaving and even cooking. Clients are also given the opportunity to shop in the adjoining curio market and shops for souvenirs and gifts.

* Zambezi Nature Sanctuary and Crocodile Ranch

Days – Daily
Minimum/ Maximum participants – Minimum 1/ Maximum N/A
Departure – Between 08h00 and 08h30 / 13h20 and 13h45 from hotels in Victoria Falls
Duration – 2 hours

Highlights
This morning or afternoon guided tour stops at the “Big Tree” for a convenient photo opportunity enroute to the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary & Ranch offer clients a unique insight into the Zambezi Crocodiles life and is also home to a variety of wild animals including lion & leopard. In the hatching season, clients may even hold a baby crocodile, and as this is a commercial farm, various Crocodile by-products are on display and for sale in the form of gifts & souvenirs at the Ranch Gift Shop.