If jumping off bridges, getting up close and personal with wildlife, and extreme river rafting are your preferred vacation activities, then Zambia is right up your alley. Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and the bountiful countryside of Zambia provide the perfect setting for the most adventurous adrenaline seekers. Here are ten adrenaline adventures in Zambia to get your heart rate pulsing.
Photo Courtesy of (On the Go Tours / Flickr)
Bungee Jumping
Five…four…three…two…one…bungeeeee! If throwing yourself off a bridge 111 metres high sounds like the ultimate holiday activity, then you should look into this bungee jump. The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump over the spectacular Batoka Gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world and definitely one that you should have on your list if going to the area.
Rafting the Zambezi
Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense and extreme water rapids for river rafting. Cruising through the 23 white-water rapids and passing the most beautiful scenery of the steep black cliffs below the Victoria Falls provides great views of the surrounding area. There are a few companies that organise a half day, full day or two day rafting trip down the Zambezi.
Photo Courtesy of (Roger Smith / Flickr)
Flights over Victoria Falls
The ‘flight of angels’ is one of the most breathtaking experiences to enjoy while holidaying in Zambia. It is unquestionably the best way to take in the sheer beauty of Victoria Falls. You can fly over the falls in an plane, helicopter, or microlight – pick your preferred method of transport. All flights leave from Maramba Aerodrome in Livingstone, and take only a minute to get to the falls.
Photo Courtesy of (SarahDepper / Flickr)
Gorge Swing
Strap on your full body harness, put your brave face on, and soar like a bird over the Batoka gorge. 135m long and 75m above the ground, this is the world’s first commercial High Wire, also known as Gorge Swing. After jumping, you will free-fall for about 50m before swinging into the middle of the gorge. Then comes the swing. For a few minutes you will swing like a pendulum before being lowered down to the ground.
Photo Courtesy of (Mr TinDC / Flickr)
Walks with Lions
There are various wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs you can participate in Zambia. Some of these programs ethically re-introduce captive-bred lion cubs into the wild. One of the activities available is to walk with the lion clubs. Your participation in these activities also contribute to the programs, so you’re also doing something great for wildlife conservation while getting a light workout.
Photo Courtesy of (Eric QIAN / Flickr)
Abseiling
You start off by being lowered down the Batoka Gorge from the top of the rock face with a safety harness. Slowly your rope is let out until you are almost at a right angle to the rock face, and then it’s time to walk. Down you go, bouncing down the rock while admiring the awesome view. Once you reach the bottom you can usually either get hauled back up again or take a walk back up. It’s suggested to take the walk, as this is half the fun of the activity.
Photo Courtesy (Chris Parker / Flickr)
Elephant Trails
Hop onto the back of these big, majestic animals. A journey on the back of an elephant is an experience like none other. While you may see this animal as calm and collected from afar, getting up close and personal can make you realise their true strength and size. There are several places in Zambia where you can take walks alongside these gentle giants, as well as hop onto the back of them.
Photo Courtesy of (Cyberslayer / Flickr)
Boat Safaris
Take a ride down the Zambezi on a boat, sail along the glorious water, sipping on a cocktail while admiring the wildlife all around you. You will come across many animals, birds and creatures along your boat ride – a different experience to your usual land based safari.Families of hippos or crocodiles often get right next to your boat, so bring your camera for some up close portraits.
Hydrospeed Surfing
Hydrospeed surfing, also known as riverboarding, is very much like surf-boarding except you go down a river instead. You lie face-down on your board, hold on for dear life, and surf through the rapids. You get to experience what it is like to be in the middle of the rapids as well as swimming under the Victoria Falls. At times things may get a bit wild, but your guide will make sure that you know what to do in any situation.
Rap Jumping
If you are looking for something a little less traditional than abseiling, try rap jumping. This activity involves descending down a rock facing the ground while being strapped to a harness. Walk your way down the rock face while looking straight at the bottom of the gorge. The view looking straight down can make you a little wobbly-headed, so hold on tight.
