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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 16 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

A J Hackett invented the craze of jumping off bridges attached to a stretchable ‘bungee’ at Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand. Today, bungee jumping is fairly ubiquitous, but it’s the setting that makes it an extra special bucket list experience.

It may not be the highest or the oldest, but Victoria Falls’ 111m historic railway bridge spans a spectacular gorge over the churning, crocodile-infested Zambezi. Jump to the thunderous soundtrack of the mega-waterfall behind. It’s unquestionably one of the world’s greatest bunjee jumps – if not the greatest?

While you’re there

If that’s not enough adrenaline for you – or if a bungee jump is too intimidating – there’s also a bridge-swing and a zip-line bridge-slide. Both are marginally less terrifying…

If you need a stiff one before you jump, a stiff one after you jump, or you’d just rather just watch others, the Bridge Café is a few steps from the jump zone. It also has great views of the Batoka Gorge and the Falls.

Logistics

Price from: £130
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

Every tour operator in Zimbabwe and Zambia sells packages that include your choice of aerial adventure.

The bridge is a ‘no man’s land’ between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and – although you won’t need a visa – you must show your passport to obtain a pass to the jump zone.

There are weight limits for aerial adventures: 120kg for the slide, 140kg for the bungee and 180kg for the swing.

When to do it

Jumps happen daily throughout the year regardless of water levels in the river below.

Start times vary by tour selected and operator, but run from dawn to dusk. Heavy rain – most common from November to February – may cause jumps to be cancelled.

For the most dramatic river beneath your bouncing bungee, aim for March and April when the Zambezi is in full flood.

 

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.