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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

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.

 

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1.3 miles]

A five-star hotel with an unrivalled Falls location, luxury rooms and modern facilities… at a price.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[1.6 miles]

A historic hotel – Victoria Falls’ grand dame – that combines classic charm with unrivalled location, steps from the Falls.

Official star rating:

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[1.7 miles]

Cosy boutique hotel with an authentic African feel, right on the doorstep of the Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe[4.2 miles]

Modern safari-themed lodge offering easy access to the falls, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Victoria Falls Waterfall

Zimbabwe[0.4 miles]

This 108-metre-high waterfall on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, it’s impossible not to be awed and humbled by Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the ‘smoke that thunders’.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[0.6 miles]

This small island in the centre of the flow offers a mind-blowing picnic spot – right on the edge of the 103m-high Falls. A lucky (crazy) few can sign up for a dip in the small lagoon sitting right on the lip.

Best for ages: 12+ | £115 | 2 hours

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Lookout Cafe
Experience

Lookout Cafe

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[1.2 miles]

This popular cafe, running by the reliable Wild Horizons, has a unrivalled location on the edge of Batoka Gorge. The outdoor terrace has stunning views. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner often with local specialities on the menu, like game meats and crocodile.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Experience

Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1.3 miles]

With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours

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Overview >
The famous afternoon tea stand with sweet treats
Experience

Afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[1.5 miles]

Dating back to 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel occupies a dramatic promontory above the Batoka Gorge. It’s a view best enjoyed over the decadent platters served for afternoon tea, a much-loved tradition.

Best for ages: 14+ | £15 | 1-2 hours

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Overview >
Golf course next to the Zambezi river with hippos in the water
Experience

Golf at Elephant Hills

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[3.6 miles]

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours

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Overview >