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Bucket list experience:

The Zambezi river shot from above

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

If the Grade V white-water rapids of the Batoka Gorge are too intimidating, a sedate canoe safari on the Zambezi River above the Falls is a good fallback option.

Using stable inflatable canoes, you’ll paddle through a selection of small rapids, viewing both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side of the river. Big game sightings – including hippo, elephant and crocodile – are commonplace, ensuring your fair share of adrenalin.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £120
Minimum age: 12
Age suitable: 12+
When: All year around
Duration: 5 hours

Getting there & doing it

Organised tours are a must here, and a range of half- and full-day trips are available, although routes change as the river level rises. Operators will collect you from your hotel. Use a high-factor sunscreen, and don’t forget a sun-hat.

When to do it

Kayaking trips run all year round, seven days a week. Start times vary by operator, but morning half-day tours will usually leave around 7am; afternoon half-day tours depart around 3pm.

In the height of summer (July-August) the half-day morning trail is best, avoiding the worst afternoon heat. The autumn dry season (March-May) is best for game viewing along the river, with animals from far and wide drawn to the lush Zambezi. Birding is best from September to April.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Upper Zambezi Canoeing

Upper Zambezi Canoeing

Victoria Falls

Victoria falls canoeing company operates and runs canoeing trips on the Zambezi national park above the victoria falls. These safaris range ...

$165 | Rating 4.9 / 5 [10 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)

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

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Ilala Lodge Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

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

Official star rating:

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

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

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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

Safaris around Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe

Visiting Victoria Falls is not just about the Falls. Take the opportunity to experience a Big Five safari and get a taste of the real African bush.

Best for ages: 5+ | £120 | 3-4 hours

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White-water rafting on the Zambezi River

Zimbabwe

Take courage in both hands and raft the world-class white-water rapids of the mighty, crocodile-infested Zambezi River, funneling through the Batoka Gorge at Victoria Falls. And remember to look out for the crocs!

Best for ages: 15+ | £100 | 5-10 hours

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Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

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

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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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)

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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Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
Experience

Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

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

Golf at Elephant Hills

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

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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