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Bucket list experience:

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

Widely regarded as some of the best white-water rafting in the world, running the rapids formed by the Zambezi funnelling through the Batoka Gorge, is far and away the most popular adventure activity at Victoria Falls.

These are among the largest commercially rafted rapids in the world, and not for the faint-hearted. However, rafting companies take safety incredibly seriously and guides are trained in swift-water rescue and accredited by the International Rafting Federation.

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Price from: £100
Minimum age: 15
Age suitable: 15+
When: All year around
Duration: 5-10 hours

Getting there & doing it

Operators provide return transfers to the put-in point, where lifejackets and strict safety instructions are issued. Eight-man rafts are commonly used, with a professional guide on each raft.

 

When to do it

The first 10 rapids below the Falls can only be run during low water (roughly July to January), while in other months rafters are restricted to half-day trips on rapids 11-25 downstream.

From August to December multi-day rafting trips are offered, including overnight and multi-day trips.

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

Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls

Zambezi River Class IV-V White-Water Rafting from Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

If you're looking for adventure in Zimbabwe, experience the Zambezi River on a white-water rafting tour with pickup in Victoria Falls. With ...

$112 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [147 ratings]

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White Water Rafting in Zimbabwe

White Water Rafting in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a mile long curtain of water that stretches across the glistening basalt rock, erupts into spray, and then thunders into t...

$120 | Rating 4.71 / 5 [64 ratings]

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White Water Rafting & Swimming under the Falls

White Water Rafting & Swimming under the Falls

Livingstone

The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best White Water Rafting river in the world. A deep channeled...

$120 | Rating 5 / 5 [19 ratings]

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White Water Rafting High Water Tour in Zambia

White Water Rafting High Water Tour in Zambia

Livingstone

The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best White Water Rafting river in the world. A deep channeled...

$130 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [27 ratings]

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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.

Official star rating:

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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Zip-line across the Zambezi River

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

One of the world’s greatest zip-lines – 425 metres across a scenic Gorge, over the churning Zambezi River, passing the dramatic spectacle of one of the world’s biggest waterfalls.

Best for ages: 10+ | £65 | 1-2 hours

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

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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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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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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Round-ups that include this experience