Victoria Falls Beyond the Roar: 7 Activities to Extend Your African Safari

You hear it long before you see it – the thunderous roar of water cascading over ancient basalt cliffs echoes for miles. As you draw closer, Victoria Falls‘ magnificent crescendo amplifies, the crashing water creating an ethereal mist that rises to greet onlookers (bring a rain jacket!). Within moments, you’ll understand precisely why this breathtaking spectacle is named “the smoke that thunders”.

While witnessing the sheer majesty of Victoria Falls is an awe-inspiring experience in itself, this remarkable destination offers a range of exciting activities – on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides – that will inspire you to extend your luxury African safari.

To uncover the hidden gems beyond the falls, we spoke with Jessica White, a sales executive at Wild Horizons, a premier adventure tour operator in Victoria Falls. Having grown up in the region, Jessica offers unparalleled insight into some of the best experiences to enhance your Victoria Falls itinerary.

7 Victoria Falls Activities

1. The Elephant Art Safari: A Creative Encounter with Gentle Giants

To witness an elephant roaming the African plains from the comfort of a safari vehicle is truly special. To be on the ground as these magnificent, granite-grey giants come into view is an experience altogether more profound. The Art with the Elephant experience invites you to an elephant sanctuary to sit before an easel, guided by a local Zimbabwean artist, to capture the inherent grace of these gentle creatures on your canvas.

“Art with the Elephant is more than just an avenue to explore your creative side,” shares Jessica, who has personally experienced this remarkable activity. “It’s an educational journey and an innovative economic model that directly supports long-term conservation projects. It has created a platform where we can explore our deep connection to nature in an unobtrusive, holistic way.”

The elephants at this sanctuary are survivors, having been impacted by poaching or abandonment. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for their rehabilitation. As you paint, you’ll hear their stories, forging a deeper connection and allowing you to truly capture their resilient spirits within your artwork.

2. Home-Hosted Meal: An Authentic Taste of Local Culture

“Victoria Falls is more than just a beautiful view and landscape; there’s a rich cultural heritage and legacy here as well. This is a beautiful way to celebrate and share that,” Jessica explains about the Home Hosted Meal experience.

On the Zimbabwean side, a member of the Wild Horizons team will host you in their own home, inviting you to share a traditional meal with their family. This intimate experience offers a rare and authentic insight into the vibrant local culture that makes this region so special.

3. Livingstone Island Trip: A Unique Vantage Point

For a truly distinct perspective of the falls, a journey to Livingstone Island on the Zambian side is a must. A short boat trip will take you to the island, after which the more adventurous can take an exhilarating dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, peering over the very edge of the falls.

Alternatively, simply immerse yourself in the breathtaking views – arguably one of the most magnificent vantage points from which to admire this natural marvel.

This island experience can be perfectly complemented with breakfast, lunch, or a high tea.

4. Pay It Forward Tour: Meaningful Philanthropy

Jessica notes that many travellers arrive in Victoria Falls eager to support local communities, often bringing donations from their home countries.

To ensure that schools and organisations receive precisely what they need, the Pay It Forward initiative was developed. For this, you’ll choose an organisation and, with their specific wish list in hand, you’ll explore Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, purchasing the desired items before personally delivering them to the recipients. It’s a truly rewarding experience that leaves a lasting positive impact.

5. Zambezi Dinner Cruise: Gourmet Dining on the River

Imagine gliding serenely along the majestic Zambezi River on a luxurious double-decker cruise boat, watching the colours of the sunset paint the water, your favourite cocktail in hand. As twilight descends, you descend to the lower deck to indulge in a delectable three-course à la carte meal.

A dinner cruise exquisitely combines sublime gourmet dining – with meals freshly prepared by talented chefs on board – with the magical vistas of the Zambezi River. This is truly an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any Victoria Falls itinerary.

6. Helicopter Tour of the Falls: A Bird’s-Eye Spectacle

To truly elevate your Victoria Falls experience, embark on an exhilarating helicopter tour for an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the magnificent waterfall.

Wild Horizons operates state-of-the-art helicopters, complete with expansive bubble windows, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the majestic waterfall, the winding Zambezi River spotting diverse wildlife along the riverbanks, and the picturesque surrounding landscapes.

7. The Lookout Café and Bike Tour: Adventure with a View

Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, overlooking the Zambezi River, lies The Lookout Café – an African contemporary open-air restaurant that is truly worth a visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The sophisticated cocktail and canapé bar, open from 4 pm to 7 pm, is situated on the restaurant’s lower floating deck, offering equally stunning views across the captivating landscape, including the iconic bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe.

From the restaurant, you can embark on an exhilarating e-bike tour. Cycle over the impressive Victoria Falls bridge, feel the invigorating spray from the falls, and make a stop near a massive baobab tree where you’ll sample some cream of tartar before returning to the restaurant.

These are just seven highlights of a Victoria Falls trip – there’s a lot more to do, especially for thrill seekers.

How Many Days Are Enough for Victoria Falls?

With such a captivating array of activities on offer, Victoria Falls deserves more than a single day.

“I would suggest a minimum of two nights, but you can fill up three nights easily,” says Discover Africa safari planner, Megan Warrington. “Victoria Falls is a great destination to do as much or as little as you want during your visit. In addition to viewing the majestic falls, popular activities include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and a helicopter flight over the falls.

“For the more adventurous traveller, you are spoilt for options, including microlight flights, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and white-water rafting.”

Megan adds: “Victoria Falls is also a great stop to catch your breath after a safari or a long international flight. Relax at the lodge pool and enjoy the warm African sun.”

Where to Stay: The Elephant Camp

The Elephant Camp is one of Zimbabwe’s most exquisite lodges, providing an unparalleled base for your luxury Victoria Falls adventure. While sweeping views of Batoka Gorge, private plunge pools, and a serene atmosphere will undoubtedly entice, what truly elevates this lodge are its extraordinary Star Suites.

Elevated above each of the three suites’ balconies, an open-air bedroom awaits. Gaze across the pristine wilderness, and as the sun makes way for the moon, immerse yourself in the dazzling, star-studded sky that unfolds above you.

Extending your safari with a few days in Victoria Falls doesn’t just add another destination to your itinerary; you’re experiencing another aspect of Africa’s diverse magic.

From the awe-inspiring power of the falls themselves to the rich cultural encounters and exciting activities, Victoria Falls offers a multifaceted experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.