Hwange and Victoria Falls are located in Matabeleland North Province in Zimbabwe. They have the most fascinating and relaxation activities and places to visit. Tourists from around the world have travelled long distances to see the beauty of nature in these areas. The most common tourist attraction places in this region are Hwange National Park and the mighty Victoria Falls in the Zambezi River. Below are some of the placers and activities between Hweange and Victoria Falls, with prices.
Victoria Falls National Park $30
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World which attracts thousand visitors across the globe a year. It contains a wide variety of adventures that one can partake in.
One may decide to take a guided tour with any of the tour companies around or you may tour on your own.
The Victoria Falls are incredibly beautiful and mesmerizing. The spray from the pounding water rises more than 60 feet into the air before tumbling down to create 24 hours of solid rain.
One may need to hire rain coats or umbrellas to protect cameras and other gadgets from the mighty falls.
Early morning is the perfect time to see the falls as the sun rises. There is also a statue of David Livingstone on the western end of the chasm, overlooking the Devils Cataract.
There are also stairs going down to a viewpoint called Chain Walk. This point enables guests to look into the Devils Cataract.
Danger Point area is where one can have a good view across into Zambia. There are many viewpoints of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River apart from the above mentioned.
The Victoria National Park requires International tourists to pay an entrance fee of US$30, US$20 for Regional guests and US$7 for local guests.
Hwange National Park $20
Hwange National Park is situated about 60km from the Victoria Falls, in the western part of Zimbabwe. It is an exceptional tourist attraction covering over 14000 square kilometers of bush. Its grass lands and mopane trees are home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species, including 19 large herbivores and 8 large carnivores. International tourists pay US$20, Regional US$8 and Local US$5.
Vic Falls White Water Rafting $120
This is regarded as one of the best White Water Rafting and adrenaline activity in the world. This activity runs from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides and its operators are highly professional.
Tourists who wants partake on this activity are issued with a life jacket, helmet and a paddle if they are going in a paddle boat and start their descent into the gorge.
If rafting is one’s main focus, come between August and late December. It costs US$120 for Full Day Low/High water.
Victoria Falls High Wire Activities $95
These High Wire activities similar to Bunjee jump are for the total Adrenaline Junkies.
It is a funny and terrifying activity that one cannot miss in Victoria Falls.
There are three main high wire activities, namely; Flying Fox, Foofie Slide and Gorge Swing.
On Flying Fox, you get clipped into a harness which is attached to a pulley which then glides along an almost horizontal cable across 125meters above the Valley floor. This gives one a feeling of flying.
Foofie Slide is similar to the Flying Fox only that the cable is not horizontal, as it is at an extreme angle so once you let go you accelerate downhill at speeds of over 100km/h.
Gorge Swing is regarded as for the totally insane. Your harness is attached to a rope which is attached to the middle of a cable than runs across the full width of the gorge. You then stand at a platform on the edge of a sheer 120m cliff and jump off. You fall for about 70m straight towards the rocks and river below.
The charges vary on the wire activity. Gorge Swing (solo) costs US$95, Flying Fox, US$42 and Zip Line costs US$69.
Bunjee Jumping $160
Like High Wire Activities, Bunjee Jumping is one of the craziest and terrifying activities which requires courage from an individual.
It is deemed to be the best Bunjee in the world even though it is not the highest. It is always fun though terrifying to fall down towards the mighty Zambezi river. It is operated by a Zambian Company called the Zambezi Adrenaline and is affiliated to Shearwater in Zimbabwe. It costs US$160 to do Bunjee Jumping.
Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island Tour $150
The Devil’s Swimming Pool and Livingstone Island Tour has an exhilarating and memorable experience. This Island was opened in 1992 on the edge of the Victoria Falls.
It caters for only 24 people at any given time. Access to the pool depends on the levels of water. For instance, when the water level in Zambezi is too high, the PooI and the Island is completely closed.
The activities remain the same price regardless of whether both activities are done or not, as it is not compulsory to swim in the Devil’s Pool.
The Devil’s Pool has an adrenaline experience like other activities mentioned above. From the Island, there is a magnificent view of the Horseshoe, Rainbow and Main Falls. The morning breeze is pegged at US$110, Lunch Tour at US$175 and High Tea at US$150.
Zambezi Canoeing $250
Canoeing is one of the perfect activities for those who want to experience the peace and beauty of the Zambezi River.
It is also good for those who want to see the abundant bird and animal life. On Canoe trips, tourists paddle their own canoes following experienced and professional canoe guide.
Canoe trips explores the heavily wooded islands and the channels that run through them. It is offered by Wild Horizons on the Zimbabwean side. Full day canoeing costs US$150, Day and Overnight US$231.
Walk with Lions $100
This is the best activity to explore the jungle as you walk side by side with the King of the Jungle. On a walk with lions, all tourists are given equipment for their walk, there will be three lion handlers and a trip leader armed with a 458 rifle and a first aid kit. This activity affords tourists to learn about conservation issues.
Elephant Back Safari $100
These enormous animals enables guests to see game from another perspective. There will be two people per elephant and one “Induna” or driver. The Induna is a knowledgeable person about the elephants and some of the wildlife in the bush. The experience of riding elephants is exhilarating and magical. Tourists are also given a chance to feed them with pellets and have photos with them.
Fishing on the Zambezi River $10
There are over 75 fish species inhabiting the Zambezi River. The most common and sought after are the Tiger, Yellow-belly bream, Silver Barbel and many more.
The standard methods of fishing are trolling, spinning with artificial lures, bottom fishing and drift bait. Fishing from the river banks can be very rewarding if one finds the right spot.
Some experienced fishermen believe that the perfect time for fishing is between August and November before heavy rainfalls. It is advisable to watch out for crocodiles and hippos when fishing. The minimum cost for a 3 hour fishing trip goes for US$115 depending on the Touring Company used. The Victoria Falls charges US$10 per person.
Night Drive $145
Game viewing at night is the perfect time to see large predators hunt under the cover of darkness. The species to expect include, lions, leopard, hyena, night apes, jackals and many more.
Night viewing is a fascinating activity to see wild life at night. The professional guides share their vast knowledge with tourists about wild life. They are well trained to use spotlight in order to reduce disturbance to game during such tours. These night Safaris cost US$145.
Helicopter Flight $300
This is the finest activity one can have in Victoria Falls. It affords tourists an opportunity to see the lazy wide Zambezi River upstream, the zigzag gorges, hundreds of islands and wildlife going about its daily business. It is a worthy experience though it is unaffordable for many. It costs US$150 to fly for 12-13 minutes and US$284 for 25 minutes.
Crocodile Farm $25
You can visit the crocodile farm to see the second largest crocodile in world, as well as the second largest reptile in existence. This farm inhabits the Nile Crocodile which many people are terrified of and other hundreds of crocodiles. It is located 5 kilometers away from the town Centre. The entrance fee at the farm is US$25 per person.
Victoria Falls Bridge Tour $30
The Victoria Falls Bridge was built between 1904 and 1905 to span the gorge which had become a natural barrier in the construction of Cape to Cairo railway line. It was designed by Mr. George Hobson of Sir Douglas Fox and Partners. It is considered a “No Man’s Land”, hence, it does not count as an exit or entry to either Zambia or Zimbabwe. The Bridge Tour enables tourists to learn about the history of the bridge and to walk on the catwalks used in the construction of the bridge. Tourists can also enjoy watching the adventurous throw themselves off the bridge on adrenaline activities such as Bunjee, Bridge Slide and Bridge swing. There are no stipulated charges for viewing The Victoria Falls Bridge.
Victoria Falls Snake Park $10
The Victoria Falls Snake Park houses some of the largest and venomous snakes. They are kept in an open building that allows you one to view wonderful creatures in a safe environment. There are experienced and professional guides who give an in depth and hands on experience with these beautiful creatures and tourists are afforded a chance to hold non venomous snakes. It costs US$6 see these reptiles.
The Bushtracks Express $129
The Bushtracks Express in Victoria Falls is the ultimate experience that takes you back to the age of Steam train travel. The rejuvenated train jaunts onto the well-known Victoria Falls Bridge. This activity is offered by a company called Shearwater at US$129 per person.
Zambezi Sunset Cruise $30
This activity offers guests with a beautiful, magnificent and scenic view of the Zambezi River at sunset. It aims at giving guests an experience of the Falls at sunset. The gate charges are pegged at US$30 for International guests, US$20 for regional guests and $7 for locals. The charges maybe higher if one chooses to tour with a touring company.
Sundowner Cruise on Zambezi River $50
The Sundowner cruise is the best way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty and mighty of the Zambezi River. It is almost similar to the Zambezi Sunset tour. Through this cruise, tourists have an opportunity to see a variety of game, as well as different species of birds. River usage fee is pegged at US$10 only, meaning that fees for the whole cruise are above that depending on the Tour Company used. This activity is mainly offered by Wild Horizons.
Victoria Falls Bike Tour $50
The tour starts with cycling along the Batoka gorge with the raging rapids of the Zambezi River down below. The tour guide takes the guests down to the upper river, into the wilderness and past the Big baobab tree which is said to be over 3500 years old. The tour guide will then share his knowledge of the fauna and flora of the region. This tour also offers an opportunity to see impalas, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, elephants and different species of birds. Guests are also afforded the chance to visit different viewpoints of the mighty Zambezi River.
Horse Safari $125
This is an exhilarating experience to ride through the bush. It offers a peaceful experience as one feels and enjoys nature. The combination of riding and viewing game produces an unforgettable experience.
The Horse Safari leads guests to the Zambezi Valley, to mopane woodlands and to the dunes of Kalahari sand teak forest. During this tour¸ you may track elephants, kudus and other animals.
Zambezi Horse Trails is the only company that offers horse safaris on the Zimbabwean side. Horse Back Safaris cost US$85 for 2 to 3 hours and US$125 for 4 to 5 hours.
We hope you have enjoyed this list and let us know of your experiences by sending whatsapp pictures to 0027 83 214 6681 or in the comments below.