Zimbabwe - activities - Countries Guide

Game viewing
Wildlife flourishes in the untamed wilderness of the Zambezi Valley, in national parks, and on the shores of Lake Kariba, where hippo, crocodiles, buffalo, rhino, elephant and lion roam freely. Remote and protected wildlife reserves line the banks of the Zambezi River and the region offers some of the finest canoe safaris in Southern Africa, particularly the World Heritage site at Mana Pools, which is renowned for its outstanding variety of game. The saltpans and grassy plains of Hwange National Park support one of the largest concentrations of animals in the world, and is the largest game reserve in the country.

White-water rafting
Nearly half the rapids on the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls are classified as Grade 5 (Grade 6 is commercially unrunnable), which means that the steep gradient of the river causes long and extremely turbulent rapids with big drops and a high volume of water. Half and full-day rafting expeditions provide what is internationally acclaimed to be the wildest and best white-water rafting experience in the world. The most exciting time to do rafting is during the dry season (July to mid-February) when the water is at its lowest and the rapids at their biggest.

River boarding
Nearly half the rapids on the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls are classified as Grade 5 (Grade 6 is commercially unrunnable), which means that the steep gradient of the river causes long and extremely turbulent rapids with big drops and a high volume of water. For those that want even more adrenalin than the white water rafting can supply, river boarding allows individuals to surf their way down the mighty Zambezi armed with only a body board, fins, helmet and lifejacket. The attraction is the physical freedom and the sense of achievement felt after tackling the Zambezi on your own.

Bungy jumping
The bridge over the Victoria Falls was until recently the setting for the highest bungy jump in the world (the highest is over the Storms River in South Africa), at 364ft (111m). This jump is renowned for its adrenaline rush as you stand far above the turbulent water looking down into the gorge below. The Victoria Falls Bridge lies in "no mans land" between the Zimbabwe and Zambian border posts. Immigration officials will issue a Gate Pass for jumpers and spectators.