Image to the left taken from the Wilderness Safaris blog
From white water rafting to bungee jumping, and exhilarating helicopter rides to incredible safari tours, Zimbabwe is celebrated as Africa’s adventure capital and is an absolute must-visit for adrenaline seekers!
Below are some of our favorite adventure activities to take part in while on a Zimbabwe safari vacation:
Canoeing the Mana Pools Canoe Trail: By far one of the most rewarding experiences in Zimbabwe, the Mana Pools Canoe Trail adventure is a 4-day safari that allows travelers to enjoy canoeing while soaking in stunning landscapes and getting up close to fantastic game and wildlife. On this journey, guests can experience a new perspective on canoeing as they travel through pure wilderness, relishing in the sights, sounds, and aromas of one of planet earth’s last natural frontiers.
During the 4-day adventure, travelers can witness a variety of animals along the banks of the Zambezi River, including elephant, crocodile, water buffalo, and so much more.
The three nights spent along the Zambezi are in spacious tents with proper twin beds that are set up for you upon arrival to your camping location. Lanterns provide ample light for the evening and they also make for an enchanting setting along the river!
Perfect for: Individuals and families who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities. Guests also need to be comfortable with tented accommodations, as well as long days on the water.
Intensity level: Moderate
Embark on one of the best safari tours in Africa: Zimbabwe is famous for its exceptional wildlife and game viewing. Not only can you witness the Big Five in Zimbabwe (which include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), but you can also witness other exotic African animals, including a variety of antelope species, stunning birds, hyena, cheetah, and much more.
Perfect for: Families, photography lovers, nature lovers, and couples – pretty much anyone who loves the outdoors!
Intensity level: Low
White water rafting down the Zambezi River: For adventurists looking to get their adrenaline pumping, a white water rafting excursion down the Zambezi River is a great way to spend a morning near Victoria Falls! Rapids are intense, however, so if you’re looking for a more low key white water rafting experience, this probably isn’t for you… But, if you’re looking for a challenging experience, then a white water rafting expedition down the Zambezi is a must!
Perfect for: Individuals or couples who enjoy team sports, water-based activities, kayaking, and canoeing.
Intensity level: Moderate to high
Running in the Victoria Falls Marathon: Located on one of the world’s most breathtaking natural spaces, the Victoria Falls Marathon offers runners a challenging course characterized by immaculate beauty.
The marathon course is fairly flat and takes athletes across the Victoria Falls Bridge to witness the sheer size and beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. For international travelers looking to stay in the area for another night or two, there is PLENTY to see and do, including adventurous activities at the Falls, historical tours, day trips to Livingstone, and so much more. The Victoria Falls Marathon takes place Sunday, July 3, 2016. Click here to learn more or to register.
Perfect for: Runners
Intensity level: High
Sleep under one of the thickest blankets of stars you’ll ever see: There are very few places on earth where you can see the entire night sky light up with stars AND hear the distant roar of a lion. Zimbabwe is one of them and the display is truly dazzling. As you sleep in a tent beneath the stars, you will without a doubt hear the calls of Africa’s wild animals – certainly enough to get your heart pounding with excitement!
Perfect for: Couples (honeymooners, couples on an anniversary, etc.), individuals comfortable with basic amenities and the wilderness
Intensity level: Low
Zip Lining: A bit less intense than the Flying Fox and Gorge Swing, Zip Lining across the Zambezi River at 50 miles an hour as you’re suspended 364 feet above ground is quite exhilarating!
Perfect for: Families, honeymooners, couples, and anyone looking for a rush of adrenaline!
Intensity level: Moderate
Come face to face (within safe proximity, of course!) with one of the most feared apex predators in the world: The crocodile is an absolutely astonishing creature to witness in the wild. The anatomy of the crocodile makes them a ferocious predator. They are capable of feeding on animals as large as the Cape buffalo and, similar to birds, they have a 4-chambered heart that allows for highly oxygenated blood to pass through, enabling them to stay under water for up to two hours in extreme circumstances. Although crocodiles typically do not grow larger than 16 feet in length, there have been records of crocodiles reaching over 20 feet in length . . .
Crocodiles can be seen throughout Zimbabwe, but our favorite place to spot them is in Hwange National Park!
Perfect for: Families, photography lovers, nature lovers, and couples – pretty much anyone who loves the outdoors!
Intensity level: Low
Gorge Swing: Imagine a giant swing high above the water … now imagine a 230 feet free fall before you begin swinging. Gets your heart pounding already!
At the Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – you can experience this heart-pounding adventure!
Perfect for: Couples
Intensity level: High
Flying Fox: Imagine taking a running jump into thin air over the gorge, soaring horizontally through the air over the raging Zambezi waters below you. The thought sounds pretty crazy but it’s loads of fun and super exhilarating!
Perfect for: Adults with a taste for adventure!
Intensity level: High
Flight of Angels: Hop aboard a helicopter to soar above the beautiful Victoria Falls and get an incredible view of this World Heritage Site. Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe the rapids from a bird’s-eye view as you fly through the mist and enchantment of the Falls.
Perfect for: Families, honeymooners, photography lovers, and couples
Intensity level: Low to moderate
