Big Game SafariVisitors to
Zambia come for an African safari and are usually headed for game lodges or safari companies. Chief among the parks is South Luangwa National Park, centered on the most intact major river system in
Africa, which hosts a huge concentration of game, among the richest on the continent. Game concentrations are at their most intense during the dry season, from April to October. The legendary 'Zambian walking safari' originated in this park and still offers one of the finest ways to experience the African wilderness.
Raft the ZambeziNearly 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. 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 jump at Vic FallsThe 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.
Jet boatingLike most activities in Zambia, Jet boating takes the beautiful tranquil surroundings of Zambia, turns it on its head and makes participants fear for their lives. Jet boating begins below Victorian falls on the Zambezi and quickly jets up to eleven passengers through the canyon walls and over both flat water and rapids with a 350 horse power engine. When the 30 minute boating leg is over passengers have the option to take a harrowing helicopter ride back through the canyon and over Victoria falls to Maramba airstrip.
