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Free Time at Victoria Falls & Hotel

Cher

Aside from all of the wonderful things planned for us on our 2 night stay at the hotel, is there enough time to add in a little adventure? We are interested in trying the zip lining close by the hotel or maybe a dip in The Devils Pool at the falls. Bungee jumping off of Victoria Bridge may also be an option. Not sure if there is enough time to squeeze one of the activities ion departure day before leaving for Johannesburg and our flight home. Any thoughts?

Comments

British

It’s a long time ago we took this tour so I don’t remember timing but my husband did the zip lining over the Zambezi river…or more specifically, you zip line to the center and then hall you back because of course you can’t zip line into another country. Just he and one other guy from our group did it. He said you could see all the crocs below. Just a few weeks after that someone was killed doing jte bungee jump there, the line was too long or something like that
. Meanwhile, I took the helicopter ride over the falls instead.

janet_dzubow

There is an afternoon tea that was included in our trip. Our tour director did not inform us about it, but others found out. Also, a couple in our group did a helicopter tour over the Falls. It was terrific.

Lotusgirl

Cher - we took the helicopter tour and loved it. This was not on departure day - it was the late afternoon before, after the group touring concluded. We were able to arrange it with the local guide while on the bus with the group.

Be mindful that Devil’s Pool, which is on Livingstone Island, is accessed from the Zambia side of the falls, thus requiring a Visa and transport to the launch point in Zambia. Also, it is only accessible for swimming during certain months when the Falls are not flowing too strongly.

British

Yes, we have spied people in that pool but it was when the Falls were low. Afternoon tea was included on our tour but it was, I believe, on the same day as a Farewell dinner and a big lunch. Can’t believe the tour directors didn’t tell you.

SandyFeet

My experience on this tour was influenced by the fact that it was March 2020 right before COVID shut our world down. Our poor TD was beleaguered with issues - four people were so frightened by news from home that they left the tour in Joberg and flew home to a helluva mess at EWR. I think the TD was trying to juggle so much that he didn’t give us any options for our free time at the Vic Falls hotel. We did know about the high tea, but I couldn’t fit in any more food between our fun lunch with the elephants and the last supper so went swimming at the gorgeous hotel pool instead. Returning to my room in my swimsuit and cover up to get ready for dinner, I made a faux pas by stopping on the terrace to chat with my tea drinking travel companions. After getting the hairy eyeball from the staff I made a fast getaway. I loved my relaxing afternoon. The next morning before returning to Joberg where we got one of the last flights out before JNB shut down, there was an optional guided tour of the property which I skipped to do my own walkabout. When we arrived at EWR on March 18 it was as quiet as a morgue..not literally although at least one EWR employee I read about did contract COVID and died. It was quite thrilling adventure, and just added more fuel to my already raging fire for anything Africa. Wishing you safari njema!

Cher

Thank you all! Will look at doing the helicopter tour once we get there. Definitely will make time for high tea:)

AlanS

Just by the fact you mentioned bungee jumping and zip lining, you sound like you are looking for something exciting. Check out powered Regallo wing hang gliding. My wife and I did that. We did not need to worry about getting stuck in a middle seat in the back of a helo- we had unlimited views. It was fantastic.

Ready for takeoff

Elephants on parade

Cher

I love that idea AlanS… TY!

bucketlist

The tea was not very good. The server gave us a platter that was clearly incomplete and the service was poor. Contents mediocre. The helicopter tour was an included activity. Not much free time at Victoria Falls. Good time for a rest...

British

Years ago, the helicopter ride was not included. I did hear, my husband did the zipline over the Zambezi. …you can only zipline to the center so you don’t find yourself in the other country, then they haul you back. We both enjoyed our activities. Another time, we both did the helicopter ride, again, it was not included in the tour.
The tea was included in our tour, we attempted it but really to try to squeeze it in between the included lunch and dinner, it was too much.

Wayside

As of two weeks ago the helicopter tour was not included. If you wanted to take the helicopter ride the TD and local guide would help you book a time that fit in the afternoon schedule. We were back at the hotel at 2:00 and the farewell reception started at 6:30 so there is not a lot of free time.
The next day is busy too. Bags ready at 9:45, on the bus to the airport at 11:00.
Sadly the ultralight flight is only available from the Zambia side.

cuzin GJ

Alan S. Wow ! great idea. fabulous photos. thx for sharing. September 2026 we will be there.

Smiling Sam

Wayside - As of two weeks ago the helicopter tour was not included.

It's an itinerary change between 2025 tours (no helicopter ride included) and 2026 tours (helicopter ride included).