Ultimate Adventure Guide to Zambia

Descending into Livingstone, we could see the spray from Victoria Falls from high up in the air. In Zambia, they call this Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the Smoke that Thunders”. As the mist teases your sense of adventure, the mighty Zambezi river drops more than 350 feet into the earth, creating the largest waterfall in the world and one of the most enthralling sites in Africa — a continent already rich with adrenaline-pumping highlights.

Despite all that Zambia has to offer, it is a country that is ready to be explored by the intrepid traveller. While most tourists flock to Zimbabwe to see the falls for its unparalleled views, Zambia offers visitors more opportunities to get up close and personal with the falls, see abundant wildlife and embark on countless adventures on the Zambezi River.

If you’re looking for adventure, Tongabezi Lodge is the place for you, with most activities included in the price of your stay. With private cottages located right on the banks of the Zambezi, the hotel blends seamlessly with the environment, with hippos, monkeys and even elephants roaming freely around the property. Not only are you in the thick of the Zambian grasslands, but your stay gives back to the community, funding local schools as well as environmental and HIV awareness initiatives.

While there’s nothing wrong with taking it easy on holiday, this piece is all about adventure, and there’s no better way to get up close and personal to Victoria Falls than a hike down to the gorge.

Start your hike at the top of Livingstone Island and make your way down to Victoria Falls gorge on the Boiling Pot Hike. With the help of a guide, you will need to walk in single file to the base of the gorge where you are met with a raft to take you to the falls. From there, hike across the rocks and jump into the pools with the outer falls beating down around you.

Need even more of an adrenaline rush? A jump into the Devil’s Pool will do just the trick. Naturally, this must be done with an experienced guide. The Devil’s Pool swim is offered exclusively by Tongabezi at an additional charge, as they are the only licensed guides for the Devil’s Pool in Zambia.

Offered only during the dry season (August through December), speedboats are available to take you from the Livingstone hotel to Livingstone Island. From here, you can hike and swim to the Devil's Pool, a small natural pool with water low enough for you to jump in safely. One by one, you take the plunge into the falls. You immediately feel the force of the current pushing you to the edge, but you’re prevented from going over by the ridge of the falls. If you’re still feeling brave enough, hop on the edge with your guide for the ultimate thrill-seekers photograph.

If you’re looking for less of an adrenaline-inducing adventure, hop in a canoe and paddle down the Zambezi river. This is the ultimate way to get up close and personal with wildlife. If you’re lucky you’ll spot birds, crocodiles, herds of elephants along the shore as well as hippos paddling alongside the river.

If you’re looking to unwind, that doesn’t mean your adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a sundowner cocktail on the banks of the Zambezi and watch the sunset. Take a boat further into the river and experience a Sampan dinner where you dine listening to the current with elephants eating around you. Your dinner is brought to you by canoe and accompanied by traditional song for a truly unforgettable experience.

There’s so much more to see and discover in Zambia. Talk to one of our travel consultants or stop by your local Flight Centre store to get started.