Tourism Update asked readers to suggest their ideas for hidden gems around the Victoria Falls. We’ve selected some of the best ideas as well as some trusted favourites.
Walk with rangers fighting poaching
“The Victoria Falls Anti-poaching Unit offers walking safaris to show guests what they do on a daily basis to protect the environment.”
Mareike Pietzsch, Jenman African Safaris.
The Jafuta Foundation
“The Jafuta Foundation, a non-profit organisation focusing on the key elements necessary to maintain the equilibrium in a fragile ecosystem. On a recent visit to Victoria Falls, I found out about this incredible organisation. They have a Heritage Centre at Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village in Victoria Falls, a small museum and library showcasing the history and culture of the Tonga, Shona and Ndebele tribes of Zimbabwe.” This hidden gem is suited for tourists interested in experiential travel.
Diane Jacobs, Your Africa, Contracting Manager.
Creative art session at the Wallow
“This is a superb activity that is not adrenalin based, but fun for the whole family. Set aside an hour to go and interact with elephants at the Wild Horizons Wallow, followed by settling under the trees in the nearby bush and trying your hand at a bit of art. The elephants surround you whilst you sit quietly and dab paint onto a canvas, with the help of an expert, luckily! Having the elephant so close is such an inspiration and it’s amazing how that interaction with these gentle giants brings out the artist in you. This is followed by a delicious lunch while you wait for your artwork to dry.”
Deborah Ewing, Managing Director of Experience Africa Safaris.
Below the Falls
“The most awesome perspective to see the Victoria Falls is from the bottom of the gorge. Swimming in the rock pools below the Falls surrounded by massive black basaltic rock towering up above you, is an unforgettable experience. Possible during low water season (August to December).”
Johannes Stallmann, Bundu Adventures.
Sampan dinner at Tongabezi
Tongabezi Lodge offers a dining experience aboard a sampan in the Zambezi River. Guests are attended to by waiters and the occasional singing choir on a canoe.
“A private dinner on a candle-lit platform floating on the Zambezi, with each course rowed out by boat and accompanied by a soulful Zambian serenade, what could be more romantic than that? The sampan dinner at Tongabezi remains one of Victoria Falls’ true hidden gems.”
Julian Asher, Managing Director, Timeless Africa.
The lunar rainbow
A lunar rainbow, or Moonbow, at the Victoria Falls is created by water particles from the spray.
“The Falls is one of the only places on earth where this natural phenomenon exists – the lunar rainbow. The Victoria Falls National Park remains open during evenings when a full moon is visible and visitors to the Falls can gaze upon the rainbow that is created even in the evening light.”
Kim Seaward, Sandown Tours and Incentive.
Sundowners at the Buffalo Bar
“Sundowners at the Buffalo Bar at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The view from the deck is truly unique. Relax with a sundowner at the Buffalo Bar, which has stunning views of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s wildlife-rich waterhole, surrounding bush and spectacular sunsets. This lodge is one of the few in Victoria Falls that faces west and looks at the magnificent African sunset.”
Roxane van der Byl, Take Note Reputation Management.
The Devil’s Pool
Devil’s Pool is adjacent to Livingstone Island and situated on the edge of the Falls, where visitors can enjoy a swim. The pool is open between mid-August and mid-January, depending on the Zambezi water levels.
“The Devil’s Pool is unique and different from other well-known gems. It has raging waters, so visitors should be careful!”
Siphamandla Motsumi, Agent at Comair
Microlight flip
A microlight carries a pilot and one passenger in a 15-minute microlight flip over the Victoria Falls, the islands and rainforests. A 30-minute flight continues to the Batoka Gorge and includes a visit over the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
“A microlight flip over the Falls is so different to sitting in a helicopter. You feel the spray and the smell of the Falls. It’s much more exciting sitting in the open.
Das Boffa-Meyer, MD Das Connexion.
The Boma - Dinner and Drum Show
The Boma - Dinner and Drum Show offers guests a traditional African buffet and entertainment such as dancing, drums, face painting and fortune telling.
“The Boma Dinner and Drum Show is a must-do dining experience that specialises in traditional African dining, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts. Face-painting, hair braiding, a medicine man, drum painting and an interactive drum show are just some of the highlights of this truly African dining experience.”
Debi Blake, Take Note Reputation Management.
“A unique African experience offering traditional African food like warthog, kudu, mopane worms etc. Enjoy dressing up, ethnic dancing, drumming and if you are lucky enough, watching the elephants wading into the swimming pool. A ‘must-do’ when in Vic Falls.”
Mark Thomson, Tourvest Destination Management.
