Thompsons top 8 Victoria Falls experiences

Be in awe as you witness the world’s largest curtain of falling water with an unbelievable 546 million cubic metres of water cascading down its 108 metre drop every minute during the rainy season. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, “the smoke that thunders” continues to amaze travellers ever since David Livingstone became the first European to document the discovery of the falls in 1865. Victoria Falls has so much to offer. Not only can you view the spectacular Victoria Falls from different perspectives (Zimbabwe and Zambia sides), you can also experience the multitude of adventurous activities on offer - the choices are endless.

Here is our top 8 of the best experiences in Victoria Falls. 

1. Bungi Jumping

Bungi jump 111 metres off the Victoria falls Bridge - one of the best jumps in the world.

Take the plunge into the Batoka Gorge, with the Zambezi rushing up to meet you, only to stop 10m short of the water. You have a choice of a solo jump or a tandem jump with a partner.

2. The Boma dinner

With the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe’s people, The Boma offers a unique experience that awakens the senses with amazing tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa. It’s more than just a dinner; it’s an unforgettable African experience. The Boma specialises in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes which are accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the Sangoma (fortune teller) is also available for fortune telling. Everyone’s tastes are catered for, and the adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as Mopani worms and game stews. After dinner you can join in the drumming extravaganza from 21:00, which for many, is the highlight of the evening.

3. Sunset Cruise

Take in the spectacular views of the sunset on a cruise on the Zambezi River as the beauty of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park floats by. Get a chance to observe animals coming

down to the river’s edge for a drink. A two and a half hour period afloat the mighty Zambezi offers unforgettable African sunsets and many animal & bird sighting opportunities. Enjoy the most unique vantage point to watch hippo, crocodiles and various animals that come to the river’s edge to drink. Sip a sundowner and enjoy tasty snacks as the light fades – a gorgeous burnt-orange glow on the river – spectacular!

4. Dinner cruise

Why not combine a sunset cruise with an evening dinner under the African skies. Enjoy the African sunset aboard the fifty seater restaurant boat. Evening drinks and canapés followed by an elegant plated three course meal. Subtle lighting, great ambiance, exclusivity of the river all lends itself to a once in a lifetime river dining experience. An absolute must when visiting Victoria Falls.

5. Water Rafting

Regarded as one of the world’s greatest white water adventures, rafting down the mighty Zambezi is an experience of a lifetime. Experience a high-adrenaline mix of grade 3 to grade 5 rapids which are separated by calm pools allowing you time to enjoy the scenery and take a breather before the next roller-coaster rapid!

6. Flight of the Angels

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the majestic falls from a helicopter or experience the might of the falls up close and personal on a microlight flight.

Whether you chose the helicopter or micro-light flight, you will enjoy 30 minutes of a bird’s eye view over the falls, including the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

7. Swim in the “Devil’s Pool”

During low water, normally at the end of August to mid-January, visitors have the opportunity to swim in the rock pool right on the edge of the falls with a 103-metre drop on the other side. The pool is adjacent to the famous Livingstone Island. Access to this pull is limited (only 16 quests at a time) therefore it’s wise to book early.

8. Zambezi River by canoe

Experience the tranquil side of the Zambezi River by canoe. Feel a part of the natural

world as you quietly slip through the water and observe all manner of wildlife.  With at least 50 common species of bird that can be seen even in the quiet months – it’s a birders heaven. Be prepared to see big game including hippo, buffalo, wild dog and elephant.

Enjoy the exciting variety of activities in Victoria Falls with Thompsons Holidays.
For travel packages to Victoria Falls please visit our Africa Holidays page and browse our brochure.
By Cameron Charlie - Thompsons Holidays

Keep your phone bill low while on holiday

We all want to use our mobile phones seamlessly between boarders, but no one wants a heavy cell phone bill after an awesome holiday. 

I've seen clients livid after receiving bills that were up to 10 times more than what they usually spend. Always remember that when you are roaming overseas, you are likely to be billed twice for everything you do. You are billed firstly by the roaming network, and then by your home network. All mobile network companies have roaming deals with  international counterparts in most countries that you will visit. Unfortunately these partnerships are rarely favourable to us customers.

Why do foreign networks charge you such high amounts when you roam on their networks? This is because they know very well that they only have a few days to make as much money as possible from travellers. Their short term profit strategy is to get as much money out of travellers as possible (and they will not be nice about it). This is different from home network providers who have a longer time period to make profit from subscribers.

So here are a few tips to keep you out of trouble.

1.  Get a prepaid SIM

Prepaid rates are normally cheaper, so it’s wise to replace your contract SIM with a prepaid SIM card while on holiday. Send your prepaid details to those who are important and may need to reach you. 

If using a different SIM card is not an option, we have additional tips for you. 

2.  Know your roaming rates

Before departing, call your service provider or visit their website to find out about rates that you are likely to be charged in the destination you will be travelling to.

3. Data usage cap

It’s a good idea to request your service provider for a cap on your usage while you are away. However, experience has taught me that this does not always work as planned.  Your home service provider may apply the cap, but the roaming network may not

4. Download & update in advance

If you think you might get bored and need to stream music or videos, better download your content before you leave. The same applies for maps, travel guides and other travel apps which can be used offline when you are at your destination. This will save you a lot of money.

5. Turn off your data services

Turn off your data connection and make sure that none of your applications are enabled to override your data roaming settings. If you won’t be on your apps all day, its best to turn data off and only have access to it via Wi-Fi.  Remember to switch off all free services that you may subscribe to (Email, News apps, Weather apps, Twitter, Facebook etc.)

Double check your data settings because most apps automatically update themselves daily. Therefore, even when you are not using these apps they will keep depleting your data. When you move to a different country, most apps will have a lot of destination related information to be updated

6.  Disable your Voicemail

If you opt for international roaming and you know that people might try calling you when your phone is off - disable your voice mail. This is because most service providers will charge you every time someone reaches your voicemail while you roam.

7. Use Wi-Fi

Almost all hotels offer Wi-Fi these days. So take advantage of free Wi-Fi connections that are offered in most hotels and tourist spots.

8. Track and limit your Usage

If you dont have the option to switch off your data or use a prepaid, try to keep track of your usage with a data monitoring app. Most smart phones have native usage trackers. If your device does not have an app, you can opt for one of many data tracking apps that are free to download.  Spend less data on the internet by opting for mobile friendly websites. On emails, avoid downloading big attachments. So unless it’s something important, it’s best to wait until you get home to open it.

9. Don’t get your mobile stolen!

Probably the most important thing to remember is to keep your phone safe.  A lost phone means you won’t only have to worry about a high bill, but getting a new phone as well. You don’t want crooks running up a hefty bill and sharing inappropriately using your personal information.

SUMMARY:

1. Turn off your data services
2. Know your roaming rates
3. Get a prepaid SIM
4. Disable your Voicemail
5. Activate a data usage cap
6. Download & update in advance
7. Use Wi-Fi
8. Track and limit your usage
9. Don’t get your mobile stolen!

By Dumi Khumalo - Thompsons Holidays