Holidays at the Edge of Life

Helicopter or microlight flight, whitewater rafting with crocodiles, bungee jumping, or maybe “just” a relaxation at the edge of the waterfall? It sounds a bit like Disneyland for adults. Well, it does, and it is, because this famous, the largest on earth Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, delivers amazing, unforgettable impressions for nature lovers and amateur photographers and (or mainly) for the real thrill-seekers.

Stairway to heaven​

Thunderous roars become louder and more intense when the raft approaches the first rapid. “We’ll never make it” — you think as your palms tighten on the black rope in the classic “white knuckle death grip.” With stopped breathing and stiff muscles, your every sense is sharpened to the maximum when adrenaline courses through your terrified body.

Swift, mighty Zambezi River is famous for being the greatest and, at the same time — the wildest and the most dangerous whitewater rafting in the world. The half-day trip promises a wild ride on rapids magically named “Morning Glory,” “Stairway to heaven,” or “Oblivion.” I can promise you a massive dose of experiences, both extreme and esthetic while taking this 18 km long trip down the river in the presence of the spectacular scenery of the gorge.

Convenient weather conditions allow organizing trips throughout the year (except the rainy season, which lasts from April till May). Still, it’s the low water level in the dry season (from August to January) that guarantees the best, most thrilling experiences, as the currents are the most torrential.

It’s worth remembering that dangerous accidents have happened in the history of local rafting. There must have been a reason to classify this attraction by the British Canoe Union as Grade 5 — meaning — “extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops, and pressure areas.” Grade 6 is “unrunnable.” All daredevils are required to sign a form, accepting specific terms and conditions and indemnity before they can go on the river.

Walk on the edge

A similar form-to-be-signed appears in front of the following attraction before you even enter the territory of the National Park. You, obviously willingly, sign the paper, confirming the awareness of the risk (slippery surfaces, strong currents, presence of wild and dangerous animals, insects, serious bodily harm, and even death — forget losing your camera in the water, as it’s nothing).

Being not even one meter away from the inevitable death, with water spouting between the legs and falling from the 110 meters gorge, it can be both: an exciting and horrifying experience.

The famous trips to the Devil’s Pools and Livingstone’s Island are organized only during the dry season (from the end of August till the beginning of January) when the water level in the river enables one to get around the island and swim to and inside the pools safely.

Depending on the water level, participants are either transformed to the island by boat or cover the distance on foot, sometimes wade waist-deep in the water. After a half-hour walk and admiring the spectacular Victoria Falls from a new perspective, it’s time to immerse in the Devil’s Pool.

And this is the moment when the fun begins.

To get to the pool, a swim across the fast-flowing Zambezi River is a must so that you can reach a group of rocks around 50 meters away. There is a single rope attached across this part of the river for safety reasons in case you’re swept away by the current.

After climbing the top of the rocks, it’s only a few steps away from the ledge of the highest waterfall on earth. But that’s not the end. Devil’s Pools are just way closer than you think.

This natural rock pool located at the very edge of the Victoria Falls is separated from the drop by rock ledge on the far side, which (usually) effectively stops people from being swept down by the force of the falls. Now, you can either bravely jump into the pool or slowly get down with the help of your tour guide.

The most thrilling experience is still ahead of you. Hang right on the edge of death and experience the closer you-can-ever-get view of the most unique, beautiful, stunning waterfall in the world (while trying to remember what exactly have you signed earlier when a waiver form was put in front of you).

It’s worth remembering that due to the high risk of health or even life hazards, it’s worth paying extra few dollars and going on a trip with a licensed tour guide (for example, Tongabezi). Official statements of death victims don’t exist, but non-officials say that Devil’s Pools consume one victim yearly.

Big air experience

Bungee, Swing, Slide…? Original, one and only, and a real “must do” for every thrill-seeker, this bungee jumping (third highest in the world) is 111 meters pure adrenaline.

If you have ever dreamed of jumping — there is no better place in the world to do so than the famous Victoria Falls Bridge. Stand at the edge, spread your arms widely, and on a command: 5–4–3–2–1 BUNGEE immerse yourself in the abyss, just slightly above the mighty Zambezi River. This simple act, in a matter of a single second, will guarantee the retrospection of your whole life flashing in front of your eyes.

If bungee jumping is not your thing and doesn’t appear on your “to do before you die” list, there are still fewer thrilling options to choose from (bridge slide and swing). These three activities are destined for everyone, regardless of age, sex, and level of madness.

Feel the thunder

If you think a helicopter ride is for kids, you can still admire “Thunder that thunders” from the board of microlight. Feel the power of the waterfall on your skin while drifting above the white cloud of falls, which can be visible from a distance of 30 km during the rainy season.

Under the spray​

And when you get bored of admiring the view from the top, you might wish to visit the bottom of the Mosi-oa-Tunya. Swimming inside the rocky pools underneath the waterfalls, surrounded by the massive basalt walls with cascades of water falling straight from heaven, will cause another unforgettable adventure of your life.

The trip starts from the deceasing the massive Batok’s gorge. Depending on the water level, there are two offers to choose from:

Paddling nearby the bottom of the waterfall, short walk and amateur rock climbing to the cascades of the falls. Duration of the trip: one hour.

Option number two includes paddling, canoeing to the cascades, and then swimming in the pools just next to the falls — duration of the trip: 2 to 2,5 hours.

For those of you with weakened nerves who prefer admiring the natural beauty of Victoria Falls from one of two National Parks for a distance: — Zambia and Zimbabwe offer loads of additional, non-threatening attractions, as i.e., sunset cruise on Zambezi river, elephant safari, walk with lions, horse riding or — simple, but purely magical experience — drums lessons.

On the ground, in the air, in the water…? As you can see, the choice is yours. It’s good to know there are many professional daredevils, typically called tour guides, who will make sure nothing will happen to you. At the same time, you immerse yourself in different levels of insanity. Because let’s face it: unless you are from there, you won’t find it at home.​

About me: My name is Joanna Skladanek. I was born in Poland but for the last 15 years I’ve worked as a flight attendant, and was based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I studied Tourism, as well as Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. I am a photographer, writer, and a content creator (mainly) on Instagram. On Medium I am planning to write about my perspective on life, and everything that interests me: traveling, photography, cultures, wellness, self-improvement, self-development, and a tiny bit of fictional short stories.

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