The mighty Victoria Falls (aka Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders') is one of Afroca's greatest natural wonders, a vast and remarkably rugged vista of rainforest and riverine landscape. As the focal point of adventure in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, tour operators abound in adn around the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi Gorge, which is rated one of the world's widest white-water rafting destinations.

The section between Lake Kariba and VIctoria Falls is considered among the least tamed of the river's course (as well as one of the most spectacular) and is also the home territory of crocodiles and hippos, with even the occasional elephant spotted along the rugged banks.

Highlights of the Falls

Highlights are undoubtedly the awesome 110m bungee jump. Queue's may be long and the cost expensive, but the experience is unbeatable. Another unforgettable experience is the much vaunted Flight of Angels over the falls in a seaplane, helicopter, microlight or a twin-engined aircraft. The experience is excellent although frowned upon by conversationists.

The ain attracion is however, the white water rafting, and the Zambezi Gorge is known to be one of the wildest white water spots in the world. High water trips are available from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, but depending on the rains, are restricted to july and early August, while low-water runs are tackled between mid-August and the end of December.

While the water above the falls are shallow, more than 20 rapids punctuate the waters below. When the waters are low, the dangers are greater, and are Augsut to December are graded 5 - extremely demanding (Grade 6 are given to rapids that are unrideable).

The three-day, 65km whitewater trail fromKazungula ends at big tree at the falls

The Victoria Falls National Park

The dramatic falls and and surrounding rainforest lie at the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park, a small but green and thriving 2,300 ha of walking trails, woodland and riverine habitat. The forest that borders the falls is a thick jungle with dense undergrowth and a high canopy fille with ferns and orchids. Sands of wilf figs and sausage trees are alive with bird calls. Small primates also inhibit these wooded slopes.