Victoria Falls

The Carnival Cometh

POSTED 03 DECEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS TOURS & TRANSFERS

It is approaching that time of year when thoughts are attuning to Christmas and all the merry festivities it involves. Of course shortly after that the hoof flicking, rug cutting and shapeshifting extravaganza of the New Year Bonanza that is The Jameson Vic Falls Carnival rolls into town, Things to do in Victoria Falls take a bizarre night time twist in what is traditionally a ‘’daytime’’ activity hub.

The annual pilgrimage of the Southern African youth throughout it’s diaspora start heading for the Northwest corner of Zimbabwe shortly after Christmas. On their minds is clearly the burning question – ‘’what to do in Victoria Falls’’ once they get here. Understandably partying hard and the illusive prospect of romance (ok, ok – more likely a dangerous liaison), is uppermost on most febrile minds. However even the siren calls of the likeminded can become muted when arrivistes become aware of the spectacular array of world class activities in Victoria Falls.

Few true hearted folk of Africa could fail to desire to engage in a truly epic Southern African rite of passage: White-water Rafting the spectacular and egregiously mighty Zambezi river: right from the boiling pot at the very foot of the incredible Victoria Falls– deep in the heart of the rent made in the earth’s crust that is known as the Batoka gorge. 20 kms meandering through pristine primeval evolution is reason good enough – but nothing – no video, photo or go pro can ever prepare anyone for the first time their raft slips over the edge of the crease and they are about to hit the foaming rage of a grade 5 rapid in their inflatable dinghy. To have the opportunity to do this with close friends is not only a bonding experience that will last a lifetime, but is also one of the most exciting adrenaline fuelled adventures amidst the beauty of nature at its rawest, that most will ever have the privilege of enjoying.

Then of course – there is the bungee badge of honour. No-one could possibly suggest that this is for the fainthearted , and things to do in Victoria Falls don’t come any more extreme than this. Everything about the bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge is iconic. The back drop behind the jump platform, is the Victoria Falls itself – casting clouds of mist and rainbows all about, ensuring this is a truly exotic adrenaline adventure. The bridge is an African classic – the 110 year old engineering marvel that joins 2 countries Zimbabwe and Zambia, 110meteres above the border of the fast flowing Zambezi below. Being asked to step forward and curl your toes over a platform with absolutely no barrier in front of you and a big void of space below you is a seminal moment.

What to do in Victoria Falls takes on a different dynamic at New Year, but white-water rafting and bungee jumping remain 2 of the bucket list essentials of things to do in Victoria Falls for all revellers and ravers form the corners of the continent.

For more information on the Carnival go to;

http://www.vicfallscarnival.com/

Shearwater Appointed Fastjet Ticket Agents In Victoria Falls

POSTED 06 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

Shearwater is proud to announce as of 01.11.15 the company was appointed as the Ticket Sales Agent in Victoria Falls for the newly operating Fastjet services between Harare and Victoria Falls.

Flights are: Every Sunday / Wednesday / Friday

Harare – Victoria Falls – 15.00 – 16.05

Victoria Falls – Harare – 16.30 – 17.35

Tickets can be booked through Shearwater Aviation Services

Town ticketing office: ticketing@shearwatervf.com Tel: 44471 / 2 Ext 164

Airport: vfaflights2@shearwatervf.com Tel 46141 / 0771 401 918

Shearwater is pleased with this latest development and most delighted to be involved with this innovation.

Shearwater has been pioneering new activities and services in Victoria Falls since 1982 when it became the first company in the falls to offer commercial White-water Rafting trips on the mighty Zambezi. These were obviously immensely popular as thrill seekers and adventurers flocked to the area to participate in this adrenaline fueled spectacular. Clearly they brought with them a collective spirit of adventuring passion, as the world famous bungee jump from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge followed soon afterwards – and things to do in Victoria Falls suddenly became a lot more heartpoundingly entertaining as Victoria Falls became the adventure capital of Africa.

To white- water rafting and bungee jumping, Shearwater was soon offering upper Zambezi canoeing and kayaking trips, Game Drives in the national parks and safari excursions. One extremely popular activity within the Shearwater portfolio can be traced back to the droughts of the 1990’s, when Shearwater rescued 12 elephants facing a grim – if any – future. Shearwater has looked after them ever since and they have brought raw emotional delight to many who have enjoyed the unique Elephant Back Safari that the company organises. This is not only an extraordinary way in which to experience the quintessential African bush, but allows you the opportunity of an intimate and close up interaction with your elephant at the end of your trip – feeding the world’s largest land mammal by hand as it nimbly uses it’s trunk to take pellets from your hand.

Naturally for most a visit to Africa’s 7^th wonder of the world is a must do activity and generally number 1 of top things to do in Victoria Falls and a Shearwater Guided Tour of the Falls is an excellent opportunity to be informed and entertained in equal measure about this natural phenomenon. After your tour of the falls, a stop at one of the best restaurants in Victoria Falls – The Rainforest Café, is a great opportunity to sit back and relax with a cooling drink and reflect on ‘’scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’’.

You may then chose to actually witness what David Livingstone was referring to, and take a helicopter trip over the falls and see the breath-taking ‘’scenes’’ gazed upon by the angels. What to do in Victoria Falls is a selection process of world class activities, but be certain the range of things to do in Victoria Falls can make it a challenging process.

Multi Day Rafting – The New Pioneering Spirit

POSTED 03 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

It is no secret that Shearwater was the first company to offer and operate white-water rafting in Zimbabwe. Ever since, every year it has announced low or high water season to ‘’open’’. Shearwater has always maintained its pioneering spirit, which is explanation enough as to why it has been one of the forerunners of so many other activities and things to do in Victoria Falls: Bungee, Sunset Cruises, Elephant Back Safaris, Flight of Angels Helicopter Rides. Yet throughout the falls, the cornerstone activity that first put Vic Falls on the map as the adventure centre of Africa, has seen declining numbers for years. That looks set to change.

Back in the 90’s Shearwater alone reached a record of 300 rafters in one day, and average days would see at least 70. In the last few years average numbers have dropped to as low as 16 (2 rafts). The much considered analysis on this mainly focuses on a changing demograph. Visitors to the falls are generally older than they used to be and there are less student gap year overlanders. So those in the market for a ‘’best on the planet’’ 1 day White Water Rafting Trip are less numerous, and of course since the early days: what to do in Victoria Falls is now a choice of so many world class activities that committing to a full day when time is at a premium is too much for some.

Few who work in the industry here don’t find this a regret. The Falls will always score highly on the ‘’oh wow’’ barometer, but nothing seriously compares with the heart racing water pounding thrill of being deep in the Batoka gorge actually riding the immense waves of the world famous mighty Zambezi. It is a vicarious pleasure to see how much delight – genuine life enhancing, endorphin flooding delight, people take from this adventure. You know they will never forget it, and will eagerly seek opportunites the rest of their lives to allude to it – word of mouth at its best. Personal endorsement at its greatest. But few, if any, will simply pop of to Zimbabwe to do a days rafting.

Shearwater – Multi Day Rafting Trip

Shearwater is now pioneering a focus which says: rafting is not one of the things to do in Victoria Falls once you get here, it is THE reason you come here. There has been an upsurge in large social groups – 30 at a time (lads and dads (and mums and sisters too)) from schools, colleges, neighbourhoods or churches that have decided they want to come to Victoria Falls specifically to raft, and enjoy the unique experience of a multi day Rafting Trip.

Little could be more exhileraing, rafting on the timeless world renowned mighty Zambezi by day, and then camping on the sandy banks of the river, deep in the gorge by night. Sitting around a driftwood fire by night in extraordinary solitude gazing at the never ending flowing of water lit by a star strewn sky, you will never ever forget. If this is something you have the privilege of doing with friends and family – you will rarely equal it. Currently the main interest is coming from social groups in South Africa, opting for a week long trip to the falls with 5 days rafting the main focus, and a couple of nights at the Rest camp in town, also allowing them to partake in some of the other wonderful opportunities afforded by what to do in Victoria Falls. Developing this for the European and American markets is an easy ask based on 10-14 day round trips, with 3 or 4 nights additional canoe trips on the upper Zambezi an obvious companion.

Shearwater – Multi Day Rafting Trip

Shearwater and many others here feel almost evangelical about rafting the Zambezi, we feel the dynamic is about to change as groups decide a White-water Rafting expedition to Zimbabwe is spectacular holiday worth planning for.

Happelly Birthday

POSTED 02 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

Shearwater is very proud of the 13 elephants it rescued from a grim fate. We are equally delighted when an up close and personal interaction with these iconic animals leaves a lasting impression upon visitors, who subsequently become even more impassioned about the general prospects for Elephants. Contacting clients once a year on ‘’their’’ elephants birthday, with a message giving an update on how things are faring for them and their wild brethren, keeps the bond ongoing and personal.

Elephant Back Safari

Elephant Interaction

People get excited by many of the things to do in Victoria Falls, but one activity seems to stir raw emotions more than any other – there are often tears and gushing trip advisors reviews. The one option of what to do in victoria falls that causes this is Elephant Back Safaris.

Everyone who does this thoroughly enjoys the experience, but for many it goes beyond the realms of instant gratification felt with many activities. Having an opportunity to be with these animals for a ride in the bush is a great privilege for anyone to have the opportunity of, but the personal interaction at the end is utterly priceless.

Sitting on a knee of these gigantic animals being able to stare into those big blinking eyes, feel the velvety softness of the ears and the rough hue of their skin, and to have them feed right for your hand with their incredible trunks – is deep bonding an visceral feeling for many.

The elephant is THE iconic animal of Africa and many use their general state of well being as the best barometer of how wildlife is faring in Africa. If the Elephant Back Safari in some small way can enhance people’s appreciation of these noble mammoths, meaning they look out for the general welfare of Elephants in the wild, and support were they can – not necessarily financially, but possibly as an ambassador promoting protection of their environment: that is a fabulous bonus.

The Shearwater Elephants have all had names since the operation started – not least as it assists with training and recognition. We are now indulging in a little more anthropomorphism giving them all official birthdays. It will allow us to send annual birthday messages from our 13 wonderful animals with some general information as to their wellbeing over the year and that of their wild brethren, thereby hoping to maintain a lifelong association – even better if members of the same family come to visit and ride the same animals as their parents or relatives.

Tusker:- male 42yrs August 12 Tatu:- female 38yrs. Sept 6

Doma:– male 42yrs February 18 Moka:- male 43yrs June 22

Kariba:- female 14yrs. August 1 Laduma:- male 15yrs May 14

Detema:-male 15yrs April 26 Minos:- male 17yrs Dec 21

Deka:- male 12yrs August 25 Hwange:- female 16yrs uly 14

Masuwe:- female 15yrs Sept 19

Choosing an Elephant Back Safari as one of your things to do in Victoria Falls can have a benign and lasting impact in more ways than one, and when considering what to do in Victoria Falls – your decisions some time go beyond the obvious.

CHARM OF THE CHOBE

POSTED 22 SEPTEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

You have planned your possible once in a lifetime trip to Southern Africa and have ensured you are going to your desired locations, having had to narrow them down from so many worthy contenders. Understandably the African natural wonder of the world: The Victoria Falls has made the list. Now you have agreed your actual route itinerary, it is time to fill in the details. So the question arises: what to do in Victoria Falls and you start to research all the many things to do in Victoria Falls.

Shearwater – Chobe Day Trip

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

Chobe Birds

Shearwater – Chobe Game Drive

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

Shearwater – Chobe Game Drive

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

You begin to realise there is such a vast array of activities that all sound so appealing: Elephant Back Safaris, Zambezi sunset cruise, Guided Tour of the Falls, Flight of Angels Helicopter Flight, Historic Bridge Tour – you even get tempted by the action packed adrenaline fueled prospect of white-water rafting and bungee jumping.

Then on closer inspection of the considerable spectrum of things to do in Victoria Falls you become aware of a Chobe Day Trip. On further reading you realise that Chobe is a river in Botswana that runs along the Caprivi Strip and is a tributary of the Zambezi. It meets the Zambezi in a unique area in which the borders of 5 countries are in close proximity: Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. So much for the geography which sounds intriguing enough. But what is really unique about this area is the flood plain and what that means for game.

A Chobe Day Trips starts early – leaving Victoria Falls town around 7am, before traveling 50 odd kms to the Botswana border down the Kazangula road. You now pass through immigration and get another country’s stamp in your passport – all coordinated efficiently by the Shearwater Tours and Transfers team – the Kaza visa you purchased at the airport comes in handy here, excusing you from anymore visa fees.

The Chobe Day Trip starts with an exquisite boat safari along the Chobe where you will see huge herd of elephant, buffalo and all variety of antelope. What is so unique is that they are grazing on ‘’islands’’ which are generally flooded with water, and in order to reach them most have to swim. You may have seen elephant on previous game drives – but not swimming with trunks aloft like snorkels – and whenever have you seen so many enormous crocodiles or hippos. Game is absolutely teeming. There are also beautiful varieties of bird-life: fish eagles, kingfishers, waders, bee eaters, kites – a birders paradise.

Having had a filling lunch, you then have a game drive (on land this time) through the astonishing Chobe game reserve, and no doubt you will see herds of Elephant again – charging down to the water’s edge, but also the prospect of big cats as well: Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah.

Making final choices on what to do in Victoria Falls and deciding on the all important things to do in Victoria falls is a difficult one, but a Chobe Day Trip stands out as one of the number one things to do in Victoria falls.

The Raft of the Zambesa

When Livingstone first viewed the Victoria Falls in November 1855, he commented ‘’scenes so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’’. He may have also thought to himself ‘’my God I have never seen such turbulent rapids – they are completely impassable’’. He would never have guessed that 130 years later a man named Paul Connolly (with wife Marie, the Shearwater founders) would start promoting commercial trips down the lower river and over these very same rapids in inflatable rubber boats – and that more amazingly people would eagerly pay for the privilege. Of course what we know of Livingstone – he would have been one of the first to do it, and in the scheme of his level of derring do, it would have all been matter of fact.

Nothing in the way of things to do in Victoria Falls quite compares with white water rafting, none of the exceptional activities in Victoria Falls is nearly as fundamentally elemental. There are legions of veterans who have taken part in this incredible adventure years ago, who would still rate it as the most exciting activity in which they have ever participated.

At low level times, the day starts early with a muster at the Shearwater town office, and then a short open truck ride out to the top of the gorge by the Rainforest. Having gathered paddles, life vests and helmets, new recruits listen in on a safety talk by guides: Titanic, Kamikaze etc – you know this is going to be a little hair raising to say the least. Then begins the steep, steep descent down into the depths of pre history of the beautiful Batoka gorge. Having reached the bottom of the gorge, you instinctively look up and let out an involuntary ‘’wow’’ – the sheer sides of the gorge bathing in morning sunlight, and then the complete madness of the iconic Victoria Falls bridge spanning an impossibly vertiginous ravine so high above you – notwithstanding the insanity of bungee jumpers flying off the bridge and hurtling towards you (another of the not – for – cissies things to do in Victoria Falls, yet another of the red blooded activities in Victoria Falls).

Cambering over massive basalt boulders dislodged way before Livingstone ever visited, you embark your raft. It begins to be utterly surreal – here you are at the bottom of the worlds most exotic waterfall. You paddle out and peer around the corner of the Falls themselves – there they are from the bottom up – a reverse perspective you just were not counting on when you decided this might be one of the things to do in Victoria Falls you would participate in – the view and feeling is spellbinding. You haven’t even started your chosen activity yet!

Then it starts, you are paddling your way to your first rapid, heart pumping, nerves jangling and brow perspiring. It looks so big, it seems so angry, my god there’s like a steep drop (the crease) – a quick gulp as you are involuntarily pulled into the watery Wurlitzer. The boat buckles and bumps, water flies up and in, the raft tilts one way and then the other every one squeals and yelps. That was incredible. You then learn you have just traversed a grade 3.5 rapid, and today is mostly about grade 5’s.

You spend the next 4 hours either gliding serenely along this majestic mind blowing river feeling you are really connecting with raw mysterious Africa, or in pitched battle with each of the eponymously named rapids: highway to hell, the mother, overland truck eater. It is imperious as a combination of adventure and exploration. The exertion required to climb out of the gorge at trip end, only serves to remphasise the scale of achievement.

You could write a separate account of each of the 20 odd rapids describing each one as worthwhile in terms of things to do in Victoria Falls, each one in its own right as one of the most awesome activities in Victoria Falls. There is not a soul who will have completed the White-water Rafting who won’t rate it amongst the most exciting experiences of their lives

Hi Ho Hi Ho…..

IT’S OFF TO A GORGE HIKE WE GO

The demographic of visitors to the falls has changed over the years. 25 years ago the adrenaline buzz of White Water Rafting was the main lure for a younger generation. Now most visitors to the falls somewhat older and have put adrenaline rushes behind them. However customer feedback tells us they still want to be active and do not want weeks of indulgence and a sedentary state of near permanence.

A GORGE HIKE IS THE PREFECT BLEND OF EXCITEMENT, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WONDER.

Climb down through evolution itself 110m into the depths of the breath-taking Batoka gorge.
Be expertly guided over the enormous basalt boulders thrown down millennia ago.
Uniquely stand on dry ground with rapids swirling nearby and gaze up at the falls from below.
Truly encounter what it is like to be in the belly of this naturally phenomena.
Feel a sense of satisfaction having climbed (steep walk) back out and up to the edge of the Gorge – and behold your endeavours.

There is such a bountiful list of things to do in Victoria Falls, so many activities to take advantage of in Victoria Falls that making as selection can be challenging.

Originally people only came to gaze in wonder at the eponymous falls themselves and marvel at one of nature’s seven natural wonders, and a guided tour of the falls still remains the main attraction – the no1 thing to do in Victoria Falls. Of course the abundance of game and wildlife has also meant for a long time that this has been a major destination for those on Safari or seeking to witness first hand Africa’s astonishing range of animals, flora and fauna.

It was only a matter of time though before a mixture of curiosity and taste for adventure meant people looked into the broiling, spoiling waters of the mighty Zambezi in the gorge below the falls, and began to wonder…? Shearwater in 1985 was the original founder of commercial White Water Rafting trips over the grade 5 rapids of the Batoka gorge – and thus kick-started Victoria Falls as a new adventure destination in Africa.

Adding to the list of exciting things to do in Victoria Falls became a regular occurrence as Bungee Jumping, Canoeing, and Gorge swinging all started to gain huge popularity as new activities in Victoria Falls and making it the adventure capital of Africa.

Then in the 90’s even more activities in Victoria Falls were initiated and the list of things to do grew aver greater – and now not just a destination for adrenaline junkies keen on white knuckle white-water rafting trips or leaping head first off the iconic Victoria Falls bridge tied to a bungee rope – there were alternative less active attractions too: romantic Sunset Cruises, ballooning, Helicopter Rides and leisurely Elephant Back Safaris. The demographic started to change.

With the less adventurously inclined and generally older groups that started arriving in significant numbers to visit the falls – there was inevitably some crossovers and rubbing shoulders with the adrenaline addicts who had been coming for the last couple of decades. Inevitably this has led to the development of a hybrid activity that provides physical exertion, excitement and adventure – without the heart pumping fear of the high octane pursuits.

The Gorge Hikes allow people of all ages and abilities to have a day of fulfilling physical activity – which requires exertion without being punishing, and also a unique opportunity to do something extremely rewarding. Make your way down a very deep descent 110m into the pre historic Batoka gorge, and then be safely and expertly guided over the massive basalt boulders that the forces of nature carved out millennia ago. Stand at the foot of Falls and gaze in awe upwards at the spectacle. Feel hear and see the extraordinary, the incredible and the mighty forces of nature at work as the spray from the turbulence of the Falls rains all around you, and the roar of millions of cubic metres of Zambezi fly over the lip of the falls creating the boiling rapids ahead of you. This is really getting into the engine room of the Victoria Falls – really getting up close and personal with its might and majesty.

This is a truly exciting activity. Having been thrilled at by all the power and raw energy of the falls, you can now use some of your own, as like so many of the intrepid and famous explorers of yesteryear you use your own strength to climb (steep walk) back out of this breath taking gorge. Once back at the top, you will look back down and be overcome with a great sense of wellbeing, achievement and enthralment.

A Gorge Hike is a relative newcomer to the man things to do in Victoria Falls, but thoroughly deserves its place amongst the pantheon of great activities in Victoria Falls.

Tusker And Crew

Ask anyone what picture immediately comes into their head when you say Africa – and the vast majority will reply with – Elephant. It is the essence of the continent – huge, mysterious, exotic, powerful and fascinating. It is the icon of the continent – football teams, mascots, badges, posters, logos – you name it, the Elephant is the manifestation of Africa in so many ways. And it is the emotion of the continent – concern, affection, adoration, fear and very often at breaking point.

Anyone coming to Africa and visiting Victoria Falls and seeking things to do in Victoria Falls, should not miss the opportunity to partake in one of the classic activities in Victoria Falls which embodies so much of the paradigm associated with the enigmatic African Elephant. Shearwater Elephant Back Safaris has been operating in Victoria Falls for over 15 years.

Our elephants are all rescue elephants from drought and being orphaned and have been accustomed to human interaction. They spend up to 8 hours a day roaming the bush as nature intended, feeding endlessly on their favourite bush fodder, as their indunas follow them throughout the day until they are led willingly back to the stables.

In between foraging at will, they will gather at the Shearwater boma, to provide a thrilling experience to all those participating in this fantastic Victoria Falls activity. Following welcoming drinks and an insightful talk from the Shearwater indunas, each elephant will mounted their favourite induna and up to 2 passengers.

An Elephant Back Safari is a then a 45 minute slow and magical ride through the bush of the Stanley and Livingstone private game reserve (home to the big 5), which provides an entirely unique elephant eye perspective on the African bush. Kudu, impala, buffalo, zebra giraffe are all regularly spotted along the ride, as your induna gives an essential education on all things elephant as you lumber along.

The ride is joyous enough. What marks out this out though, as one of the most sublime activities in Victoria Falls – one of the very best things to do in Victoria Falls, is the personal interaction one gets with the elephant at the end of the ride. Feed your elephant by hand and feel his trunk delicately pick his favourite nuts from the palm of you hand, stare straight into those huge gleaming globes of eyes and caress those silky soft Africa shaped ears – it’s an intimacy few ever get chance of and no one ever forgets.

It is challenging trying to complete the perfect itinerary of what to do when in Victoria Falls, there are so many world class activities in Victoria Falls – but an Elephant Back Safari can only be equalled at best and never beaten.

Shearwater Take The Pledge

Shearwater are more use to taking the plunge with new and exciting activities, but in a commitment to excellence the entire Shearwater team are now taking the pledge on Shearwater core values: every division, every department, everybody.

Any visitor’s trip to Victoria Falls is greatly enhanced by personal interaction with staff, guides, drivers, waiters and managers. We feel the 4 P’s pledge will ensure we always exceed customer expectations.

Shearwater Staff Core Values

To be Professional & Knowledgeable
To be Polished & Accurate
To be Punctual & Responsive
To be Pro-Active & Innovative

There are so many things to do in Victoria Falls, so many activities to participate in and enjoy. Shearwater as owner operators of so many activities combined with a fully-fledged and highly professional tours and transport operation, is uniquely placed to ensure every visitor to Victoria Falls has the most memorable experiences and truly gets the very best out of this extraordinary destination.

We all know however that everyone will be awed by the magnificent falls and will delight in the insight that comes from an expertly guided tour – it is for good reason that it is the number one thing to do in Victoria Falls, the premier activity in Victoria Falls. Experience has also taught us that the seminal Shearwater ‘’Flight of Angels’’ in a helicopter is the best means of gaining a true perspective of Africa’s 7^th wonder.

It’s a given that white-water rafting on the Zambezi is unmatched anywhere in the world as a grade 5 thrill and that the beauty of the gorge itself is unrivalled – this is the Falls and Zambezi up close and personal – a real finger on the pulse of the power and majesty: as a things to do in Victoria Falls list and as an activity in Victoria falls – it is quite simply what brought Shearwater into existence.

Adrenaline rushes hardly come more powerful than a leap from the Shearwater bungee platform on the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge that not only links Zimbabwe and Zambia – but also spans an astonishingly beautiful gorge and has the imperious falls as the backdrop. If you are to do an activity such as this – Victoria Falls has to be the place in which to earn the badge of such an activity.

There is the extreme, there is the daring – but there is also plenty of the sublime. A sunset cruise on the Zambezi is generally one of the mandatory things to do in Victoria Falls following an afternoon arrival. Sighting hippos, elephant, crocs and buffalo are regular serendipitous bonuses – but few regardless, have witnessed anything quite as magical as a glorious African sunset while afloat on such a famous river – only just upstream from the main attraction. A Shearwater sunset cruise is a delicious ‘Hor dourve’ to the smorgasbord of gourmet activities that lay in wait. A cruise brings you close to nature – but it is the Shearwater Elephant back safari that will actually put you in physical contact. No-one who participates in this activity is unmoved by the extraordinary emotion it stirs. Trundling through the bush atop Africa’s essence- made- animal, is wonderful enough – but to finish with close interaction that allows you to feed, stroke, feel the trunk off – your new friend is an irreplaceable memory.

So we have a veritable treasure trove of world class things to do in Victoria Falls and unique activities in Victoria Falls. Meh? – hardly, but we know what will really achieve the tipping point of ensuring visitors leave our frontier town spellbound and enraptured with ambassadorial fervour: simply out of ballpark service and attention to detail. Exceeding people’s expectations on every single occasion and in every single way. It is for that reason every soul in the company has committed to the Shearwater Pledge.

MAY THE PLEDGE BE WITH YOU.

Fly it, Raft it, Jump it, Cruise it… …Book It

Whether you want to

FLY (flight of Angels Helicopter Tours), RAFT (Best grade 5 White Water Rafting in the world), CRUISE (classic Zambezi Sunset Cruise), JUMP (Victoria Falls Bungee Jump – off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge), TOUR (Guided Tour of the falls), EAT (2 of the best resturants in the falls – Rainforest Café, and Shearwater Café),SAFARI ( Elephant Back Ride Safaris or Game Drives)

VICTORIA FALLS

One company stands out from all the rest – SHEARWATER is the original and the best.

Shearwater is in it’s 4^th decade of providing the very best of things to do In Victoria Falls which includes the most awesome and popular activities.

We are the original White water rafting company based in Victoria Falls and our pioneering spirit (aptly our motto) has ensured, that ever since our start in 1985 we have been the most innovative and progressive company in the area – always looking for exciting new products and services.

Most visitors to the Falls arrive on an afternoon flight (possibly booked at the Shearwater flight office), and can then be collected with punctuality, efficiency and professionally by a Shearwater transfer vehicle, which will stow all luggage and take guests to respective hotels to settle in.

Being late afternoon by now – time for one of the very best things to do in Victoria Falls and an activity no one should miss: a classic Zambezi sunset cruise. Shearwater will collect you from your hotel and take you to the Shearwater jetty for an unforgettable cruise on one of its twin decked craft as you sit back and indulge your romantic imagination – cruising the mighty Zambezi river just upstream of the amazing falls, enjoying a complimentary bar and delicious snacks. Watch a sunset you never thought possible.

At the end of the cruise get a transfer back into town and enjoy a fantastic meal at the superb Shearwater Café – amazing to go from the sublime to the urbane in such a short distance.

On your first morning – do what you came here to do – and the premier sightseeing tour in the area – enjoy an informative and expertly guided tour of the Victoria Falls and learn everything of the history, geography and contemporary form one of the Shearwater veterans.

Then for true perspective – Our flight of angels helicopter flight has become the mandatory thrill for ensuring visitors enjoy and witness the falls in all their incredible glory.

Next have a break and a coffee, and write a postcard at the Shearwater Café, before catching the complimentary Bungee bridge bus, to the iconic Victoria Falls bridge. Cross into no mans land between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. First of all take in this amazing vista: the 120 year old bridge, the breathtaking Batoka gorge with coiling spoiling rapids below, the tropical vegetation and the falls themselves. Then decide – are you going for the Big Air combo: zip line, swing and bungee (an adrenaline cleansweep), or perhaps you’d enjoy the fabulous and idiosyncratic Historical Bridge tour. ALL definitely part of the must do ‘’things to do in Victoria Falls’’, and great individual activities in Victoria Falls.

Second morning and having seen the falls from above and below – its time to taste, touch and feel it. One of the most elemental experiences you could have anywhere in the world – is an amazing white water rafting trip, through the stunning Batoka gorge as you combat the most phenomenal grade 5 rapids in the world. This is the mighty Zambezi up close and personal – and one of the best things to do not only in Victoria Falls – but anywhere in the world – an activity in Victoria falls second to none.

Time again for another extraordinary Victoria falls juxtaposition as you swap the surreal for the sublime. Get up close and personal with Africa’s iconic mammal and enjoy an Elephant back safari in the glorious and huge Stanley and Livingstone game reserve (home to an incredible 9 rhinos). Riding atop these incredible animals and the close interaction you have with them with have a lifelong effect. It is small wonder the Elephant back safari rates as one of the very best things to do in Victoria Falls and one of its top activities.

ALL THE ABOVE IS MADE SO EFFICIENT, SO ENJOYABLE AND SO AFFORDABLE BY USING THE

ORIGINAL AND THE BEST: SHEARWATER.