Go to Livingstone and Get Your Pulse Racing
Livingstone in Zambia has officially claimed its spot as the new capital of adventure sports on the African continent. Whether you like to seek your thrills in the water, in the air, or on land, Livingstone is guaranteed to have something on offer to get the pulses racing of even the most hardened of adrenaline junkies.
On the Water
Thanks to the power of Victoria Falls and the dramatic Batoka Gorge below it, Livingstone boasts some of the best white water rafting in the world. This is not for the faint hearted, however, with several grade five rapids on offer. Although you are unlikely to find a more breathtaking setting in which to test your limits. High speed jet boats are the latest addition to the line-up of white knuckle adventures in Livingstone. Expect to be propelled at maddening speeds through the gorge, ramping over rapids and narrowly missing cliff faces. It will either have you losing your lunch or screaming for more!
In the Air
The magnificent Victoria Falls is an attraction that begs to be viewed from all angles, and undoubtedly one of its best is from above. Several operators offer helicopter flips over the aptly named “Smoke that Thunders”. The “flight of the angels” experience is also available by microlight, with the added bonus that you are able to feel the wind in your hair. Both experiences also offer a wonderful opportunity to game spot from the air, as the neighbouring Mosi-oa Tunya National Park is home to a wide variety of indigenous wildlife, including hippo, giraffe and antelope.
On land
There is plenty on offer for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on terra firma. Various operators offer game viewing experiences, from 4×4 safaris to walking trails through the bush. Speed junkies can also sign up for quad biking trails to game view or to visit local villages. There are plenty of hills, dunes and exciting bumps to tackle on the way. For a more chilled experience, sign up for a horse trail along the Zambezi River. Experienced riders also have the option of an overnight experience camping out with their trusty steeds in the middle of the African bush.
Through the Air
For those with nerves of steel, the Victoria Falls Railway Bridge offers one of the world’s most spectacular bungee jumps, with the falls as a backdrop and a heart stopping 100 m plummet into the gorge below. The sheer cliffs also offer a variety of adventure activities, including abseiling and its scarier alternative, rap jumping, which involves facing forward as you repel down a 54 m sheer cliff wall! Those mad enough to try the gorge swing (forwards, backwards or death drop style) have been known to reach speeds of up to 180 km/h. Finally, soar like a bird 75 m above the Zambezi River on the world’s first commercial high wire. At 135 m long, there is plenty of time to take in the view.
Visit http://www.livingstonetourism.com/ for a comprehensive list of adventure tour operators.
Compiled by Rebecca Johnson
