Victoria Falls, Hwange and Binga Activities

The best activity in Matabeleland North depends on the month. The Zambezi’s water level decides rafting, Devil’s Pool and how the falls look, and the dry season decides how good the wildlife is in Hwange National Park.

January to March: high water

The falls are at their most powerful and spray hangs over the rainforest path. Rafting uses the high-water route, starting around Rapid 11 and running to about Rapid 23, and the river closes to rafters at flood from about March to June, though dates move. Devil’s Pool, which sits on the Zambian side, is shut, and Angel’s Pool is open from about January to mid-February.

May to July: the cooler months

Rafting returns on the high-water route in roughly May to July. Game viewing in Hwange is already good in these months. Malaria risk remains, so keep taking medical advice.

August to December: low water

Rafting covers Rapid 1 to 19 and the climb out of the gorge, reported at about 250 m, is a serious workout. Prices run about US$120 to 149 plus a US$12 levy, and the minimum age is 15. Devil’s Pool opens about mid-August and usually closes by mid-January. Hwange is at its best from August to November, when animals crowd around pumped waterholes. October can pass 40 C, so plan game drives for early morning and late afternoon.

Activities that run all year

  • The Zambezi sunset cruise above the falls, with a US$12 river levy on top of the cruise price.
  • Zambezi National Park game drives, with an international entry fee of about US$17.
  • The 111 m bridge bungee run by Shearwater, with sellers quoting roughly US$130 to 200.
  • The 12 to 13 minute helicopter flight, roughly US$150 to 190 through resellers plus a US$18 levy.
  • Painted Dog Conservation at Dete: free, donation based and not a zoo.

Money and permits

Tourists are priced in US dollars. The ZiG is the local currency, so carry cash for park gates. The Victoria Falls rainforest costs about US$58 for international visitors per entry. Hwange has a ZimParks daily conservation fee and a vehicle fee, and ZimParks or your operator can confirm both.

Welfare note

Skip operators that offer elephant rides, lion walks or cub petting. Wild game drives in Zambezi National Park, Hwange and Chobe are the better way to see animals.

Stay safe in the water

The Zambezi, Lake Kariba and every dam hold crocodiles and hippos. Only swim in operator-run pools or treated lodge pools.

Read more: Sightseeing in Matabeleland North and Day trips .

Search activities on Viator . Operator sites: Shearwater and Wild Horizons .