At 94 degrees F during the day - we now know why nights have been uncomfortable experiences when attempting to sleep in our tent (needless to say we are still Northerners and Mike in particular did not manage the heat well).

So, with the high heat visiting the falls is a perfect excursion, especially with the option to go swimming once there. We opted to do an innocently enough named Livingstone Island walk. Since we visited the falls in dry season, one whole portion of the river is dry enough to allow walking tours (really rock hoping and wading) out to Livingstone island which is situated at the side of the main falls. Some fast facts about Victoria Falls.

Once at the island we heard about the possibility to stick our HEADs OVER the FALLS (this would not be an option in a more Westernized country where companies are afraid to be sued). Not ones to turn down an adventurous opportunity we literally jumped on this opportunity. So once we arrive on the island we stripe down to our swim suits and swim about 100 feet to a group of rocks.

At the group of rocks we are instructed to JUMP into a pool (named the Devils Pool for good reason) situated only a few feet from the edge of the main falls with water plummeting hundreds of feet down. Probably scarier than bungee jumping or sky diving (other adventure activities we have done) because this one does not have safety strings attached. Needless to say despite the initial perception that this is an unsafe activity - it is actually quite safe as we jump in and lean against a submerged rock wall with water careening over it. This wall is then the one we first sit on and then lay on to stick our head over the edge of the falls. A truly exhilarating experience (and refreshing as well).

The next day we decide to tackle the Zambezi river and the rapids via whitewater rafting and body boarding through class IV and V rapids. Pictures will give some idea of this crazy exciting (and for some life threatening) experience. Body boarding actually is choosing to face the rapids outside of the raft armed with flippers, helmet, and a body board. Thankfully both of us had a really positive adrenaline packed experience (we had heard MANY horror stories). Our guide was truly fantastic and so when we were actually in the boat for the rapids we never once flipped (other boats had flipped something like 5 times).

September 16th - 23rd
South Luangwa National Park

September 24th - 25th
Victoria Falls, Zambian side

September 27th - 30th
Canoeing Safari near Lower Zambezi National Park

Zambia country summary