Outdoor activities, hiking, cycling, water sports, and adrenaline tours
Zimbabwe's diverse landscapes offer a playground for adventurers seeking thrills beyond the ordinary. From the rugged beauty of the Eastern Highlands to the expansive waters of Lake Kariba, there's an activity to get your adrenaline pumping at every turn.
Nyanga National Park and Chimanimani Mountains are top choices for hiking in Zimbabwe, offering various trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging treks.
Nyanga National Park in the Eastern Highlands boasts Mount Nyangani, the country's highest peak, with a relatively accessible 2-hour trail to the summit. Meanwhile, Chimanimani Mountains present a more challenging terrain, ideal for multi-day hikes, with the impressive Bridal Veil Falls nearby. Permits are required for some trails and can be obtained at park entrances.
The Great Dyke and Victoria Falls to Hwange are popular cycling routes, offering varied terrains and impressive views.
The Great Dyke, stretching over 500 kilometers, is known for its undulating roads and is best suited for experienced cyclists. For a more scenic ride, the 100 km route from Victoria Falls to Hwange takes you through wildlife-rich areas where elephants and buffaloes are a common sight. Ensure your bike is well-maintained and carry sufficient water, as services along these routes can be sparse.
Lake Kariba offers fishing, kayaking, and houseboat excursions, providing a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made lake, is a haven for water sports. Anglers will find tiger fish particularly challenging, especially during the annual fishing tournament in October. Kayaking enthusiasts can see the lake's vast shoreline, but should be cautious of hippos and crocodiles. Houseboat tours offer a distinctive way to experience the lake, with multi-day charters available from Kariba town.
At Victoria Falls, the gorge swing reaches speeds of up to 120 km/h over a 70-meter drop, with prices starting at $160 USD (approximately 5,600 ZWL). Bungee jumping from the 111-meter-high Victoria Falls Bridge costs $160 USD as well. Both adrenaline activities are available year-round, with peak seasons from April to August.
The Harare Zip Line spans 250 meters across the Batoka Gorge, making it one of Africa's highest. Prices start at $50 (ZWL$4,000) per person for a thrilling ride that lasts about 30 seconds. Visitors can enjoy views of the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes from a remarkable height of 120 meters.
At Victoria Falls, visitors can take a guided walking tour for approximately $15 USD (about 485 ZWL) along the 1.7 km trail that provides views of the falls. For thrill-seekers, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River costs around $120 USD and includes rapids rated up to Class V, typically running from late August to December.
Microlight flights over Victoria Falls depart from Livingstone, Zambia, just 10 km from the falls. A 15-minute flight costs approximately ZWL$12,000, while a 30-minute flight is ZWL$22,000. Temperatures in the area can reach up to 35°C during the summer months of November to March, making for a warm aerial adventure.
The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump reaches a height of 111 meters, making it one of the highest in the world. Prices start at approximately ZWL$ 8,000 per jump. Participants should prepare for an adrenaline rush while taking in views of the Zambezi River, just 25 meters from the edge.
A walking safari in Hwange National Park, located 150 km from Harare, costs approximately ZWL 20,000 per person for a guided tour. Visitors can expect daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C during the dry season from May to October, ideal for wildlife viewing.
Mana Pools National Park, established in 1963, covers 2,500 square kilometers along the Zambezi River. Canoeing safaris start at $50 USD per person for half-day trips, while a full-day guided safari can cost around $150 USD. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 35°C, depending on the season.
Hwange National Park, 100 km west of Harare, covers 14,651 sq km and charges ZWL 20 per entry. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, dating back to the 11th century, lie 300 km southeast and have an entrance fee of ZWL 75, showcasing the country’s rich outdoor heritage.
Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River near Mana Pools National Park start at approximately ZWL$3,000 per person for a half-day trip. The river stretches 2,574 kilometers, and temperatures can reach up to 38°C during the dry season from May to October, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.
The Chimanimani Mountains offer various hiking routes, with the main trail covering 15 kilometers from the Chimanimani Park entrance to the base of Mount Binga, Zimbabwe's highest peak at 2,436 meters. Overnight huts cost approximately ZWL$500 per person. Temperatures can drop to 5°C at night, particularly during the June-August winter months.
Zambezi rafting trips typically run from March to November, with peak conditions from May to August. A full-day excursion costs between $120 and $150 per person, including safety gear and lunch. The Grade 5 rapids challenge rafters with steep gradients and towering waves, making it essential to respect the river's power.
Zambezi white water rafting features rapids graded from 1 to 5, with the most challenging sections located near Victoria Falls. Rafting trips typically cost around ZWL$5,000 per person for half-day adventures. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C during the rafting season from April to September, ideal for this thrilling outdoor activity.
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