Activity Description
A unique adrenaline gorge activity and the only one that does not include a fall of any kind. All other gorge activities have you experience a fall in some way or another, not the Flying Fox. As such it is considered one of the tamer adrenaline gorge activities.
Like all other gorge activities, your experience starts at the Look Out Café, a purpose built restaurant and viewing platform hanging over the Batoka Gorge with the mighty Zambezi River churning hundreds of meters below.
Once you have had your safety briefing you are led to a platform jutting out into the gorge. Unlike the other adrenaline gorge activities, the Flying Fox sees you being strapped in on your back. Once secure you take a short run and launch yourself off the platform and glide across the abyss of the gorge. Horizontal the whole time, this experience gives you the closest experience a human can have of flying like a bird. A favorite position is the classic superman pose.
This is a great activity for those wanting to see where there adrenaline rush limits are. Whilst not considered as scary as the gorge swing, or Zip line, it still takes a decent amount of courage to step off that platform and glide across the gorge with the Zambezi River over 125m below you.
Being a less intense adrenaline activity, it also a lower minimum age, with younger kids being able to take the leap and experience what will probably be their greatest adrenaline rush. At the end of your glide you are winched back slowly to the platform giving you a chance to take in the incredible “birds eye view” of the gorge around you.
Flying Fox Activity Requirements
Age Limit: 6 years and older, Note* Parents/Guardians of children under 16 must be present and available to sign indemnity forms
Minimum Height: No minimum height
Maximum Height: No maximum height
Fitness Level: No Fitness Requirement. The location of the flying fox is short non strenuous walk from the Lookout Cafe.
Maximum Weight: 140 kg Maximum
Experience Level: No Experience Requirement.
PLEASE NOTE: This activity is NOT suitable for persons who are either pregnant, epileptic, hypertensive or have a previous back injury.
Additional Information
Duration: The whole excursion from time of pickup to drop off at your hotel is approximately 1 hour.
Seasonal Activity: The Flying Fox is not a seasonal activity and is done throughout the year.
What to wear: Clients are advised to wear comfortable clothing items. Secure footwear such as hiking or running shoes are a must. For those with long hair it is always advisable to make use of hair ties.
What to bring: Clients are advised to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Lockers are available but clients are encouraged to leave valuables at the hotel.
Spectators: Family members and friends not partaking in the Flying Fox are able to watch from the view area at the gorge.
How safe is the Victoria Falls Flying Fox?
There has never been an accident in the many years the Flying Fox has been operating. Like all gorge activities, safety is the number one priority. Equipment is checked and triple checked after every activity, and replaced well before their due date. The Flying Fox is also an activity that does not put much strain on the equipment.
Activity staff are also exceptionally well trained and experienced in their craft. Not only do they ensure that all your equipment is in great working order, but have an incredible knack of making you feel very comfortable with throwing yourself off the edge of a gorge!
What is the difference between a Flying Fox and other Gorge Activities?
As mentioned above, the biggest difference is that the Flying Fox has no “falling” element to it. The Zip Line, Gorge Swing and Canopy tour all see you declining down the gorge in one way or another. With the Flying Fix you simply glide out.
This obviously creates a big difference between the level of fear and adrenaline rush experienced. Whilst the Flying Fox still requires a good amount of courage, and a good number of eager participants pull out once on the platform. It is not anywhere near the level of fear and adrenaline experienced with either the Zip Line or Gorge Swing.
The other major difference is the minimum age for kids. The Flying Fox is more suitable for younger kids. It’s also a great stepping stone for those unsure whether they can handle the “bigger” gorge activities.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included: Transfers from your hotel/lodge
Excluded: Park fees which are currently US$3pp
