Activity Description
Are you ready for the most thrilling and mind blowing experience of your life. The Gorge Swing is one of the most adrenaline pumping activities you can do in Victoria Falls. If you are the daredevil type, then you are in for one hell of a jump!
Your adventure starts at the edge of the gorge being strapped in by highly experiences guides. Safety is of the utmost importance and so every buckle and harness is triple checked. It’s not surprising that this activity has an impeccable safety record with a zero accident reputation. Once all the checks are done the adrenaline rush starts! You mount the platform and take in the view of the swirling river below, and sculptured cliffs on either side.
Then you leap, a 70 meter free fall into the mouth of the Batoka gorge, reaching speeds of 180 km/hr, so fast you can’t even let out a scream. Over in a matter of seconds before the pendulum swing that takes you gliding over the turbulent water below. An opportunity to take in the scenery and nature that is around you. Scan the waters below for hippos and crocodiles, or catch a glimpse of a hunting peregrine falcon as its swoops past you in an attempt to catch its food.
You can decide to do the swing on your own or opt to do it in tandem. The tandem swing is when two people decide to jump at the same time either an adult with a child, friends, family members or couples can do this together. Adrenaline is always more fun with a friend.
Gorge Swing 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 gorge swing 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 Gorge Swing in 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 Gorge Swing are able to watch from the view area at the gorge.
How safe is the Gorge Swing?
As mentioned above, the gorge swing is an incredibly safe activity with a 100% accident free record. Safety is of the utmost importance, and equipment is checked and triple checked daily. Clasps, buckles and harnesses are replaced well before their required dated so as to ensure that equipment is at its strongest.
Not only are you buckled up with 3 harnesses, but the cables spanning the gorge are made of high tensile steel, designed to withstand several tonnes of weight and strain.
What is the difference between a Gorge Swing and a Bungee Jump?
For starters, the free fall is higher with the gorge swing giving you a greater thrill. Once the free fall is over, you then have an incredibly unique opportunity to take in the scenery of the cliff faces around you, as you pendulum from side to side with the thundering Zambezi River below you.
Jumpers doing the gorge swing also have a variety of jumping styles to choose from. The most common is the forward facing, step off the platform style. For those who want to be a little adventurous, there is the backwards leap of faith. Simply turn around and fall backwards into the swing. The other option is to get on your hands in a traditional handstand position and approach the swing head first. This is deemed to be for those ultimate adrenaline junkies, looking for the next rush.
You also remain upright with the swing, comfortably in a seated position safely in a harness. Unlike the bungee jump where you are strapped up by the ankles and hoisted back up upside down.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included: Transfers from your hotel/lodge.
Excluded: National Park fees which are currently US$3pp
