Activity Description
The Zip Line, or foofie slide as it’s known by some, is in the middle of the range when it comes to its adrenaline rush. Whilst not considered as scary as the gorge swing, it is still a daunting prospect as you peer off the edge of the world-renowned Batoka Gorge at the swirling Zambezi River hundreds of feet below you! But there is no free-fall! Unlike the bungee jump or the gorge swing, there is no “take your breath away, stomach in your mouth” plummet. You simply leave the platform at speed and glide out over the incredibly scenic gorge, admiring the breathtaking beauty of one of nature’s most unique things.
Like all the gorge activities, your experience starts off at the Look Out Café, built on the edge of the gorge, a place with stunning views. It offers its guests the perfect spot to watch people hurl themselves off the edge and serves as one of the best destinations for adrenaline junkies. As always, safety is the number one priority and, as such, highly trained, experienced staff begin with a safety talk whilst they harness you into heavy-duty safety harnesses, ensuring you are properly secured to the cable.
Whilst this is considered one of the “tamer” adrenaline gorge activities, make no mistake, you will need guts to take that step off the platform. Reaching speeds of over 100km/h suspended hundreds of feet in the air over a torrent of raging Zambezi water! At 425m long, this is also the Longest Zip Line in the World and certainly one of the most scenic. Be one of the few to say they have conquered the longest zip line in the world!
The Zip Line is another one of the gorge activities that can be enjoyed together with the option of doing a tandem slide with a friend or family member. Fun shared is fun doubled! Whilst children are able to do the activity alone, it’s always advisable to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Zipline 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 Zip Line 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 Zipline are able to watch from the view area at the gorge.
How safe is the Zipline?
Safety is always our number one priority and the Zip Line has a 100% track record when it comes to safety. Equipment is triple checked after every activity with not only one, but two back up safety ropes to absolutely eliminate all possibilities of equipment failure. Equipment is also replaced well before its recommended date.
Whilst doing the Zip Line you will be strapped into 2 heavy duty harnesses designed to take significantly more weight than it is carrying. This is coupled with heavy duty cables made to be under several tonnes of strain.
What is the difference between the Zipline and the other gorge activities?
As mentioned above, the Zip Line is considered in the middle of the adrenaline spectrum when it comes to gorge activities. Not as intimidating as the gorge swing or bungee jump, but still more daunting than the flying fox or canopy tour. In short, it will get the heart pumping as you look down at the rapids beneath.
The biggest difference is that there is no free fall on the zip line. Whilst you still reach speeds over 100km/h, the experience is more a slide on a pulley than a plummet. This offers much better opportunities to take in the scenery around you and enjoy the thrill of sliding over one of the world’s most famous rivers.
Being the longest Zip Line in the world, this activity ride takes you further into the gorge than any of the other activities. It is also one of the only gorge activities that keep you in a sitting position. Giving you a 360-degree angle view of this amazing land and certainly more comfortable than hanging from your feet!
The Zip line is a great adrenaline activity for older kids who aren’t quite ready for the gorge swing or bungee jump.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included: Transfers from your hotel/lodge.
Excluded: National Park fees which are currently US$3pp
