The Victoria Falls are one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world. It straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia is the definition of sight to behold. The river is the mighty Zambezi River that thunders down deep in a canyon with sheer vertical walls arising 230 meters or 750 feet on all sides.  The river roars down the canyon tumbling over cascade over rapid over cascade, in short, it is the white river rafters' dream come true.

The canyon itself beggars belief. It is a paradise of the extreme kind that one might not have thought possible. It is surrounded by wildlife and is the domain of hippos and crocodiles. It is one of the very best places in the world to go white water rafting. Another of Africa's best is rafting on the source of the Nile in Uganda - that is not for faint-hearted.

The Falls, The Zambezi, And The Bundu Canyon

Quite simply the Zambezi River here below Victoria Falls is considered the be the best White Water Rafting river in the world attracting Red Bull commercialists from far and wide. The Victoria Falls are one of the most sought-after falls in the world, they are much more than something to see if passing by. Victoria Falls are a destination worth traveling the world to see.

The Zambezi River varies massively from wet season to dry season. Accordingly, the routes change depending on low water or high water - some may not offer rafting during the high water.

Where else in the world can one combine the greatest waterfalls, with the best rapids, with the steepest and deepest canyon, with the best of African wildlife? Come back in the opposite season (high or low) and the experience will be completely different again.

Related: How To Visit Angel Falls, The Tallest Waterfall In The World

The National Park And The Wildlife

Then there's the wildlife. Livingstone is the gateway to the falls and it is one of the few towns in Africa sitting right next to the unfenced national park. That means that it offers what few other towns in Africa can offer - wildlife.

In Africa, the wildlife is typically confined to the national parks that are set away from the towns. But Livingstone is different. Just driving around the roads and one can spot zebras, hippos (they're dangerous), elephants, baboons, monkeys, and other wildlife wandering about.

  • Animals On Land: Elephants, Baboons, Monkeys, Zebras, and More
  • Animals In The Water: Crocodiles And Hippos

It is in this setting that one rafts the Zambezi River (in the national park) - look on top of the falls and one may see elephants walking across them. Look down on the river and one may see the remains of a hippo that plunged over the side of the falls to their deaths.

And then down in the river itself is crocodiles. This is one of the few places in the world where one can see crocodiles chilling on the rocks watching you as you raft by.

Related: 20 Of The Most Unique Waterfalls That Guarantee Spectacular Sights

What To Expect Rafting The Zambezi

There are scores of rapids and a rafting trip of 3 or 4 hours may go over as many as 12 large rapids. There's one rapid where one has to get out and walk around. This rapid "Rapid Number 9" is called by the rafters as "Commerical Suicide."

Rafting on the Zambezi is not for those out of shape. Not only is it strenuous and taxing actually rafting and constantly paddling and getting tipped over into the water, but one has to hike down into the canyon and then up again. The trails are very steep. One has to hike out of the canyon and it's 230 meters or 750 high and should not be understated with those with fitness issues.

  • Hiking: There Is No Road Access to The River, One Must Walk 230 Meters (750 Feet) Down And Then Vertically Back Up
  • Minimum Age: Some Of The Rafting Companies Require a Minimum Age of 15
  • Classes: It is Packed With Class 3 to 5 Rapids
  • Low Water Rafting: Approx. 10th August – 25th December
  • High Water Rafting: Approx: 25th Dec – 10th August

Here one can choose from rafting for a couple of hours or a full five-night six-day excursion from Vic Falls all the way to Lake Kariba (spotting crocodiles along the way).

  • Rafting Duration: Options From Half Day to 6 Day Adventures

The cost of rafting varies significantly by duration, company, and type. But most normal day rafting outings are $120-150. A full six-day five nights trip costs around $1,000 or more.

  • Cost: $120.00 to $150.00 For A Normal Trip

Some of the rafting companies can be seen on Wild Horizons and Bundu White Water Rafting Excursions. They offer adventures that will never be forgotten.

Next: This Is America's Newest National Park, And Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting