The Victoria Falls Bridge bungee is a 111 m jump from the middle of the bridge towards the Zambezi in the Batoka Gorge, with the Falls in view upstream. It is one of the best-known bungee jumps in the world, and Zambezi Dusk arranges it with the partner operator. Not every partner activity is included in the rate, so ask the lodge whether it is covered for your stay.
The bridge
The Victoria Falls Bridge was completed in 1905 and carries road, rail and pedestrians across the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The border runs through the middle. The bungee platform sits on the bridge itself, between the two border posts, so you are technically in no-man's-land when you jump.
How the jump works
- Drive from the lodge to the Zambian border post, about 30 minutes or a little more depending on traffic.
- Get a bridge pass at the Zambian post, which lets you walk onto the bridge without fully entering Zimbabwe. Check the current arrangement with the lodge before you go.
- Check in at the operator's base, sign the forms, get weighed.
- Harness and briefing on the bridge.
- The jump: ankles bound, you step to the edge, a countdown, and you go. A few seconds of free fall, then the rebound.
- Recovery: a member of the crew is lowered to bring you upright and you are winched back up to the bridge.
The whole thing, from arriving to walking off, takes about an hour depending on queues. The jump itself is a few seconds.
Limits and health
Operator rules at the time of writing:
- Minimum age: 14.
- Minimum weight: 40 kg.
- Maximum weight: the operator's own material gives 120 kg; some third-party listings say 140 kg. Confirm when you book.
- Health: not advised for people with high blood pressure, back problems or heart conditions. Pregnant women should not jump.
If you have any medical condition, talk to your doctor first, and check that your travel insurance covers bungee jumping. Many standard policies don't.
Other ways off the bridge
Other activities on the bridge include a gorge swing, a slide or zipline across the gorge, and bridge tours that take you underneath the deck. For people who want the view but not the drop, the bridge tour is a good alternative.
Nerves and how to handle them
Most people are fine until they are standing at the edge with their ankles tied. That is normal. The crew do this many times a day and will talk you through it. A few things help:
- Jump early in your visit, before you have watched too many others.
- Look at the horizon, not straight down.
- Go on the count. Hesitating makes it harder.
If you get to the edge and decide not to jump, that is your call. Ask the operator in advance about their refund policy.
Watching
Friends and family can watch from the bridge, and the operator usually sells photos and video of each jump. From the Zambian side, you also get a good view of the bridge from the paths near the Falls.
When to go
The bungee runs all year, weather permitting. In high water, around March to May, the spray from the Falls drifts over the gorge and you may get wet. In October and November it is very hot on the bridge in the middle of the day, so mornings are more pleasant.
Fitting it into a stay
The bungee takes a morning or afternoon and pairs well with a Victoria Falls tour on the same day, since you are at the Falls anyway. For groups who want an adrenaline day, it pairs with white water rafting in the gorge below; see group stays.
Afterwards, the boat safari on the quiet upper river is a good way to bring your heart rate down.
Cost
Prices are set by the operator and change from time to time. The lodge will give you the current rate and confirm whether it is included in your stay.