Activities near Victoria Falls in late April?
 

We'll be at the Royal Livingstone, near Victoria Falls, in late April for 2 nights after a mobile camping safari in Botswana. If we want to do activities like the river cruise or the helicopter flight do we need to pre-book them before we arrive or can we book when we get there? Also it sounds like we might be there when the falls are at their highest. Is a trip to Livingstone Island at all a possibility or should we assume that will be closed? How about canoeing or rafting in April, do they operate in high water? Any suggestions for activities given we'll have at least a day and a half at Livingstone? We're an active couple that love the outdoors, hiking, wildlife etc and we will be coming to Livingstone after 2 weeks in Botswana.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions. It's our first trip to Africa and we only decided to go last month so our research period for the trip has not been long.

Hello KensingtonGirl,

'Bushtracks Africa' are the people to get in touch with for all activities around Victoria Falls. They have a very informative website, which should answer all your questions. I know they advise pre-booking the activities and then picking up the tickets and meeting at the 'Activity Center' which is located on the grounds of Hotel Zambezi Sun (next to Royal Livingston Hotel - they are sister hotels).

http://www.gotothevictoriafalls.com/...ctivities.html

Good luck and enjoy all!!

When we visited Livingstone (Tongabezi) we booked the Heli flight while staying there and it was fine but you may mike sure in advance - it doesn't hurt to play safe!

Livingstone Island ,ost prbably won't be doable up until Aug/Sep when water level gets down considerably.

Before you book any "elephant back safari" or lion walk you should take into consideration that lion cubs have been taken away from their mothers in order to get them a human imprint - for later walking activities. When grown out of the age (14-18 months) where lion walks are considered harmless they mostly end up at hunting farms to become trophies!
Elephant back safaris get their "supplies" from wild herds - kidnapping young ones and train them in order to be exploited by their keepers.

Happy travels!

SV ((@))

During "peak" season it's recommended to pre-book activities so not to be closed out. However, April is "low" season which offers more flexibility. I'd check the site indicated above, but wait till arrival as weather may dictate what you can or can't do.

I'm with SV when it comes to human interface with game, whether elephant back safaris or walking/petting lions (or cheetah, etc), as offered at VFA. The idea is tempting, but.... personally, not at the expense of the animals! You'll see plenty of game while on safari and most quite "up-close and personal."

Thanks for the information - we weren't thinking of an elephant back safari or lion walk or even bungy jumping. We'd be more likely out there floating down the river looking at the birds and wildlife or doing the rapids.