Picnic on the Edge of Victoria Falls
For a view to really write home about, visit Livingstone Island and picnic on the edge of the thundering Victoria Falls. This historic spot is where the great explorer David Livingstone got his first look at what is now a World Heritage Site.Back in November of 1855, Dr Livingstone was paddled out in a dug-out canoe to the island by members of the local Makololo tribe. This took great skill at the time as the surging waters of the upper Zambezi River form a treacherous channel between the mainland and the island.
Today, visitors take the same route across the water in a motor boat with powerful engines and an experienced skipper. The 5 minute trip is breathtaking, but once you step onto the evergreen wedge of land at the very edge of the chasm, you will be in one of the most special places in the entire world.
Livingstone Island and the Zambezi River
The full force of the mighty Zambezi River plunges over the cliff and down into the Batoka Gorge to create this incredible curtain of water.
It's a sheer drop from the top and with the great volumes of water crashing down a huge spray is created - which is why the falls is known as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya" or The Smoke that Thunders.
Livingstone Island can only be approached between July and November when the water levels are lower in the dry season. The island is rocky around the edges and has a small rainforest. Brave souls can literally
stand at the edge of the falls and look down into the churning waters. A rock pool also forms along the edge and creates a natural bathing spot - swimming anyone?
The Picnic
In season anyone over the age of 12 years can take the 12 seater boat which launches from the Royal Livingstone Jetty (Zambian side of Victoria Falls). All departures include a guided exploration of the island followed by refreshments, before the transfer back to the mainland.
The tour takes you through the history of the island from ancient times to present day. A gazebo will be put up so you can relax and take it all in over a drink. The 3 morning tours (90 minutes each) offer tea, coffee, soft drinks and some tasty snacks.
The lunch time departure takes 2 hours and 75 minutes and includes the light refreshments, plus beer and wine and a lovely buffet lunch for you to savour while admiring the views. The afternoon departure is a 2 hour trip and you can enjoy the light refreshments with snacks plus beer and wine for memorable sundowners.
You can combine a Livingstone Island tour with many other exciting options in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Steam Train
High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel
Zambezi Horse Trails Day Tours
Contact Us to book a memorable Picnic on the Edge of Victoria Falls
Apart from being a natural wonder of the world and a mighty sight to behold, Victoria Falls also offers a wealth of activities and exciting ...
more