By: Kathy G. Mills Photo: Kathy G. Mills
The Victoria Falls Bridge stretches 198 meters across the gorge between southern Zambia and northwest Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River forms a natural border between the two countries. Completed in 1905, it was intended to be part of a vast railway network of uninterrupted track running from Cape Town to Cairo. English businessman and politician Cecil John Rhodes, who initiated the process, ordered that the bridge be placed so close to Victoria Falls that train passengers
Walking Across—The most sedate option on this list, walking across the bridge offers the unique opportunity to occupy space in two countries at once, just by stopping midway. Regard the mighty falls from a number of different vantage points and don’t forget your camera—the steady supply of mist ensures a multitude of rainbows.
Other high-octane adventures take place in the vicinity of the bridge. These activities all use thick cables secured at either end of the gorge, providing tourists a unique, gravity-defying passage over the Zambezi.
Zip-Lining—Riders attach to the cable via a full-body harness which provides a comfortable sitting posiWalking Under—For a different tion while zipping across the gorge view, consider venturing under- at speeds up to 106 km. (also known neath the bridge. Guides make sure as a slide). that guests are fitted into sturdy harnesses and hooked onto a safe- Flying—The Flying Fox experience ty rope before the tour begins. An is similar to zip lining; the difference
THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE:
Something for Everyone
would feel water spray in their faces up-close look at Victorian-era engias they journeyed over the river. neering and a fact-filled presentation make this activity one of VictoThe Cape Town to Cairo network ria Falls’ most popular. The rumble never materialized, and Cecil John of cars and trains overhead kicks up Rhodes died before completion of the adventure quotient just a notch. the bridge. However, his vision of the Victoria Falls Bridge as an inter- Jumping Off—The bridge is also active tourist experience has been the platform for a world-renowned, realized—almost certainly far be- adrenaline-charged bungee jump. yond what he ever could have imag- Commencing operation in 1994, ined. These days, visitors who aren’t it serves over 13,000 visitors a satisfied with merely riding over the year. Jumpers dive head first for a bridge now have the option to walk 111 meter drop, then swing above across it, walk under it, or even jump croc-infested waters by their ankles off the side of it. before being hoisted back to safety.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
is the position of the rider. Hooking to the cable via the back of the harness allows riders to “fly” with arms and legs outstretched for the 200 meter trip. Swinging—Swingers hook onto a rope attached to the middle of the gorge cable and step off the platform—freefalling 70 meters before bouncing back up and settling into a pendulum-style swing over the river. The best way to experience the bridge? Sitting on the train with a glass of champagne, of course! TL Z
