You know that bucket list you’ve been diligently checking off? Well, here’s an adventure you absolutely must add: flying over Victoria Falls in a microlight. This thrilling experience provides one of the most unique perspectives of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, giving you a true bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape below.
VICTORIA FALLS: A NATURAL WONDER
For those unfamiliar, Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the falls stand 355 feet tall, making them neither the highest nor the widest in the world. But still, their combined height and width create the largest sheet of falling water globally. This spectacular natural wonder should undoubtedly be on every traveler’s bucket list.
THE MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE
While there are many activities to enjoy at Victoria Falls and on the Zambezi River, flying over the falls in a microlight is arguably the most exhilarating. Opting for the microlight over a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft offers an unparalleled, open-air experience that closely mimics the sensation of natural flight and allows for lower, more intimate views of the falls.
THE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
You can choose between a 15-minute or a 30-minute flight. The shorter flight includes multiple circuits over the falls and a brief journey along the Zambezi River, offering ample opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, crocodiles, and impalas. The 30-minute flight extends the adventure, taking you downstream over the Batoka Gorges and upstream along the Zambezi River and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, where you might see hippos, giraffes, and more.
DETAILS AND COSTS
- Duration and Cost: The 15-minute flight costs around $170 USD. While you cannot bring your own camera for safety reasons, you can purchase professional photos taken during the flight for an additional $20.
- Schedule: Flights are available in the morning (8am to 9.30am) and afternoon (3pm to 5pm) when conditions are most suitable.
- Location: The microlight flights take off from the Batoka Sky “Maramba” Aerodrome, just outside Livingstone town in Zambia.
- Aircraft: The microlights used are weight-shift aircraft fitted with 912 Rotax engines, manufactured by Rainbow Aircraft in South Africa and DTA in France.
UNMATCHED VIEWS AND MEMORIES
The microlight accommodates only one passenger and the pilot, ensuring uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the “smoke that thunders.” The open-air design of the microlight allows for an authentic flying experience, and the wing-mounted camera captures stunning images of you with the falls as the backdrop—a unique memento of your flight.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
- Weather: During the rainy season (December to March), weather conditions may postpone or cancel flights.
- Weight Limit: There is a passenger weight limit of 100 kg. Larger individuals should contact the operator before booking.
- Camera Policy: For safety reasons, personal cameras are not allowed. However, the pilot-operated, wing-mounted camera ensures you’ll have high-quality photos to remember your adventure.
GETTING THERE
This thrilling activity is available only from Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. If you’re staying on the Zimbabwean side, arranging a transfer to Zambia is straightforward but may require additional visas and costs.
FLIGHT OPTIONS
- 15-Minute Flight: Includes circuits over Victoria Falls and a short flight along the Zambezi River, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- 30-Minute Flight: Extends the journey downstream over the Batoka Gorges and upstream along the Zambezi River and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, offering more extensive wildlife viewing and a broader perspective of the landscape.
CONCLUSION
Flying over Victoria Falls in a microlight is an experience like no other, offering a unique perspective on one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Whether you choose the 15-minute or 30-minute flight, you’re guaranteed a thrilling adventure and unforgettable memories. Add this to your bucket list and prepare for an extraordinary journey above the “smoke that thunders.”
