It's easy to loft lengthy adjectives at Victoria Falls, aptly described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But there is much more to Victoria Falls than the waterfall. The nearby town of Livingstone, Zambia, is the extreme-sports capital of southern Africa, with heaps of travel and adventure companies. Adrenaline junkies in need of a quick fix while traversing Africa have a menu of activities to get the blood pumping, like Victoria Falls itself.
Running the river: Although you'll splash out some cash for it, you shouldn't miss the thrill of being swept and flung headlong down one of the wildest runs in the world. The Zambezi, which once propelled Livingstone into the heart of darkness, is home to some thrilling class-3 and -4 rapids, and some seriously scary class-5 ones.
Assuming you can calm your heart long enough to take your eyes off the river, the surrounding scenery of rock-hewn canyons and tropical forests and savannahs is quintessential Africa. The 14-mile run is at its wildest from mid-August to late December, when southern Africa experiences its dry season. Half- and full-day trips cost $110 and $125 respectively, though you can throw in a night of bush camping for $165 (watch out for the crocs and hippos). If you're looking to explore the tributaries of the Zambezi, longer jaunts throughout Zambia can be arranged.
Taking the plunge: Spanning the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Bridge was the engineering centerpiece in Cecil Rhodes' Cape-Cairo railway, which was conceived in the late 19th century and intended to link British land holdings in South Africa and Egypt. Although Rhodes' dream was never fully realized, today the bridge serves a very different function: as a springboard for bungee jumpers.
At a height of 364 feet, Victoria Falls Bridge is the world's third-tallest bungee jump, though its fear factor is arguably the greatest. While plummeting to your potential doom, you will be blasted with sprays from Victoria Falls, then yanked back to life within inches of the swirling eddies of the Zambezi below. The plunge costs $90, but if you have a crazy friend who wants to join, tandem jumps are a bargain at $130.
Soaring above: Anyone can pay the entrance fee and walk around the ridge of Victoria Falls, but to truly experience the size and scope of the spray, you've got to get airborne. The tamest option is a fixed-wing flight on a modern Cessna or a vintage Tiger Moth, which ranges from $60 to $160, depending on the route.
Moving up the adventure scale, the aptly named Flight of the Angels is a 15- or 30-minute joyride in a helicopter, which packs a slightly larger punch to the wallet at $90 or $180.
If you're a serious extreme-sports lover, you'll want to cruise through the aerial spray in a microlight, or better yet, an ultralight. These motorized hang gliders offer the best views from the air, and are a great way to get over your fear of heights. A 30-minute microlight or ultralight flight over the falls costs $160 or $185, though you're going to want to check the weather forecast before you take to the skies.
Planning your trip: Major international carriers serve Johannesburg, South Africa, the gateway to the region. South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) has daily flights to Livingstone via Johannesburg. Choosing a tour operator in Livingstone can be challenging, with no shortage of touts competing for your business; ask at your guesthouse, or query fellow travelers for recommendations.
Places to eat
* A number of decent eateries line Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone's main drag. Popular with backpackers, Funky Munky (216 Mosi-oa-Tunya Road; dishes $2-$4) is a laid-back bistro serving salads, pizzas and baguette sandwiches.
* Ocean Basket (82 Mosi-oa-Tunya Road; dishes $4-$8) has a surprising range of good seafood.
* Between the bank and the post office on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, unassuming 48 Hours Bar & Restaurant (no street address; dishes $2-$3) grills cheap, tasty burgers and meat dishes.
Places to stay
* One of the funkiest properties in Southern Africa, Jollyboys International Backpackers (34 Kanyanta Road; 011-260-324-229; www.backpackzambia. com; doubles from $25) oozes with personality, from the sunken pillow lounge to the lofty observation tower. Camping and dorm beds are available too.
* With a hopping coffee house, swimming pool, small crafts store and cute motel rooms decked with African décor, ZigZag Bed & Breakfast (Mosi-oa-Tunya Road; 011-260-322-814; doubles from $60) makes a nice higher-end lodging choice.
