The concept of the ‘canopy tour’ is a relatively new product
in the tourism industry, with the first canopy tour operation opening around 5
years ago in South America. Since then there have been several other operations
launched in various parts of the world, including quite a number across South
Africa. Wikipedia describes a canopy tour as “an established route
through a wooded and often mountainous landscape making primary use of
zip-lines and aerial bridges between platforms built in trees”.
In our case, the Vic Falls Canopy Tour is a series of 9
zip-lines, or ‘slides’, which zigzags across the Batoka Gorge in amongst the
thick vegetation which grows on the edges of this spectacular natural canyon.
The tour is operated from the Wild Horizons Lookout, and takes place within the
cove that is formed by the first bend in the river below the Falls – directly
beneath the Victoria Falls Hotel. Apart from the 9 cable slides, (or ‘foofy’
slides), the route also comprises a series of boarded walkways and rope
bridges, all of which have safety lines to which guests are fastened at all
times. The course from start to finish will take around 60 – 90 minutes, depending
on the size of the group.
Of-course one of the factors that makes this activity so
popular is the breathtaking views of the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and
it’s turbulent rapids, and the Victoria Falls Bridge! This is not to mention
the awe-inspiring flora and fauna which thrives in the canopy of the Batoka
Gorge! It is also a treat for bird watchers, as they are likely to spot Trumpeter
Hornbill, Schalow'sTuraco and Peregrine Falcon - and if you are extremely
lucky, the rare Taita Falcon.
The slides vary in speed and length, but are all relatively
low-speed and are more than suitable for those who don’t consider themselves as
adrenalin junkies. The activity is perfect for families with young kids who are
looking for that little bit of excitement, but might be too young to take part
in the more adrenalin-demanding activities such as the gorge swing or bungeejump. (The same goes for the parents, who on the contrary might be “a little
too old” for the bigger adrenalin-demanders!). It is the perfect ‘in-between’
activity, which there is not much choice for when it comes to the plethora of
Victoria Falls activities on offer by the many various tour operators. The tour
is also suitable for those who don’t like heights as for the most part the
slides traverse through trees and thick vegetation.
The canopy tour is growing in popularity when it comes to
adventure tourism around the world because of its mild, safe and
family-friendly nature. The Vic Falls Canopy Tour is undoubtedly one of the
world’s most spectacular courses and is an industry leader when it comes to
safety and equipment, as well the training of their staff and guides. The Vic
Falls Canopy Tour is a highly recommended activity, which has repeatedly been
described as excellent value for money.
The Vic Falls Canopy Tour sells for USD$50 per person, and
can be booked by contacting the Wild Horizons reservations team through their
website, www.wildhorizons.co.za -
or through the main booking office located at 310 Parkway Drive, Victoria
Falls. 
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