The Victoria Falls Bridge bungee is one of the best-known jumps in the world. The platform is 111 m above the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge, on a bridge that has linked Zimbabwe and Zambia since 1905 [1], with the falls in view. This guide covers what the jump costs, the rules, how border check-in works, and how to plan a Victoria Falls trip with friends or family who aren’t jumping.
Victoria Falls bungee: key facts
| Operator | Shearwater Victoria Falls |
|---|---|
| Height | 111 m above the Zambezi |
| Price | US$194 per person; photos and video sold separately |
| Age and weight | 14+, 40–120 kg |
| Time | About 1 hour at the bridge, plus travel |
| Getting there | 15 minutes from Victoria Falls town or a short taxi ride from Livingstone; transfers US$12 per person |
| Bring | Your passport, for ID and a Bridge Pass |
| Weather | Jumping stops in rain and high winds |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before |
Source: Shearwater’s bridge activities page [1]. Check it again before you book, as prices change.
Check-in and the border
The jump platform is in the middle of the bridge, between the two countries. You first go through the Zimbabwe border post, then check in at the Shearwater Bungee registration office near the bridge, so bring your passport [1]. The operator lists health conditions that may rule you out, including high blood pressure, heart conditions, epilepsy, pregnancy, recent eye surgery and previous back, neck, shoulder or knee injuries. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and leave hairpieces and loose accessories behind [1].
If you’re staying in Livingstone, ask your accommodation how long the crossing usually takes and allow extra time, so you aren’t rushing to the bridge.
Bungee, swing or zipline?
The bridge also has a gorge swing and a zipline (the “slide”), which suit people who don’t want to go head-first [1].
- Bungee: US$194, solo only, 14+ [1].
- Bridge swing: US$137 solo or US$201 tandem. It starts with a free fall from 111 m and then swings in a big arc across the gorge. Age 10+, and under-12s must swing tandem with an adult [1].
The swing is the only one of the three you can do as a pair. See solo vs tandem bungee jumping for how tandem limits work at other sites.
Safety: the 2011 cord failure
On New Year’s Eve 2011, Australian Erin Langworthy’s cord broke during a jump here. She fell into the Zambezi and survived [2]. Jumps were suspended while the accident was investigated, then resumed in 2012 [3]. We cover what happened and what changed in the Erin Langworthy accident. For how to judge any operator, see how to choose a reputable bungee operator.
Planning a Victoria Falls trip around the jump
The falls are a World Heritage site shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe, famous for their spray, mist and rainbows [4]. Most people come for the falls, not just the jump, so you’ll enjoy the trip more if you don’t try to do everything in one day.
- Jump in the morning. You’ll have a spare slot if rain or wind stops jumping [1], and you’ll be done before the hottest part of the day. Afterwards, drink water, find some shade and eat something.
- Plan the day for the whole group. Friends who aren’t jumping still get to see the bridge and the gorge. Give them a plan, such as a morning at the falls, the bridge in the afternoon and a meal together afterwards, so they aren’t waiting around in a car park.
- Take a rest day. Give the falls a full day without a harness. You’ll get wet from the spray, so bring rain protection and shoes with good grip.
- With only two nights: jump on the first morning, do something relaxed that evening, and walk the falls before you leave.
- Get insurance. Make sure your travel insurance covers bungee jumping and other adventure activities [5]. See our travel insurance guide.
If you change your mind on the day, that’s fine. You still get to see the falls. Our guide to what to expect on jump day explains the process step by step.
FAQ
How high is the Victoria Falls bungee jump?
111 m, from the Victoria Falls Bridge into the Batoka Gorge above the Zambezi River [1].
How much does the Victoria Falls bungee cost?
Shearwater lists US$194 per person. Transfers cost US$12 per person, and photos and video are extra [1].
Do I need my passport for the Victoria Falls bungee?
Yes. You need it for ID and for a Bridge Pass, because you go through the Zimbabwe border post before reaching the bridge [1].
What is the age and weight limit?
14 or older, and 40–120 kg for the bungee [1].
Is the Victoria Falls bungee safe?
A cord broke during a jump in 2011, and the jumper survived [2]. Jumping resumed in 2012 after an investigation [3]. Read the operator’s health list and see our guide to choosing a reputable operator.
Sources
- Shearwater Victoria Falls: bridge bungee, swing and zipline (111 m, prices, age, weight, check-in, weather)
- The Guardian (Jan 8, 2012): Victoria Falls bungee jumper survives after cord snaps
- Travelnews (Feb 1, 2012): Vic Falls Bungee resumes
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
- InsureMyTrip: adventure sports travel insurance
Image credits
- Photo: The original uploader was Vberger at French Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
- Photo: JackyR / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)