Livingstone Rafting: Swim Below Victoria Falls & Batoka Gorge

Swim in the mist, then paddle through named rapids for five hours

This combo activity in Livingstone pairs a swim in the natural spray pools directly below Victoria Falls with white water rafting through Batoka Gorge on the Zambezi River. You start by scrambling through rocks with your guide to reach the swim spot inside the spray and mist, then raft 12km downstream past named rapids including Morning Glory and the Devil's Toilet Bowl, with a captain and safety kayaker staying with you the entire way. Hotel pickup, lunch, bottled water and national park fees are included.

The experience

Five hours covers two separate water experiences on the same day. The swim comes first: you walk to the base of Victoria Falls, scramble through rocks with your guide, and stand inside the spray pools while water falls from 100 metres above. Your guide shares the gorge's geology and history as you move through the rocks. The Boiling Pot whirlpool sits nearby. This is not a viewing platform. You are standing in the water, feeling the force of it.

The rafting section follows downstream through Batoka Gorge. You pass named rapids including Morning Glory and the Devil's Toilet Bowl, with a captain steering and a safety kayaker paddling alongside throughout. The river covers 12km and the pace is steady. Your guide and crew stay with you the entire way. Lunch and soft drinks are provided during the day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with national park fees, bottled water and photos. A vegetarian meal option is available if you request it at booking. The minimum age is 12.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• white water rafting with a captain and safety kayaker.
• lunch.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• national park fees.
• photos from the day.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Maano Adventures

Is this one for you?The full five-hour day asks for moderate physical fitness and comfort scrambling over rocks and entering the water. It suits anyone who wants to stand inside the spray rather than view the falls from a distance, and to paddle through the gorge rather than watch it pass.

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Top questions

What is the Boiling Pot and where do I see it?

The Boiling Pot is a whirlpool in the gorge near the spray pools below Victoria Falls. Your guide points it out and explains it as part of the geology during the swim portion of the day.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the spray pool section?

The swim takes place in shallow natural pools filled by the spray and mist from the falls, not in open water. You stand and move through the rocks with your guide's help. It is not a swimming activity in the traditional sense.

What happens if the water level is too high or too low for rafting?

The Zambezi operates year-round, though water conditions vary by season. The operator runs the activity across all seasons. Confirm current conditions at the time you book.

Is lunch included, and are there options for dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included in the day. A vegetarian option is available. Let the operator know at booking if you need it.

How much walking and scrambling is involved to reach the spray pools?

You scramble through rocks with your guide to reach the swim spot below the falls. The terrain is rocky and uneven. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed for the full experience.