Tucked away on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is the small sleepy town known as Victoria Falls. Named after the spectacular falls of the Zambezi river, the town comes alive once every year, as locals and tourists converge for a three-day carnival to usher in the New Year.
It’s late morning and this helipad located just a few meters from the mighty Zambezi river is roaring with activity. Scores of tourists have gathered here, waiting to take a ride that gives them an enviable tour of the river and the legendary Victoria Falls. Today is especially busy. It’s the beginning of a 3 day carnival that begins on the 29th of december and culminates with the ushering in of the new year.
“We have extreme sports like bungee jumping on the bridge of victoria falls which is adrenaline filled. We also have swinging on the same bridge which is also a high adrenaline sport and for those who want to do something laid back we have the zip line that connects Zambia with Zimbabwe” Clement Mukwasi, Group PR manager, Shearwater
After watching a couple of people jump, I decide to go for the bungee jump. But the jump turns out to be tougher than I though. I get to the edge of the iron platform and fear gets the best of me. As the crowd cheers in encouragement, all I can think about is the 111 meter fall below me, the sharp rocks and water below.
After a few minutes, I get back on, determined to jump. I approach the edge, all the while convincing myself feebly to jump. Again, the fear is too much to conquer. So I decide to go for the safer looking option, the Zip line
So I’m all hooked up now. They say everything is tightly tied up. I’m on the Zambian side and I’m sliding over to the Zimbabwean side. It’s a distance of 240 meters it takes 25 seconds to cover that. And I’m feeling pretty pretty courageous.so here we go…
It’s activities such as these that keep party goers here at Victoria Falls town busy.
“The carnival brings together people of diverse backgrounds, different cultures, and all the activities accommodation and all take place here. It’s unfortunate the carnival only takes place for a few days.I think that the planners of the carnival need to expand it so that it starts around xmas up to the 2nd of january. That way we’ll realize more not only as Zimbabwe but also Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. These are countries that share the boundaries with river Zambezi” Clement Mukwasi, Group PR manager, Shearwater
And so for now, the party and the fun begins reports Penninah Karibe from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe… watch the video here
