Discovering India and the World: Victoria Falls Bridge

"Build the bridge across the Zambezi where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls.” said Cecil Rhodes, the visionary behind the Victoria Falls Bridge, an architectural marvel.

 

The History…

Built in 1905, the bridge crosses the Zambezi River just below Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfall! As the Zambezi River is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the bridge links the two countries and has border posts on the approaches to both ends. The bridge was the brainchild of Cecil Rhodes, who had a vision of a Cape to Cairo Railway Bridge across the mighty Zambezi. He was insistent that the bridge should be built in a place that the spray from the falls would fall on the passing trains. This is why the site for the bridge was chosen just a little below the Boiling Pot, at almost right angles to the falls. The height of this magnificent bridge is 420 feet which spans a length of 650 feet, with a main arch of 500 feet. It was designed by George Anthony Hobson and Sir Ralph Freeman, the same engineer who contributed to the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Towering over the Batoka Gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia and set against the backdrop of the largest waterfall in the world, the bridge provides a platform for a gamut of activities to suit all ages.

 

Free Falls from the Fall…

 

Known as one of the best sites for bungee jumping in the world, the four seconds of free fall of 365 feet is pure adrenaline! Victoria Falls Bungee is the only place in the world you get to jump in “no-man’s land” and is consistently voted as one of the top five adrenaline experiences on the planet. Bridge Swing and Bridge Slide are two other activities you can indulge in at Victoria Falls Bridge. In a Bridge Swing, fly out over the mighty Zambezi River in an upright position for an 80 metre free fall and then swing in a huge arc with the cascading waterfall rumbling by your side. Bridge Slide is exciting, mildly adventurous and friendly for all ages from seven years up. Glide over a span of 300 metres over the rapids in the Batoka Gorge and enjoy incomparable views of The Falls before gently coming to rest on the Zimbabwean side of the bridge.

 

After these heart-pounding adventures, go for the Moonlight Dinner Run where you can savour chilled refreshments and gourmet canapés, stroll along the bridge, and relax in elegant carriages as the sun sets over the magnificent Victoria Falls.