
Batoka Gorge Swing
About This Experience
Experience the ultimate rush of a 70-meter freefall followed by a massive swing across the spectacular Batoka Gorge. The gorge swing combines the thrill of bungee jumping with the extended excitement of swinging back and forth across the gorge like a human pendulum, offering a different kind of adrenaline rush that many find even more thrilling than bungee.
You'll be securely harnessed on the same platform used for bungee jumping on the Victoria Falls Bridge, suspended 111 meters above the Zambezi River. But instead of bouncing back up, the gorge swing releases you into a heart-stopping freefall that quickly transitions into a giant arc swing across the gorge. The sensation is incredible—total weightlessness followed by the rush of swinging at high speed with the gorge walls racing past on either side.
The swing can be done solo or tandem with a friend or partner, making it perfect for couples who want to share the experience. Multiple swing options are available, including face-forward, backward, or even upside-down for the truly daring. The entire experience is captured on video and photos are available for purchase, ensuring you'll have proof of your bravery to share with friends and family back home.
What's Included
Why This Activity is Popular
Many visitors find the gorge swing even more thrilling than bungee jumping because the freefall is longer and the swing sensation is unique. The tandem option makes it perfect for couples, and it's slightly less expensive than bungee while delivering comparable thrills.
What to Expect
The gorge swing experience begins at the same Victoria Falls Bridge platform used for bungee jumping. After check-in and weight recording, you'll be fitted with a full-body harness with attachment points at your back and chest. Unlike bungee, which uses ankle attachments, the gorge swing keeps you in a seated position throughout. You can choose to swing solo or tandem with a friend or partner, making it perfect for couples or those who want moral support.
You'll walk to the platform edge and be clipped into the swing cables. The anticipation builds as you shuffle to the very edge. When you're ready (no countdown—you control when you go), you simply lean forward or step off. The sensation is incredible: a 70-meter freefall lasting about 3 seconds as you plummet straight down toward the Zambezi River. Unlike bungee's vertical bounce, the gorge swing quickly transitions from freefall into a massive pendulum arc across the gorge.
You'll swing back and forth across the spectacular Batoka Gorge in huge arcs, reaching speeds of up to 160km/h. The swinging motion lasts several minutes, giving you time to enjoy the views, scream your lungs out, or simply soak in the adrenaline. The gorge walls blur past on either side, the river sparkles below, and Victoria Falls roars in the distance. As the swing gradually slows, staff lower you to a small platform where you're unclipped. Many people describe the gorge swing as even more thrilling than bungee because the extended swinging provides longer-lasting excitement than bungee's brief bounces.
Important Information
Minimum age is typically 8-10 years (weight/size dependent), minimum weight around 30-40kg, and maximum weight usually 140-180kg depending on whether you're swinging solo or tandem. No specific fitness requirements beyond being able to stand and walk to the platform. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, epilepsy, or recent surgeries should not participate.
Wear secure, comfortable clothing. Dresses, skirts, or loose items will fly up during the freefall and swing—shorts or pants are recommended. Secure all belongings; you cannot take loose items onto the platform. Professional photos and videos are available for purchase and highly recommended since you can't bring your own camera.
You can choose your release style: forward-facing (classic swing), backward (can't see when you go off, more intense), upside-down (for the truly daring), or tandem. Forward-facing is most popular for first-timers. The entire experience from check-in to completion takes about 30-45 minutes, though longer if there's a queue. Combo packages with bungee or zip line offer significant savings.
Best Time to Book
The gorge swing operates year-round, weather permitting. Operations may pause during electrical storms, high winds, or heavy rain, but these closures are brief. The activity works in virtually all seasons, making it very reliable for planning.
Weather-wise, the dry season (April-November) offers the most consistent conditions. May-October provides clear, dry days with minimal wind—ideal for this activity. September-October are particularly good—warm temperatures, clear skies, and excellent photography light. The wet season (December-March) can bring afternoon thunderstorms that temporarily close operations, though morning swings usually proceed.
For temperature comfort, avoid the peak heat months (October-November) if you're heat-sensitive—waiting on the exposed bridge can be uncomfortable in 35°C+/95°F+ heat. June-August offers cooler, pleasant temperatures. Morning swings (8-11am) provide cooler conditions and often calmer winds. Afternoon swings have dramatic light that makes for beautiful photos but can be windier, adding intensity to the swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does gorge swing differ from bungee jumping?
Bungee: vertical freefall, quick bounce-back, very brief (seconds), attached by ankles. Gorge Swing: vertical freefall transitions to horizontal swinging, lasts several minutes, attached by harness (more comfortable), pendulum motion across gorge. Many people find the gorge swing more thrilling because of the extended duration and unique swinging sensation.
Can I do tandem with my partner or friend?
Yes! Tandem swings are very popular. You'll be harnessed separately but swing simultaneously, experiencing the freefall and swinging together. Combined weight usually can't exceed 180-200kg. Tandem costs about 1.5x the solo price but many couples find it more enjoyable—shared terror and excitement creates great bonding memories!
Which is scarier—gorge swing or bungee?
This is personal, but many people find bungee scarier initially (the head-first dive is psychologically intense) while the gorge swing is more thrilling overall (longer duration means extended adrenaline). If you can only do one, consider: want brief, intense terror? Choose bungee. Want longer, extended excitement? Choose gorge swing. Budget-conscious? Gorge swing is usually slightly cheaper.
What if I freeze up and can't jump?
No pressure or penalty. Jump masters are experienced with nervous participants and will give you time. You control when you go—there's no countdown or push. Many hesitant people eventually do jump after watching others. If you truly can't, you won't get a refund, but there's no shame in changing your mind. Some people find stepping off easier backward since you don't see the drop.
Is it safe? What if something breaks?
Extremely safe. Operators have excellent safety records with 20+ years of operation. Equipment undergoes daily inspections and regular replacement according to manufacturer guidelines. Multiple redundant safety systems mean even if one cable failed (virtually impossible), backup systems would catch you. The biggest risk is honestly the stairs and bridge walk, not the swing itself.
Can I get photos and videos?
Yes, professional photographers and videographers capture your entire experience from multiple angles, including first-person GoPro perspectives. Media is available immediately after for preview and purchase. Packages include photos and videos in various formats. This is highly recommended—you'll want to relive and share this experience!
Pro Tips & Insider Advice
Do the gorge swing before bungee if you're doing both. Many people find that after the gorge swing's extended thrill, bungee feels brief by comparison. Plus, the gorge swing's full-body harness is more comfortable than bungee's ankle attachment, making it a good 'warm-up' for the more intense bungee experience.
If doing tandem, decide beforehand who will initiate the step-off. Having a plan prevents awkward hesitation at the edge. Many couples do 'count of three and go together'—this works well. Avoid complex hand-holding or synchronized choreography; keep it simple to avoid confusion.
Wear a headband or hair tie if you have long hair. The freefall and swing create intense wind that can tangle hair into the harness or impair vision. Similarly, secure any clothing—tuck in shirts, avoid scarves or loose accessories.
Eat something light before but not immediately before. An empty stomach during extreme g-forces is uncomfortable, but a full stomach can cause nausea. A light snack 1-2 hours prior is ideal. Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before—you need full coordination and judgment.
Consider booking early morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak crowds (usually 10am-1pm). Shorter queues mean less time for anxiety to build while waiting. However, some people appreciate watching others first—it can be reassuring or intimidating, depending on your personality. Know yourself!
per person
Perfect For
Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia border