Batoka Gorge

The Batoka Gorge, located just below the powerful Victoria Falls, winds through 75 miles (120 km) of rocky cliffs and sparse mopane forests between Zambia and Zimbabwe. And while hiking along this gorge that reaches heights of 400 feet in some areas ranks high on things to do, it’s the thrilling one-day whitewater rafting adventures that draw travelers to Batoka Gorge. Rapids with nicknames like “The Ugly Sister” and “Oblivion” put adrenaline junkies face-to-face with their fears and have travelers emerging from the waters with epic stories of survival. In addition to embarking on wild rides and challenging hikes, visitors to Batoka Gorge can spot a variety of species of indigenous birds, witness baboons wandering along beaten pathways and get up close to some of the rare plants that help to make Batoka Gorge so scenic. 

Practical Info

The Batoka Gorge is located in the Hwange Communal Land and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. It’s most accessible via the Boiling Pot, just below Victoria Falls. Though the majority of available hikes are strenuous, cable car service out of the gorge is offered in at least one location so travelers can escape the challenge of actually climbing out.