Nov 3, 2020 | Author : Jess White, Eco Tourism, Family Friendly Activity, High Water, rafting, safari guide, Safaris, Things to do in Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Activities, white water rafting, Zambezi river, Zimbabwe
The Positive Impact of Negative Ions: Your Wellness Safari In Victoria Falls
When you step into a raw, natural space, something shifts – emotionally, physically and mentally. Nature inspires a sense of empowerment and tranquillity, igniting an electrifying paradox of sensations. Anyone who has done a tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest will understand the intoxicating feeling, but not everyone understands what causes this euphoric state. Beyond the beauty of this Natural Wonder, there is something else at work here – negative ions.
What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Ions?
Quite simply, positive ions have lost one or more electrons, whereas negative ions have gained electrons. Though we might assume that ‘positive’ is synonymous with ‘better’, the true meaning of these terms have collapsed into their connotations and can cause confusion. Negative ions produce biochemical reactions that increase serotonin levels. This helps to:
- Alleviate depression
- Relieve stress
- Boost our daytime energy
Positive ions, on the other hand, have lost their electrical charge and the benefits that go with it.
Negative ions are created as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. This is why we feel uplifted by thunderstorms and inspired by waterfalls.
Negative Ions Make You More Alert And Energetic
The environment in urban areas disrupts the delicate balance of ions. Artificial lighting and air conditioners deplete negative ions, causing people to feel lethargic and demotivated. Throughout lockdown, people have navigated the world from behind screens that bombard us with positive ions. A safari in Victoria Falls will influence your health measurably and positively. It is more than the roar of rushing water or the beauty of a rainbow on rainless afternoons – a safari in Victoria Falls is health generating as well as breathtaking. Now more than ever, we need to escape toxic environments for the healing power of nature.
Waterfalls and rapids are the hydraulic equivalents of fireworks. Whether you are rafting down white water rapids, or even swimming above the Victoria Falls in Devil’s Pool, negative ions will generate an increased flow of oxygen to the brain to make you more alert and energetic.
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Dec 1, 2019 | High Water, Low Water, white water rafting, wild horizons activities, wildhorizons, zambezi rafting, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Internet Age has come with an overload of information that can lead to confusion and misrepresentation.
We are here to dispel that by making things measurable. Not only has the Victoria Falls never dried up but last year it was the highest it has been since 2010. Every year we chart the water levels in a graph using data provided by the Zambezi River Authority, who assess water levels through a hydrometric network comprising of thirteen stations.
As you can see, seasonally there are drop offs in the dry season and rises in the wet season, this is nothing new or concerning, it is a natural fluctuation. More so, apart from this year, the river level has been above the normal average for the past five years. Please be mindful of exaggerated stories and footage that has been censored and sensationalised. We are here on the ground and we are available to answer any questions or concerns.
We have wet seasons and we have dry seasons, but the Victoria Falls is magnificent in all her forms.
The river is currently on the rise and alarmist reporting only distorts a very normal phenomenon.
Aug 23, 2017 | Family Friendly Activity, High Water, Low Water, rafting, Things to do in Victoria Falls, white water rafting, wildhorizons
For Fun, Just Add Water (Low water vs High water rafting)
Richard Bangs once wrote that wild rivers are the earth’s renegades, defying gravity and dancing to their own tunes. Your first glimpse at the raging rapids that roll and churn down the Zambezi awaken the adventurer inside you, taunting you and seducing you. They beckon with their tremulous arms, teasing with their spurts of white water and daring you with their coiling waves.
The Zambezi is a moving, breathing part of the earth. It is the vein through which life flows and thrusts. Every stroke of your paddle takes you further than a vehicle on the road ever could. They say the first river you raft runs through the rest of your life. It bubbles up in you, the memories swirling like eddies in the pit of your stomach each time you remember it. The Zambezi morphs in shape and stature when the water levels drop or rise, yet each experience is exhilarating in its own way because life is simple- For fun, just add water.
When water levels drop, thrill levels soar. Between August and December, the river seems to be racing itself, plunging furiously between the lips of the gorge, cascading dramatically around very boulder and corner. It toys with the rafts with such precision, that every flip seems pre-meditated. During this time, expeditions begin at rapid number 1, the “Boiling Pot”. You take off from the white water rafting factory- the base of the Victoria Falls. The roar of the river diving down 100 meters of black basalt rock creates an ambience of adventure, purring at your inner adrenaline junkie. If you are after a heart racing, eye widening, and mind blowing rafting trip, then low water is what you need, and you have between August and December to get it.
During the high water seasons (January, February, March, May, June, July), gallons of water crash down the Victoria Falls, streaming into the thirsty gorge, and flooding the rocks and outcrops that form the rapids. When you dip your fingertips in to rippling water, you touch the last of what has gone before, and the first of what is still to come. At these times of the year, the river is more subdued, relaxing after a thunderous low water race. However, the sheer volume of water makes the first ten rapids unrunnable, and thus rafters will only tackle rapid 11 (The Over lander Eater) through to number 23 (The Morning Shave). As the water levels continue to creep higher and higher around March, rafters respectfully leave the Zambezi to her own devices, until they drop again around June.
The Zambezi was designed by the dare devil in Mother Nature, and there is no theme park in the world that could ever compete. Contrary to popular belief, the river is not one long, frothing rapid. The “Devils Toilet Bowl”, “The Stairway to Heaven” and “Mothers Revenge” (just to name a few) spring before you in short, dramatic bursts.
The stretch of water between them is gentle and smooth- the calm before the storm. They are just long enough to allow you to drink in the incredible scenery and let the sun soak up the water on your skin. The soft slosh of water against the rafts is accompanied by exhilarated shouts and laughs that bounce off the walls of the gorge, as euphoric rafters share their stories and psych up for the next roller coaster. Cruising down this channel of water feels like cruising through a postcard. The most experienced photo editor in the world couldn’t enhance the beauty of the looming gorge stretching to meet the brilliant blue sky. Paddling through an exquisite crevice in the earth, flanked by indigenous flora and passing by inquisitive fauna, is humbling and breath taking in the same moment.
The Zambezi Low Water Rafting Season is finally here! LOW WATER rafting commenced 3 August 2017. Take on the Zambezi with Wild Horizons and the finest crew on the river – Africa’s Greatest Adventures!
Jan 5, 2017 | Author : Jess White, Things to do in Victoria Falls, Vic Falls Carnival, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Activity, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, Zambezi river
Victoria Falls, a quaint town home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, was transformed into festival central over the New Year period. The atmosphere hummed with excitement, music from multiple genres filled the air and the streets teamed with brightly dressed party goers. Land Rovers wound across the busy roads, packed with adrenaline seekers as they made their way between the rafting excursions, gorge swings, helicopter rides, and various pool parties dotted around the town.
The 3-day event came to life on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River. Beneath the surface of the glistening ripples live countless fish, crocodile and hippo. Birds dip and dive among the indigenous green trees that proudly overlook this impressive body of water. It is the ideal location to mark the start of the three-day extravaganza. There is no better way to spend an afternoon than lazing by the banks of a slow flowing river, listening to the gentle background music of talented DJ’s, with a refreshing drink at hand. The moon eventually took its place in the sky, and in small groups, people returned to town and pay a visit to the vibey Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge and Mvu bar, where the festivities continued into the early hours of the following morning.
On day two the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival raced on at full steam ahead with the popular party train, which took off on the 30th. Hundreds of people made their way to what can only be described as Grand Celebration Station. Waving their luminous purple wrist bands in the air above their heads, people leapt aboard the ride of a lifetime. Hogwarts Express pales in comparison to the party train, which was equipped with bars, music and hundreds of enthusiastic passengers. The train made its way to Jafuta, where a stage and strobe lights awaited the train. The high-pitched whistle of the train could barely drown the sound of the powerful music pouring from the speakers at the front. The smell of frying burger wafted across the eastern end of the party, while the sound of ice clattering into cooler boxes sounded at the west, where people were served their drinks in the light of the setting sun. Local DJ’s transported the crowd on a musical journey that only ended once the final train was ready to make its final departure home at 1 o’clock in the morning.
It is hard to believe that this was just the warm-up so the main event.
Like children to the Pied Pipers tune, so the carnival troopers danced their way onto the field where the NYE party unfolded. Feet pounded the earth from dusk until dawn as music from Locnville, Sketchy Bongo, GoodLuck and many more artists engulfed the crowd. The various food stalls also got a fair amount of attention as the night wore on and the munchies kicked in. People were lured off the dance floor by the delicious aroma of frying burger patties, and returned revitalised and ready to party on. The lights emanating from the stage gave the carnival an almost surreal feel. The vibrant colours washed over the dancefloor and swirled across the stage, reaching high into the navy blue sky towards the millions of stars that watched the carnival below. During the countdown into the new year, a soft mist drifted down, refreshing the party so that they could carry on dancing into the eagerly anticipated new year.
The Jameson Vic Falls Carnival is as unique and special as the town in which it takes place. The earth’s natural beauty flourishes here and can be seen everywhere, whether you are strolling through the rainforest, hurtling through the rapids or plunging into African air at the edge of a bungee cord. There is a marriage between cultural diversity and musical talent that leaves listeners with new found musical taste. Everyone you meet at the carnival is excited, friendly and ready for an adventure. The elation doesn’t end from the moment you step into Victoria Falls, to the moment you say your wistful goodbyes to her. Wild Horizons are proud to be Co-sponsors of the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival.
Jun 13, 2016 | Guides, Low Water, rafting, Victoria Falls, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, wild horizons activities, Wild Horizons Staff, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
The Guides
While our team of world-class guides will safely guide you through the rapids on our self supported expedition and explain the geology and fascinating history of this area.
Each day, you’ll take away a wealth of information about this special place. Perhaps even more impressive than their knowledge of the Zambezi is their genuine, heartfelt connection to the river. With Wild Horizons’ guides having an average of over 19 years experience you are truly in good hands.
Meals just taste better when they’re made outdoors. When rafting down the river, your guides will prepare delicious hearty meals seemingly out of thin air. Plus, with advance notice, they are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions and requests. There’s nothing better than rising as the sun illuminates the towering walls above, to the smell of bacon and eggs on the fire.
The Beaches
Two words ‘beach campsite’! There is something wonderful about ending the day and setting up camp on a private, white sandy beach overlooking the beautiful river.
You probably don’t think about beaches in Zimbabwe, but they’re here. Sink your toes in the sand, crack open a cold beverage, and go over the day’s adventures in your mind as the canyon walls turn gold with the setting sun.
No Technology
Within minutes of being on the river you are a world away from the buzz of Victoria Falls and modern life. Having no cell phones, internet or distractions allows you to connect with the environment and people around you.
You’ll find yourself completely connected to the moment you are in and the new smells, sounds and sights that surround you. If you want to escape on a “real holiday” where there are no phones, computers or stress, this is the perfect vacation for you.
The Wildlife and Scenery
Sheer rock walls arise hundreds of meters above the river. On longer journeys basalt rocks give way to grassy banks and the grunts of vocal hippopotamus carry across the water. Rapids are interceded by calm stretches of crystal clear water where you can take a relaxing swim and watch the spectacular gorges, thick with vegetation. The Songwe gorges, home to the threatened Taita falcons, are incredibly beautiful and seen by few tourists.
The Camraderie
There’s something about a shared experience outdoors that lends itself to friendships. Perhaps it’s the quiet nights spent chatting around the campfire whilst stars twinkle overhead, or the excitement and teamwork that comes with navigating a class 5 rapid together but few people leave without exchanging details. And if you travel with friends or family you’ll find those connections strengthened by the time spent together and unique memories made.
In 2016 Wild Horizons has added set departures to our multi day rafting trips, perfect for solo travellers and smaller groups.
2017 SET DEPARTURE DATES (2 day 2 night Multi Day Rafting trails)
In: 2nd October Out: 4th October
In: 16th October Out: 18th October
In: 23rd October Out: 25th October
For more information on the various itineraries available click here or email info@wildhorizons.co.zw
Dec 29, 2015 | rafting, Victoria Falls, white water rafting, Wild Horizons Activites, wildhorizons, zambezi rafting, Zambezi river
Wild Horizons Launches Multi-day Rafting Set Itineraries in 2016.
Victoria Falls is the adrenalin capital of Southern Africa. There are a range of exciting and scenic activities on offer and the most famed of the adrenaline activities is Zambezi white water rafting. The Zambezi River offers what many consider the best one day white water rafting run in the world.
Even better than the one day rafting, are multi-day rafting trips, which offer not only thrills and spills but also the chance to see incredible scenery, camp on sparkling white beaches and enjoy hearty meals under starlight with friends. In 2016 Wild Horizons has added set departures to our multi day rafting trips- perfect for solo travellers and small groups.
* These trips will remain on a provisional basis until we have 6 confirmed guests per departure.
27th to 29th August 2016. 2 day, 2 night.
U$572.00 per person
12th to 16th September 2016. 5 day, 4 night.
U$1188.00 per person
These unique experiences let you experience roaring rapids in the midst of narrow canyons and broad valleys with white sandy beaches. Camp is set up on these untouched beaches and hearty dinners are enjoyed around roaring campfires with new friends. Our team of world class guides will safely guide you through the rapids on our self supported expedition and explain the geology and fascinating history of this area.
Between September and November rafting is at its best with lots of grade 4 and 5 rapids. These adventures are between two and five days long. The journey snakes through the Songwe and Batoka gorges. Sheer rock walls arise hundreds of meters above the river. It is here where one may catch a glimpse of the threatened Taita falcon as its soars above you.
On the longer journeys basalt rocks give way to grassy banks and the grunts of vocal hippopotamus carry across the water. Rapids are interceded by calm stretches of crystal clear water where you can take a relaxing swim and watch the spectacular gorges, thick with vegetation.
If you want to escape on a “real holiday” where there are no phones, computers or stress, this is the perfect vacation for you.