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And for one of the longest jumps of all without climbing into a plane, there's the second highest bungee jump in the world - 111 metres straight down off the Zambezi Bridge into the river. And if that's still not enough adrenaline, combine the big leap with a rafting trip by jumping off the bridge into a boat. By Water:The Zambezi is famous as one of the best rivers in the world for river-rafting, Batoka Gorge, below the Falls, is Zimbabwe's favourite stretch of white-water. High season is from the end of August to December when the water is low and rapid. The Zambezi's stiff class four and five rapids make for a day-long adrenaline rush. But the deep, open water and steep gorges as well as trained guides and first-rate safety precautions ensure that injuries are rare. Be prepared for a swim, however, and leave everything that isn't tied on at home. Low season runs from January to July with water levels at their highest during the rainy season from June to August. With the first ten rapids washed out, this is a half-day excursion at this time of year. More of a float than a mad river dash, the most strenuous part of this excursion is climbing out of the gorge. Sobek, on the Zambian side, offer low season rafting further down the Zambezi and overnight rafting expeditions. If hurtling down it isn't your idea of navigating a river, booze cruises operate at all hours of the day, on the Zambezi above the falls. Canoeing and kayaking excursions of varying duration are also on offer. Other activities on offer include fishing and hunting trips and bird-watching safaris. Kazuma Pan National Park:But if it's some African peace and quiet you're after, the remote Kaszuma Pan National Park on the western border with Botswana is little-known and less developed. This remote region resembles the open savannah of East Africa both in appearance and in the mass migrations of game that take place during the dry season from September to November. Two basic National Park camp-sites provide the only accommodation and visitor access is strictly controlled. There's a very good chance you'll have the buffaloes, lions, cheetahs and elephants all to yourself. Backpacking tours of the big five in this savannah wilderness can be arranged. Copyright © 2002 Laurianne Claase. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited |