VICTORIA FALLS BA-TOKA GORGE HIKING SAFARI – SCENIC TRAILS, WILDLIFE & CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Explore The Wild Beauty Of The Victoria Falls Like Never Before With The First-ever Owner-led Hiking Safari Through The Awe-inspiring Ba-Toka Gorges – Exclusively Guided By Local Experts.
This Immersive Hiking Experience Takes You Across Dramatic Gorge Landscapes, Through Sun-drenched Savannah Woodlands And Lush Riverine Forests. Along The Way, Encounter A Variety Of Wildlife Including Rock Dassies, Southern Porcupines, Reptiles And Numerous Antelope Species. The Area Is Also A Haven For Birdwatchers – Home To Rich Birdlife And The Rare And Vulnerable Taita Falcon, Which Breeds Only In These Gorges.
During Certain Times Of The Year, You Will Also Have The Chance To Try Your Hands At Our Seasonal Catch-And-Release Fishing Experience On The Zambezi River – A Peaceful And Rewarding Way To Connect With Nature.
To Complete Your Journey, Enjoy A Remote Cultural Tour That Offers Authentic Insight Into Local Traditions, Ending With A Special Visit To The Chief’s Palace – Where Culture, History And Storytelling Comes Alive.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BA-TOKA GORGE HIKING SAFARI, WE RECOMMEND BRINGING THE FOLLOWING:
- COMFORTABLE HIKING SHOES OR BOOTS
Closed, Sturdy Footwear Is Essential For Walking On Uneven And Rocky Terrain.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, BREATHABLE CLOTHING
Wear Neutral-colored Clothing Suitable For Warm Weather. Long Sleeves And Trousers Are Recommended For Sun And Scratch Protection.
- SUN PROTECTION
Bring A Wide-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses And Sunscreen With High SPF.
- PERSONAL REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE (OPTIONAL)
While We Provide Bottled Water, You May Bring Your Own Reusable Bottle To Stay Eco-conscious.
- CAMERA OR SMARTPHONE
The Gorges And Wildlife Offer Stunning Photo Opportunities.
- RAIN JACKET OR LIGHT PONCHO (SEASONAL)
During The Wet Season, A Lightweight Waterproof Layer Is Helpful.
- INSECT REPELLENT
Especially Useful When Hiking Near Riverine Forests.
- FISHING GEAR (IF COMING DURING THE FISHING SEASON)
Guests Interested In The Catch-And-Release Activity Should Bring Their Own Fishing Equipment.
- SMALL BACKPACK OR DAYPACK
Handy For Carrying Personal Items, Snacks And Water.
- PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
Any Necessary Medication You May Need During The Hike.
What is included in the tour
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR BA-TOKA GORGE HIKING SAFARI:
- EXPERT LOCAL GUIDE
Enjoy The Company Of A Licensed, English-Speaking Guide With Deep Knowledge Of The Area’s Terrain, Wildlife And Culture.
- ASSISTANT GUIDE / TRACKER (DEPUTY GUIDE)
A Lead Scout Or Hike Tracker Joins The Hike To Support Navigation And Safety Throughout The Trail.
- ROUND-TRIP TRANSFERS
Convenient Transportation To And From Your Lodge Or Hotel in Livingstone Is Provided.
- ALL PARK ENTRANCE FEES
Entry Fees To The Hiking And Conservation Areas Are Fully Covered.
- REFRESHMENTS
Complimentary Bottled Water, Soft Drinks And Light Snacks Provided During The Hike.
- PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR (If REQUIRED)
Safety Hemets Will Be Provided Where Specific Trail Conditions Or Routes Call For Extra Protection.
- TRADITIONAL OR STANDARD LUNCH
Enjoy A Well-prepared Meal After Your Hike – Either A Delicious Traditional Zambian Lunch Or A Standard Menu, Based On Availability And Preferences.
What is NOT included in the tour
❌ WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HIKING TRIPS:
- FISHING EQUIPMENT
Guests Are Advised To Bring Their Own Fishing Gear If Visiting During The Fishing Season, As Equipment Is Not Provided.
- VISA & TRAVEL INSURANCE
All Personal Travel Documentation, Including Visas And Insurance, Must Be Arranged In Advance By The Guest.
- GRATUITIES
Tips For Guides And Support Staff Are Not Included And Are Left To Your Discretion.
- PERSONAL EXPENSES & ITEMS NOT LISTED
Any Items Or Services Not Specifically Mentioned Under The “Inclusions” Section Are Not Covered In This Tour.
🔥 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – WHY YOU WILL LOVE THE BA-TOKA GORGE HIKING SAFARI
- 🌍 FIRST-EVER OWNER-GUIDED BA-TOKA GORGE HIKES
Experience A Pioneering Adventure Through Victoria Falls’ Hidden Gem – Exclusively Guided By Local Experts.
- 🦅 BIRDING PARADISE – HOME OF THE RARE TAITA FALCON
Spot One Of Africa’s Rarest Birds In Its Only Known Breeding Grounds, Plus Dozens Of Other Bird Species.
- 🦌 WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS IN NATURAL HABITATS
Most Likely See Rock Dassies, Porcupines, Reptiles And Antelopes Up Close In Savannah Woodlands And Riverine Forests.
- 🎣 SEASONAL CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING ON THE ZAMBEZI
Try Your Luck With A Rod In Hand – Fishing Available During Selected Times Of The Year Only.
- 🏞️ SPECTACULAR GORGE & RIVER VIEWS
Hike Through Breathtaking Terrains With Panoramic Vews Of The Victoria Falls’ Mighty Gorge System.
- 🛖 AUTHENTIC CULTURAL TOUR & VISIT TO THE CHIEF'S PALACE
End Your Safari With A Meaningful Connection to Local Heritage, Traditions And Community Stories.
- 📸 PERFECT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS & NATURE LOVERS
Every Step Offers Postcard-worthy Views And Unforgettable Moments In Untouched Nature.
FULL BATOKA GORGE HIKING SAFARI ITINERARY
👉🏾06:00 hrs – Hotel Pick-Up (Livingstone Area) Meet your friendly local licensed safari guide and safari driver.
- Quick safety briefing and overview of the day.
- Begin a scenic drive to the BaToka Gorge trailhead.
👉🏾06:45 hrs – Arrival at Trailhead & Preparations
- Stretch, hydrate and get equipped.
- Final gear check before beginning the descent into the gorge.
👉🏾07:00 hrs – Guided Descent into the BaToka Gorge
- Hike through dramatic cliffs and sunlit savannah paths.
- Learn about the geological history and cultural myths tied to the gorge.
- Spot small mammals, reptiles and unique plant species along the way.
👉🏾08:30 hrs – Wildlife & Birding Zone
- Encounter rock dassies, porcupines, reptiles and various antelope.
- Enjoy birdwatching—look out for the elusive Taita Falcon, which breeds only in this gorge.
👉🏾09:15 hrs – Zambezi Riverbank Exploration Reach the base of the gorge and walk along the riverbank.
- Optional riverside meditation or a light snack under shaded rocks.
👉🏾10:00 hrs – Optional: Catch-and-Release Fishing (Seasonal) Experience local fishing techniques on the Zambezi.
- Connect with nature in a peaceful and rewarding way (when in season).
👉🏾11:00 hrs – Ascent with Cultural Trail Segment Begin the ascent via a scenic route.
- Discover local flora, traditional plant uses and cultural anecdotes.
👉🏾12:30 hrs – Authentic Cultural Encounter Visit a nearby village or traditional site.
- Engage in storytelling, observe cultural rituals and optionally visit a local chief’s palace.
👉🏾13:30 hrs – Refreshments & Cool Down Enjoy cold bottled water, seasonal fruits and light snacks.
- Rest in a shaded relaxation zone before the return drive.
👉🏾14:00 hrs – Return Transfer to Livingstone Drop-off at your lodge or hotel with unforgettable memories of BaToka’s wild beauty.
