Overview of Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
Victoria Falls, by some standards, is said to be the biggest waterfall in the world! The sheer size of this beast makes seeing its entire beauty by land impossible. For this reason, many people who come to Zimbabwe or Zambia take helicopter rides to get an aerial view of the falls. During my time in Zimbabwe, I also considered booking a helicopter until I found a slightly more unique experience.
I had never heard of the Victoria Falls microlight experience until I came across it on the web. The pictures made it look like a hang glide with seats. My mind wandered as I saw more pictures, “How cool would it be to glide over one of the largest falls in the world?” After some more research, I was sold and decided the $180 cost of this flight was worth it.
Arrival at Airstrip
I walked across the Victoria Falls bridge and waited in line to stamp my passport to enter Zambia. I was situated in Zimbabwe to see the falls, but unfortunately, the microlight flights only operate from the Bakota Sky Airstrip in Zambia.
Crossing the border was quick and easy. A short five-minute walk across a bridge and a five-minute wait for a passport stamp got me through. Once I did, a van operated by Bakota Sky, the company that runs the flights, picked me up, and we began our short drive to the airstrip.
Tip: If you need a visa to enter Zimbabwe, and wish to do this activity, make sure to get a double-entry visa so you can go to Zambia and then return.
As we approached the strip, I saw what looked like life-sized paper airplanes landing on the runway. Before we could get flying, a quick check-in and briefing were required. At the check-in desk, I was asked if I wanted the flight’s Go-Pro to take videos or pictures. I chose videos knowing I could screenshot pictures from the video later. Once I was briefed on the safety rules, I made my way out to the runway.
Note: The video or pictures are sold to you for $20 USD at the end of the flight. You are not allowed to use your own Go-Pro.
As the flights landed one by one, I couldn’t help but notice how simplistic they looked. They were steered by one long rod, had two seats, and a small engine in the back. I wasn’t exactly sure how something like this even flew, but I was about to find out. Eventually, I was given a helmet, directed to one of these three-wheeled paper airplanes, and took my seat. The pilot introduced himself through the helmet’s headset as a kind lady did a gear check. Once all was good, the engine started, and my seat began to rattle. It was time.
Take Off!
We slowly started down the runway as the engine churned louder and louder. After picking up as much speed as possible, the flight lifted off the ground ever so slowly, and we were on the rise. The first few minutes of this experience are such a thrill. I could not stop smiling as I realized how amazing it was to be doing what I was doing. Smelling the crisp air and feeling the wind while looking over Zimbabwe and Zambia was something special, something you do not get in an enclosed aircraft.
After I adjusted to the initial thrill, the pilot began to talk through the headset describing facts about the Zambezi River. I tried my best to listen, but my eyes were fixated on the ultimate prize ahead of me. I could see a large white cloud of smoke in the air and didn’t need an explanation from the pilot, to know where it was we were headed.
The Ride
The flight moved forward as we flew over the grasslands of Zambia. I tried to embrace the moment and enjoy every second of the experience, but part of me could not resist wanting to reach the falls faster. As we got closer, I saw a giant hole in the ground that looked like a large crack in the earth’s flooring. We had made it. We eventually made a wide-angle turn around the falls and then…. there it was. My first sight. It was extraordinarily beautiful yet extremely powerful.
I stared in awe as the falls continued to roar, unbothered by our tiny flight. I looked down and saw how small everything looked from this high up. Even the once ever-so-intimidating bridge that I had bungee jumped off earlier in the day seemed insignificant now. The only thing that commanded a presence from this high up was the falls itself. Seeing the water rip into the flat surface of the earth as it roared through the surrounding area was surreal. I could see why the original name of the falls was Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders“.
I put my hands out and tried to take in every moment of what felt like a dream. This winged aircraft, with just two seats and no windows, had brought us to an incredibly close distance to the world’s largest falls. I couldn’t believe it.
We posed a few times for the Go-Pro before finally calling it quits. On the way back to the airstrip, we flew more directly over the Zambezi River and got a chance to see a family of underwater hippos through the clear waters of the Zambezi. In the distance, I could also see Zambezi River cruise boats, endless miles of grasslands, and a sun that looked at me at eye level.
As we began to descend, I stuck my arms out in the air one last time to enjoy the breeze in the sky. The wind gushed by me, and the seat rumbled as I savored every last bit of this experience. Before long, I felt a thump on the ground, and the flight landed. The incredible journey came to a close.
Experience Reaction
Everything about this was surreal. A helicopter ride will no doubt please your sense of sight, but visuals aren’t always enough. A microlight flight over Victoria Falls will allow you to hear the water roar, feel the wind on your skin, and embrace the outdoors, all with the added adrenaline that comes with the flight itself. If you’re worried about safety, don’t be. The crew was very well trained and the flight never felt unsafe despite its dare-devilish feel. Overall you’ll get a safe adrenaline rush, a stimulation of many senses, and one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. A microlight flight over Victoria Falls isn’t a great option, it’s a must-do!
