PROMINENT EVENTS

The Zambezi river is considered home to some of the best white water in the world. One of the many highlights is bobbing around at the base of the magnificent Victoria Falls - definitely one of the more dramatic places on this planet to begin a river adventure.

"This is without doubt the major White Water event in Africa. The thrills and spills from previous years were a tribe performed above all expectations.

I have no doubt that this year, with the event being held in October and thus the water level expected to be at its prime for the Commercial Rafting Experience we are going to see some spectacular action!

In October the water is expected to be reasonably low as Southern Africa comes out of its 6 month dry winter. The Zambezi in the Batoka gorge beneath the Victoria Falls is at its prime for Rafting and Kayaking at this level.

Rapids such as number 5 "The Stair Way to Heaven" and number 8 "The Midnight Diner" will be KICKING. We are getting some major interest from Rafting bodies from around the world and expect at least three continents to be represented at this year's event". Robin Brown

The event organisers are working closely with the International Rafting Federation offices based in Australia in getting the event registered as a World Series Event. This will still allow the event to accept entries from both Amateur and Professional Athletes.

The Victoria marathon is organized by a local touring company Wild frontiers in conjunction with the national athletics association of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe tourism authority as part of the promotion of tourism through sport.

ENTRY CONDITIONS

Marathon (42.2km)
The competition is open to persons 21 years and over.
Medals will be awarded to all finishers under five and half hours.

Half Marathon (21.1 km)
The competition is open to persons of 18 years and over.
Medals will be awarded to all finishers under three and half hours.

Fun Run (5km)
The competition is open to persons of 10 years and over.
No prizes or medals available.

The marathon is being run under the auspices of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, and this event will be governed by the rules of the IAAF.

The full marathon (42.2km) will lead you through the town of Victoria Falls, across the border into Zambia and when you reach the bridge you will see the full majesty of the Falls and the gorges below. The route returns to Zimbabwe from where it continues through the outskirts of the town and along the Zambezi River drive. The possibility of seeing some game is good. The finish for the race will be at the farm school on the outskirts of the town. Course is certified.

Zimbabwe Schools host a magnificent regatta in September each year to which all South African rowing schools are invited. In prior years the regatta was held at the Mazoe Dam near Harare. In 2002 the regatta moved to Victoria Falls and took place at a spectacular venue on the Zambezi River, 5 km above the Falls. Several South African schools have participated in the regatta each year including Mondeor High, Hilton College, D.S.G. and St Benedict's.

The regatta takes place annually towards the end of September - on a Saturday or Sunday usually around the time of the South African public holiday on 23rd September.

NATURE OF THE REGATTA
The regatta is very largely a sculling regatta, but fours and eights events could be held if there was a demand for them. Events are currently held over a straight 1000m course - but a straight 2000m course is equally possible (depending on the number of hippo on the course!!!) There are events suitable for Under Fifteen, Under Sixteen and Open rowers - both boys and girls. Senior events are also held and South African club crews would be most welcome.
 

Victoria Falls is more than a thrilling show of the force of nature. Africa's undisputed adventure capital, it tops the list for adrenaline junkies the world over: possibly the world's best white-water rafting, bungy jumping, hippo-dodging canoe trips, sky diving...the list goes on.

The previous year saw the holding of a Skydive Jamboree in Victoria Falls. With divers from South Africa and Zimbabwe attending, the event proved a success with many jumps being done over the Elephant Hills Golf Club and into another Gymkana event that was held at the same time.

Using a custom skydive plane from New Zealand, most jumps were done from 8000ft with a highlight being a tandem jump by Larry Norton, an internationally famous wildlife artist and Vic Falls resident, to raise funds for local charity.

Sporting Guns offer clay pigeon shooting only 3km from the Victoria Falls.

The shoot caters for International clients and uses only the very best equipment and instruction.

Group sizes are small and we aim to please the novice and experienced shot with a wide range of fun and challenging targets.
They have 6 disciplines from 'have a go' for those wanting a new experience through to ABT, DTL, English Sporting and Olympic Skeet.

They use Promatic automatic traps and Beretta over and under shotguns.

Everyone is welcome. There instructors will take the novice or experienced shot and ensure they have a challenging and fun experience. Morning, Lunch and Afternoon sessions available, the latter with dinner upon request.

The Sporting Guns Boma has panoramic views over the rolling African bush and is available for private functions, wedding and group hire.