A visit to Victoria Falls is mostly about getting out and ‘adventuring’. And what could be more fun than exploring by bike? But not by any bike… a Bamba e-bike!

I thought that it would be a really fun way to explore Vic Falls, so when Johannes at Shongwe Oasis suggested we rent a couple of Bamba Bikes’ electric bikes we jumped at the opportunity. The bikes offer the convenience of a regular bike with an added electric boost, making the ride around town a breeze – or so I thought. Having not ridden a bike for decades, the skills required were well and truly buried in my childhood, so for my safety and the motorists out there, I opted for a brisk walk instead. My hubby, however, loved every minute on the e-bike!

After a quick safety briefing and geared up with a helmet, he took to the streets, and at the press of a button, was gliding along the flat roads and bike paths. For those braver than I, it will be a really fun way to take in the sights, explore the local markets and curio shops, the Victoria Falls National Park, The Lookout and even the majestic Big Tree baobab.

In addition to the e-bikes, the Bamba brand offers visitors to Vic Falls the opportunity to experience the Bamba Tram, which is sometimes referred to as ‘The Most Incredible Tram Journey in the World’, and the Bamba Bus, a transfer service around town.

Our Bamba Tram adventure begins alongside the Three Monkeys restaurant, in the heart of town. While waiting we were entertained by a ‘troupe’ of baboon acrobats who took delight in leaping off a huge tree and sliding down the tent roof – climb, leap, slide, repeat.

We were warmly welcomed by Christopher, our skilled tram driver, and Steve, the friendly conductor/guide. The open-air tram, styled in an old-style manner, has been tastefully renovated, its vintage mint green, blending seamlessly easily into the modern era.

Once we had settled into their seats, Steve provided us with an overview of the trip as we leisurely journeyed out of town, passing through a segment of the national park towards the Victoria Falls Bridge. I loved the experience, the fun of chugging along the rails in olde-world style with the anticipation of possible wildlife sightings along the way.  

We didn’t see much game but chugging through the picturesque landscapes and indigenous bush more than made up for it. As did the spectacle of crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge and the remarkable views it offered of the Falls and the Batoka gorge. It’s low-water season so we are able to see the towering basalt cliffs that are usually hidden from view by cascading water, plumes of mist and ethereal rainbows.

The bridge was bustling with trucks carrying freight, cars ferrying tourists, bicycles loaded to the hilt with goods to sell ‘on the other side’, and people crossing what is known as ‘no man’s land’ between the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Our journey, however, was taking us across the elegant steel arch of the bridge to the railway museum on the Zambian side.

Steve tells us that the Victoria Falls Bridge, originally conceived by Cecil Rhodes for his vision of a Cape to Cairo railway line, and eventually completed in 1905 after Rhodes’ passing. We appreciate the beauty of the structure, the audacity of the man and the ingenuity of the engineers tasked with its construction!

We hear a tale of intrigue and espionage that played out during WW2, see the remains of a bunker used to protect the bridge from potential sabotage and admire the views of the Zambezi River flowing far below in the depths of the gorge.

A group of intrepid adventurers make their way down the steep sides for a white-water rafting experience while another brave soul plunges off the bridge, his shrieks of ‘bungeee’ echoing off the cliffs.

I’m happy to take some pics, browse the display in the museum and then make my way sedately back to the tram for coffee and cookies…

 We once again board the tram to make our way back to the station. Disembarking from the tram, we’re ready to catch the Bamba bus back to Shongwe Oasis for a delicious breakfast before heading to an old favourite, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

As you can see, great fun was had by all!!