This summer's World Cup in South Africa will showcase not just the host nation but the whole spectacular region. Here we offer some unforgettable breaks in Southern Africa to combine with foot ....

IF EVER  there was a time for steady nerves, this was it. Gripping my hand tightly, my fearless guide Prince led me across the slippery rocks to the very edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia. Heart pounding, knees knocking and the spray of the falls swirling around me, I peered down into the mighty gorge where the Zambezi River plunges a terrifying 340ft.

I squeezed Prince's hand harder but he barely flinched. Having led these heartstopping tours for years it's likely he lost all feeling in his left arm a long time ago.

Following in the footsteps of David Livingstone, who first set eyes on the mighty waterfalls from this spot in November 1855, I had travelled to Livingstone Island. Located on the very tip of the falls, this uninhabited sand island, along with the gateway city of Livingstone, was named in honour of him. Today it receives up to 80 foolhardy visitors a day for short guided tours, boats leaving throughout the day from the nearby Royal Livingstone Hotel.

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With nothing separating me from a certain but admittedly spectacular death, I paused at the edge only long enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of a full circle rainbow that hovered over the boulders below. Water tumbled over the rocky precipice and somersaulted towards the misty void. Twice as high as Niagara and spanning more than a mile across Zambia's border with Zimbabwe, this

Unesco World Heritage site is a constantly evolving spectacle. Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria but tribes already knew them as Mosi-oa-Unesco World Heritage site is a constantly evolving spectacle. Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria but tribes already knew them as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders", which is a far more fitting name.

Victoria Falls is Africa's adrenaline playground. Rafting trips on the whitewater sections of the Zambezi are legendary as is bungee jumping from the 365ft-high Victoria Falls Bridge, a no-man's land between the two countries. The best views though are from above, ideally in an open-air microlight aircraft or, as my friend Amy unhelpfully described it as I was being strapped in, a "hang glider with a hairdryer attached".

The microlight accelerated down the unpaved runway at the Batoka Sky base just minutes from the falls and suddenly the treetops fell away. Wind whipped around me but the flight was smooth and invigorating. We soared towards the falls where the water fell like ribbons of ivory silk. In the distance, the Zambezi vanished into the emerald horizon.

Zambia is renowned for its 19 national parks and the plains below us were teeming with life. Pilot Pascal pointed out a herd of elephants and hippos wallowing in the mud. A lone giraffe grazed on the upper branches of an acacia tree.

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Back on terra firma we strolled across the Victoria Falls Bridge, where a string of nervous bungee jumpers awaited their turn and crossed the border into the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls. The immigration officer issued our visas enthusiastically and welcomed us into his country.

A day trip into Zimbabwe is not only easily done but also offers an intriguing glimpse into this warm yet struggling nation. We were greeted by hawkers selling everything from carved handicrafts to 10billion Zimbabwean dollar banknotes, which were going for as little as US$1 each. The offer soon escalated to five defunct banknotes for the price of one.

"So, how much would a loaf of bread have cost?" I inquired. "About Z$20trillion," the vendor replied nonchalantly.

We stopped to take in the panoramic views of the waterfalls from a different perspective and roamed the town's quiet, tree-lined streets, spotting the Big Tree, a baobab with a 66ft circumference. The British colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel is another local institution having welcomed guests since 1904. Its elegant terrace, which overlooks the bridge, is still considered the best spot in town for afternoon tea.

LIKE MOST travellers we based ourselves in Zambia, staying on the private and eco-friendly island of Sindabezi. An exclusive retreat with only five open-fronted chalets, Sindabezi is a tranquil escape with a sophisticated following: Prince Harry and girlfriend Chelsy Davy are rumoured to have stayed here.

Each thatched chalet is hidden among dense trees, offering complete privacy and unobstructed views of the Upper Zambezi that can even be savoured from the outdoor bath.

After a day's high-octane activities, guests can opt to dine at the resort's intimate restaurant. We preferred dinner under the stars on the sandy bank outside our chalet. It is still possible to get to know your neighbours, however, with a nightcap on the loungers beside the roaring campfire, lit every night at the heart of the island. We found it was also a great place to view wildlife. Besides Horace, the resident hippo, other animals including baboons and elephants, can be seen just across the river in Zimbabwe.

Okavango Delta ZAMBIA Okonjima Lusaka Lusaka Harare Harare Victoria Falls Later we ventured into Livingstone, just 10 miles away. Home to around 100,000 people, life in this compact city moves at a fast pace. Crossing the main drag, Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, took several attempts as cars careered towards me. The locals were unfazed as they rushed past to the markets and post office. Taking pride of place in the heart of the city is the Capitol Theatre. Built in 1931, this worn but charming colonial building was reopened as a cinema last year. ZIMBABWE BOTSWANA Windhoek Windhoek Gaborone Gaborone NAMIBIA Johannesburg Johannesburg Nearby is the Livingstone Museum, which houses a fascinating exhibit on Zambia's tribal history and a collection of Livingstone's belongings. The vibrant Maramba Market is also not to be missed.

Livingstonians flock here to pick up fresh produce and browse the latest rolls of bright fabrics on offer. 0 Cape Town Cape Town Before leaving we couldn't resist one final farewell to the Falls with a stroll through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The park, Zambia's smallest, offers little in the way of trekking and wildlife but its well-maintained trails through dense tropical flora reveal several fantastic viewpoints.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky but the spray came down like a tropical storm. Carrying umbrellas was a futile exercise and we soon embraced the refreshing shower. Wherever you are in this part of the world, you can't fail to be touched by Victoria Falls.

GETTING THERE:

Escape To (020 7060 6747/www.toescapeto.com) offers three nights in an open-thatched chalet on Sindabezi Island from £1,585pp (two sharing), all inclusive.

Price includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic (0844 874 7747/www.virginatlantic.com) from Heathrow to Johannesburg and all transfers.

Microlight flights from £75pp (arranged on the island). Zambia Tourism Board: 020 7589 6655/www.zambiatourism.com