Victoria Falls

How many days: 3

Spend your first day exploring Victoria Falls National Park on foot. Follow the viewpoints, take your time with photographs and allow for heavy spray near the main waterfall. Afterwards, explore the town or visit the bridge for a different perspective on the gorge.

Use your second day for a Zambezi River cruise and a wildlife activity in the surrounding area. Keep the third day flexible for a guided adventure, another look at the falls or a visit across the border to the Zambian side, provided you have the necessary entry permission.

What to do in Victoria Falls

Walk the waterfall viewpoints

Follow the paths through Victoria Falls National Park to see the waterfall from several angles. The scale becomes clearer as you move between the viewpoints.

Visit Victoria Falls Bridge

Walk towards the historic bridge spanning the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The views reveal the depth of the gorge and the river far below.

Cruise the Zambezi at sunset

Take a guided boat cruise upstream of the falls for river scenery, birdlife and possible wildlife sightings. Sunset gives the water and surrounding trees a softer light.

Explore the rainforest paths

Walk through the unusually lush vegetation sustained by spray from the waterfall. You may see monkeys, birds and dense greenery that contrasts with the drier surrounding landscape.

See the falls from above

Consider a scenic helicopter flight for a view of the waterfall, river and zigzagging gorges. Weather and visibility affect what you can see.

Try a guided river adventure

The Zambezi offers rafting and other adventure activities, depending on river conditions. Choose a reputable licensed operator and follow safety guidance carefully.

Look for wildlife nearby

Join a guided wildlife drive in the surrounding protected areas. Elephants, antelope and birdlife are among the animals you might encounter, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Explore the local craft market

Browse handmade carvings, textiles and other crafts in town. Take time to compare workmanship and agree prices politely before buying.

Visit the Zambian viewpoints

Cross to the Livingstone side if your travel documents allow. The viewpoints offer a different perspective, particularly when water levels make some sections more visible than others.

Watch the gorge from a lookout

Spend time at a safe designated viewpoint overlooking the Batoka Gorge. The steep rock walls and winding river show how the landscape continues beyond the main waterfall.

What to eat and drink

Try sadza with relish

Taste Zimbabwe's staple maize meal, usually served with vegetables, meat or a savoury sauce. It is filling and a good introduction to everyday local cooking.

Order grilled river fish

Look for locally prepared freshwater fish with vegetables or sadza. Ask about the catch and preparation rather than assuming every menu uses local fish.

Have a traditional meat stew

Try slow-cooked beef or chicken with a rich sauce and a maize or rice accompaniment. These simple dishes are especially satisfying after a long day outdoors.

Taste leafy vegetable dishes

Look for cooked greens, beans and peanut-based sauces in traditional meals. They offer a useful change from the grilled meat common on tourist menus.

Enjoy a riverside drink

Choose a safe, established riverside setting for a cold drink while watching the Zambezi. Keep a respectful distance from the water and any wildlife.

Try local grilled barbecue

Sample charcoal-grilled meat with vegetables and a simple starch. Ask for well-cooked food and choose somewhere with good food-handling practices.

Getting around

Victoria Falls town is small enough to walk around its central streets, although heat can make even short distances tiring. The national park entrance is accessible from the main tourist area. Use registered taxis or accommodation-arranged transfers for longer journeys, especially after dark.

Wildlife activities, river cruises and remote viewpoints generally require organised transport. Do not walk into bushland or approach the riverbank independently, as wild animals can move through the area. Border crossings require separate planning, and walking across the bridge is not the same as entering the neighbouring country.

Good to know

• The waterfall changes dramatically with the seasons. Higher water brings stronger spray, while lower water can reveal more rock and individual channels.
• Expect to get wet near the main viewpoints when spray is heavy. Protect cameras, phones and valuables.
• Wild animals sometimes enter areas close to town. Never approach or feed them, even when they appear calm.
• Check Zimbabwean entry requirements and any separate requirements for Zambia before planning a cross-border visit.
• Use insect repellent and obtain appropriate travel-health advice about malaria and other regional risks before travelling.
• Book specialist activities ahead where necessary, and check safety standards, insurance exclusions and river conditions.