Victoria Falls: the Zimbabwean side, made simple

Why visit

The Zambezi River is nearly two kilometres wide where it drops more than a hundred metres into a narrow gorge, throwing up a column of spray you can see from far away. From the Zimbabwean side you look across at the falls from a series of viewpoints along the rainforest path, so you see far more of the face than from most other spots. The town itself is small, safe by regional standards and full of things to do.

The rainforest walk

The main entrance to **Victoria Falls National Park** is a short walk from the town centre. A path runs through rainforest kept green by the spray, with about sixteen viewpoints from the **Devil's Cataract** and the statue of David Livingstone to **Main Falls**, **Horseshoe Falls** and **Danger Point**. Allow two to three hours. In high water you will be soaked, so bring a raincoat or hire one at the gate and protect your phone. Entry fees are paid at the gate; check the current amount on the national parks website.

When to go

The falls are fullest from about March to May, after the rains, when the spray can hide the view but the roar is overwhelming. From about June to August the view is clearer and the weather is cool and dry. From about October to December the water is lowest and parts of the face, especially on the Zambian side, may be almost dry, but the Zimbabwean side still has water and rafting is at its best.

Adventure and activities

Victoria Falls is one of Africa's adventure capitals. Options include **white water rafting** in the Batoka Gorge (usually best in low water), the **bungee jump**, swing and zip line from the 1905 **Victoria Falls Bridge**, a historic tour of the bridge, **helicopter flights** over the falls, and gentle **sunset cruises** on the upper Zambezi. Choose established operators and ask about safety records and insurance.

Wildlife

The **Zambezi National Park** runs along the river upstream of town, with elephant, buffalo, sable and lions, and it makes a good half day game drive. Elephants and warthogs often walk through town itself, so take care at night. Hwange is about two hours away by road for a full safari.

Food and culture

Try the town's famous boma dinner with drumming and traditional dishes, or a riverside restaurant for bream and sunset views. The **Elephant's Walk** shopping village and the craft market near the town centre sell carvings, baskets and textiles. Visit **Lookout Cafe** on the gorge edge for lunch with a view of the bridge.

Crossing to Zambia

You can walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge to see the Zambian side and Livingstone. Check whether you need a visa for Zambia or whether the **KAZA UniVisa** suits your trip, and carry your passport.

Staying safe

The town is calm, but do not walk after dark because of elephants and buffalo, and use licensed money changers or banks only. Street touts selling old Zimbabwe dollar notes are harmless but persistent. See the places to visit list for where to eat and stay, and Hwange for the next stop.