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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Victoria Falls

Things to Do in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is home to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders - the thundering Victoria Falls, known locally as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' or 'The Smoke That Thunders.' This UNESCO World Heritage site drops 355 feet into the Zambezi Gorge, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away. The town of Victoria Falls has developed into southern Africa's premier adventure tourism destination, offering everything from bungee jumping and white-water rafting to luxury safari experiences. Beyond the falls themselves, Victoria Falls serves as a gateway to incredible wildlife experiences, with nearby national parks offering some of Africa's best game viewing. The town perfectly balances heart-pounding adventure activities with cultural experiences, luxury accommodations, and authentic African hospitality, making it an essential stop on any southern African itinerary.

Top Things to Do in Victoria Falls

View Victoria Falls from Multiple Vantage Points

Experience the falls from the Zimbabwean side through a series of viewpoints connected by paved pathways through rainforest. The Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Eastern Cataract each offer unique perspectives of this natural wonder. The best views are typically from Viewpoint 15 and the famous Knife Edge Bridge.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $30 USD for international visitors. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer crowds and better photography light. During high water season (March-July), expect to get completely soaked from the spray - bring waterproof camera protection.

White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River

Navigate Grade 5 rapids through the dramatic Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls on one of the world's most thrilling white-water rafting experiences. Full-day trips cover rapids with names like 'The Washing Machine' and 'Oblivion,' while half-day options focus on the most exciting sections.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $120-160 USD, half-day $90-120 USD. Book with established operators like Safari Par Excellence or Wild Horizons. High water season (December-July) offers bigger rapids, while low water (August-December) provides more technical runs.

Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee Jump

Take a 111-meter plunge from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, suspended between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This iconic bungee jump offers spectacular views of the falls and gorge during the 4-second freefall, making it one of the world's most scenic extreme sports experiences.

Booking Tip: Jumps cost $160 USD and operate daily 9 AM-5 PM. Book directly with Shearwater Adventures who holds the exclusive concession. Weight limits are 40-140kg, and you'll need your passport for the bridge crossing. Photos and videos cost extra $30-50 USD.

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

Drift along the upper Zambezi River on a leisurely cruise featuring spectacular African sunsets, abundant wildlife, and premium drinks and snacks. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species while enjoying the peaceful waters above the falls.

Booking Tip: Standard cruises cost $45-65 USD, luxury options $80-120 USD. Book premium boats like the African Queen or Ra-Ikane for better service and smaller groups. Cruises run year-round but offer best wildlife viewing during dry season (May-October).

Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls

Experience the full majesty of Victoria Falls from above on scenic helicopter flights ranging from 13-minute 'Flight of Angels' to extended tours covering the falls, Zambezi River, and surrounding national parks. The aerial perspective reveals the falls' true scale and the dramatic zigzag gorge carved by centuries of erosion.

Booking Tip: 13-minute flights cost $150-180 USD, 25-minute flights $280-350 USD. Book with Batoka Sky, United Air Charters, or Zambezi Helicopter Company. Morning flights offer better visibility and lighting. Weight restrictions apply - passengers over 100kg may need to purchase two seats.

Getting There

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) receives direct flights from Johannesburg (1.5 hours), Cape Town (2 hours), and regional destinations. South African Airways, British Airways, and Fastjet operate regular services. Overland options include luxury buses from Bulawayo (5 hours) or self-driving via the A8 highway. Many visitors combine Victoria Falls with Botswana's Chobe National Park (1 hour drive) or take the scenic overnight train from Bulawayo, though service can be unreliable.

Getting Around

Victoria Falls town is compact and walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and activity operators within a few kilometers of each other. Licensed taxis charge fixed rates ($10-15 USD to the falls, $5-8 USD around town) and are readily available. Many hotels provide free shuttle services to the falls and town center. Car rentals are available but unnecessary unless exploring beyond town. For border crossings to Zambia or Botswana, use registered taxi services familiar with documentation requirements.

Where to Stay

Victoria Falls Town Center
Zambezi National Park Area
Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
Elephant Hills Area
Gorges Lodge Area
Airport Road

Food & Dining

Victoria Falls offers dining from casual local spots to upscale international cuisine. The Three Monkeys serves excellent wood-fired pizzas and steaks in a lively atmosphere, while The Palm Restaurant offers fine dining with continental and local dishes. For authentic Zimbabwean cuisine, try sadza (corn porridge) with relish at local spots like Mama Africa Eating House. The Lookout Cafe provides spectacular gorge views with their meals. Hotel restaurants like those at Victoria Falls Hotel and Elephant Hills offer high-end dining experiences. Many restaurants accept US dollars, and tipping 10-15% is standard for good service.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

When to Visit

Victoria Falls can be visited year-round, each season offering different experiences. High water season (March-July) provides the most dramatic falls views but heavy spray can obscure visibility and soak visitors completely. Low water season (September-December) offers clearer views, better photography conditions, and access to natural pools at the falls' edge, but less impressive water flow. The dry season (May-October) is ideal for wildlife viewing and most outdoor activities, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Avoid January-February if possible due to heavy rains and potential flooding.

Insider Tips

Bring both Zimbabwean dollars and US cash - US dollars are widely accepted but you'll get change in local currency which can be difficult to exchange elsewhere
Pack waterproof bags and clothing even in dry season as the falls' spray can soak you completely at certain viewpoints
Book activities through established operators with proper insurance rather than street vendors, as safety standards vary significantly and some operators lack proper licensing

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