Following my recent post about visiting Victoria Falls from Livingstone, Zambia, I’m now sharing my insights on visiting the falls from Zimbabwe, which I highly recommend for those looking to experience this spectacular natural wonder in the best possible way. While the range of activities around the falls and Zambezi River is quite similar in both countries, each side offers something unique. In Zambia, the standout attraction is the Devil’s Pool, where you can swim to the edge of the waterfall. In contrast, Zimbabwe provides the best vantage points to see the falls in their entirety from across the gorge. Visiting both sides is rewarding, as each country offers distinct experiences, cultural nuances, and breathtaking views that are well worth exploring.
How to get to Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe
We accessed Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe by crossing over from Livingstone, Zambia through the land border, which is located over the Victoria Falls Bridge. We simple walked across the 1.5 km bridge with our luggage and arrived in the town on the Zimbabwe side. However, Victoria Falls has its own airport too, which is connected through regional flights such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airlines, Air Namibia & Air Zimbabwe.
Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe
For visa requirements, I always recommend checking the latest information on the official government website. s an Indian passport holder, I was eligible for a visa on arrival, which we paid for at immigration. Zimbabwe tends to be more lenient regarding visa requirements, with most nationalities qualifying for either visa-free entry, an e-visa, or a visa on arrival.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Until a few years ago, Zimbabwe faced significant political turmoil, and the lingering effects mean it’s best to avoid discussing politics or the government openly when visiting. Additionally, the economic struggles in Zimbabwe felt more pronounced compared to its neighbor, Zambia. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Although Zimbabwe has its own local currency, the US dollar is widely preferred. Most prices for menus, activities, taxis, and more are quoted in USD due to the instability of the local currency, which has been facing severe hyperinflation.
Power cuts are common, like neighbouring Livingstone, Zambia. However, lodges in Zimbabwe appeared better equipped with generators or solar-powered systems, making the outages less noticeable.
The city is generally safe to walk around, with low crime rates. However, it’s best to avoid unlit areas at night to steer clear of potentially encountering wildlife.
Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient mode of transport within the area. The Victoria Falls National Park is just a 5-minute drive from the town center.
Like Livingstone Zambia, I did not find the lodges or the activities cheap. In fact, most activities are priced around $100, and we paid about $60 for overnight stay in a backpackers’. Unlike Zambia, there were almost no lodges located on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Recommended budget stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge
Top things to do in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Much like in Livingstone, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers a wide range of activities suited to various adventure levels. From adrenaline-pumping thrills to unique cultural and dining experiences, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for 48 hours.
Zipline / Bungee / Gorge Swing
All three activities are available at The Lookout Café, offering stunning views and exhilarating experiences. If you’re up for a serious adrenaline rush, try the bungee jump or gorge swing—but only if you’re ready to face the daunting ravine below! For those seeking a slightly less intense adventure, the zipline is an excellent choice and still offers plenty of thrills. Be sure to bring your own GoPro or Insta360 to capture the moment. If you don’t have one, you can purchase the footage from the company organizing the activities.
The Lookout Café
If you’d rather skip the adrenaline-pumping activities, simply grab a seat on the terrace of The Lookout Café, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the gorge and river below. Relax with a glass of wine as you watch others test their limits on these daring adventures—it’s the perfect way to soak in the scenery without the thrills!
Sunset River Cruises
Sunset cruises are available on both sides of Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe), so be sure to double-check the departure location when booking, especially if doing so online in advance. Whether you depart from Livingstone or the Zimbabwe side, this cruise offers a fantastic way to experience wildlife and take in a breathtaking sunset over the Zambezi, all while unwinding with a glass of wine and a barbecue.
Victoria Falls National Park
Even if you’ve already visited Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambia side, I highly recommend exploring Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side as well. Although the entrance fee is higher at $50 per person, the views are far superior, allowing you to see the full majesty of the falls from the opposite side, where the water cascades dramatically into the river below. The vibrant rainbows that form over the falls are truly mesmerizing! You’ll also walk through a lush, misty rainforest, so if you’re not keen on getting wet, be sure to bring a raincoat or purchase one at the entrance. The hike through the park takes about an hour, or longer if you prefer a leisurely pace with plenty of photo stops at the viewing platforms.
Boma Dinner & Drum Show
Although it’s a bit of a tourist trap, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience! It’s an African cuisine buffet with live entertainment that gets livelier as the night goes on. The dancers, drummers, and audience engagement were fantastic, though the food was just average. I loved the vibrant atmosphere and highly recommend spending the $50 on the dinner and show for its energetic, colorful, and lively vibe. The dinner starts around 8 and goes on until 11 pm.
Arrive a bit early to enjoy a stunning sunset with drinks at the terrace bar of Victoria Lodge Hotel, which offers sweeping views of the vast bushland. You might even spot some wildlife coming to the pond for a drink at sunset—it’s a truly spectacular sight. This hotel also hosts the Boma Dinner, so you can easily take their shuttle bus to the venue after your sunset drinks.
Visit a cultural village
Although I found this experience somewhat overpriced (and I hope most of the fee goes to the local villagers rather than the tour companies), visiting one of the villages outside Victoria Falls was both interesting and educational. It provided a valuable glimpse into the daily lives of the people there. Having visited villages in India, I noticed that while there are significant cultural differences, there are also striking similarities in rural life, from traditional cooking methods to home remedies for various ailments. The experience was both eye-opening and enriching.
The tour usually lasts about 45 min- 1 hr in addition to the 1-hour transit time from the lodges in Victoria Falls to the village.
Dusty Road Township Experience
Located about 15 minutes from the city center, Dusty Road was brought to life by Sarah Lilford, who is passionate about two things: offering visitors authentic and delicious Zimbabwean meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and uplifting the local community by involving families in her small business. The food was outstanding, and the entire experience was enriched by learning about the fresh ingredients and herbs used in each dish, the significance of local drinks, and the live cooking demonstrations. The ambiance and setting made this not just a culinary experience, but a cultural one as well. Unlike the lively Boma Experience, Dusty Road offers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of each dish in a calm and soothing setting.
Day trip to Chobe National Park, Botswana
We were already planning to spend a week in Botswana after visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, but if that’s not in your itinerary, consider taking a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, just an hour away from Victoria Falls. You can easily book this excursion online or through your lodge’s activities desk. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy game viewing, both on a boat tour and through land game drives. Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, and with some luck, you might even spot the Big Five. Most day trips include both morning and afternoon game drives, with lunch in between, and return to Victoria Falls by late evening.
Day trip to Hwange National Park
Although it is lesser popular, Hwange National Park located in Zimbabwe is also not too far from Victoria Falls. If you do not wish to cross the border into Botswana, then this is a good alternative to enjoy some game viewing. Hwange National Park, located about two hours’ drive south of Victoria Falls, is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and is renowned for its vast array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.