Daylight Walks in Victoria Falls Town

Walking in Victoria Falls Town comes with one fixed rule: do it in daylight. The town has no perimeter fence, and elephants, buffalo and warthogs wander through streets and hotel grounds. After dark, take a taxi even for a short distance.

The rainforest trail

The main walk is the paved trail in Victoria Falls National Park, with views of the falls from the opposite side of the gorge. Allow about two hours. It starts with a bronze statue of David Livingstone overlooking Devil’s Cataract and continues past Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls to Danger Point and a view of the bridge.

From the centre of town the park entrance is a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes in daylight. Entry for international visitors is about US$58, and the ticket is for one entry only.

What to bring:

  • A poncho and a waterproof bag for phones and cameras, because the spray can drench you even under a clear sky.
  • Shoes with deep tread. The flagstones are wet and mossy.
  • Sun protection and water for the drier months.

At Danger Point the barriers are low or absent, so stay well back from the edge.

A stroll through town

The town centre, the Elephant’s Walk shopping village and the Victoria Falls Hotel are all close together. The shopping village at Elephant’s Walk and the Jafuta Heritage Centre are both in town. An open-air curio market usually sells carvings and baskets, and polite bargaining is normal. The hotel’s gardens are pleasant for a short walk, with a terrace that looks toward the bridge. Go in the morning, when it is cooler.

If you pass a monument to the liberation struggle, treat it with respect.

Guided bush walks in Zambezi National Park

For a walk with wildlife, join a guided safari on foot in Zambezi National Park. You go with a licensed guide and an armed scout, and the focus is on tracks, plants and smaller animals rather than big sightings. Plan on about three hours. The minimum age is usually 12 to 14. Wear sturdy closed shoes and neutral colours such as khaki, beige or green. Daily park entry is US$17 for international visitors.

Where not to walk

  • The Big Tree on Zambezi Drive is about 2 km from town. Elephants and buffalo use the road, so take a vehicle and never go at dusk.
  • Never walk down to the Zambezi to paddle or wash your hands. Crocodiles and hippos live there.
  • Do not walk between town and your lodge after dark.

Read more: Sightseeing in Victoria Falls Town describes the places on these routes.

Booking help

Find guided walks on GetYourGuide . Park information is at ZimParks .