Romantic Evenings at Victoria Falls Town

Victoria Falls Town suits couples because the best moments happen at dusk and after dark, when the spray glows and the river quietens. This page follows a day for two, from tea on a colonial terrace to a lunar rainbow at night.

Afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace

The Victoria Falls Hotel opened in 1904 and is nicknamed the Grand Old Lady of the Falls. Its Stanley’s Terrace looks across the gardens to the steel arch of the Victoria Falls Bridge, with the plume of spray rising behind it. Afternoon tea is served here, and smart-casual dress is expected. The hotel’s lobbies and gardens are good for a slow stroll, and warthogs sometimes graze on the lawns. See the hotel’s own page at victoriafallshotel.com .

A Zambezi sunset cruise

A cruise on the broad river above the falls is the classic evening for couples. Expect hippos, crocodiles on the sandbars, fish eagles and sometimes elephants crossing at dusk. The ZimParks levy is US$12. Resellers also sell Ra-Ikane, a luxury sunset boat, at about US$80 to US$240, depending on the package. Compare what each price includes, such as drinks, before booking. Capacity on the luxury boats is limited, so book ahead.

Dinner at the Lookout Cafe

Wild Horizons runs the Lookout Cafe on the edge of the Batoka Gorge above the rapids. It burned down on 24 December 2018 and reopened on 1 December 2019. Check that it is trading before you plan an evening around it, and ask when booking about tables with the best view.

A lunar rainbow night

On the nights around each full moon, ZimParks opens the rainforest after dark for about US$116 per person. In clear skies the moonlight makes a pale rainbow across the gorge. Bring waterproofs and a tripod, because the spray is heavy and photos need long exposures.

A flight over the falls

The 12 to 13 minute Flight of Angels helicopter ride runs at about US$150 to US$190 at resellers, plus a US$18 park levy per person. It suits an anniversary or a honeymoon.

Riverside lodges

Upmarket lodges along the Zambezi include Victoria Falls River Lodge, The Old Drift Lodge and Matetsi Victoria Falls. Check each lodge’s website for rooms, rates and activities. Victoria Falls River Lodge is at victoriafallsriverlodge.com .

Staying safe

  • Do not walk between restaurants and your lodge after dark. Elephants, buffalo and hippos graze in streets and grounds, so use the hotel taxi or a transfer.
  • Danger Point and other rainforest viewpoints have low or no barriers. Stay behind the edge, especially in the dark.
  • Do not swim in the river outside an operator-run pool.

Read more: Couple Activities in Victoria Falls Town has more ideas for two.

Booking help

Search stays on Booking.com .