Sightseeing in Victoria Falls and Binga
Matabeleland North’s sights run from a World Heritage waterfall to a small museum on Lake Kariba. Victoria Falls is the base for most of them, while Binga is a long drive away and needs an overnight.
Victoria Falls National Park
The falls were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, shared with Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Entry to the Zimbabwe-side rainforest is about US$58 for international visitors, US$35 for SADC residents and US$7 for Zimbabwe residents, VAT included. The ticket is for one entry. Children under 12 pay half and under 6s are free. In high water, spray soaks everyone, so bring a rain jacket and protect your camera.
Lunar Rainbow nights
On three nights around each full moon the park opens for Lunar Rainbow viewing, at about US$116 for international visitors. Book ahead and check the exact dates for your month.
Victoria Falls Bridge and Hotel
The bridge opened in 1905. For a walk onto it, ask at the border post what is needed. Shearwater runs the 111 m bungee from the bridge. The Victoria Falls Hotel dates from 1904, and non-guests can take afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace from about 15:00 to 17:30.
The Big Tree
This baobab stands on Zambezi Drive about 2 km from town. National Museums and Monuments looks after it rather than ZimParks.
From the air
The 12 to 13 minute “Flight of Angels” helicopter ride costs about US$150 to 190 through resellers, plus a US$18 levy. Zambezi Helicopter Company flies from the Zimbabwe side.
Binga: a respectful visit
The BaTonga Community Museum in Binga opened in the early 2000s. It tells the story of the Tonga people, tens of thousands of whom were displaced from the Gwembe Valley in the late 1950s when Kariba Dam closed in 1958. Treat it as a serious cultural visit. Hours are about 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, so check before you go.
The Chibwatata hot springs lie about 6 km from Binga. The water reaches about 90 C and is culturally significant to the Tonga. The flow has declined and ZimParks has fenced the site. Do not bathe, and ask locally what access is allowed.
Getting to Binga
The A8 turn-off is at Cross Dete. Binga is about 305 to 310 km from Victoria Falls, 4 to 5 hours on a poor road, so make it an overnight.
Sightseeing safety
- Rainforest edges are unfenced in places, so stay on the paths.
- Do not walk in Victoria Falls town after dark.
- Rivers and Lake Kariba hold crocodiles and hippos.
Read more: Walking tours and Attraction tours .
Book sightseeing options on GetYourGuide . Visitor details: BaTonga museum listing and Zimbabwe tourism .