Walking Trails Around Victoria Falls

Walking in Matabeleland North is a mix of easy paths and serious wildlife country. Wild animals roam freely, so the safe choice is always a guided walk in daylight.

The rainforest path at Victoria Falls

The path through Victoria Falls National Park is the most popular walk in the province. Entry is about US$58 for international visitors, US$35 for SADC residents and US$7 for Zimbabwe residents, and the ticket covers a single entry. Wear shoes with grip, because spray keeps the stones wet. In places the edges are unfenced, so keep children and yourself well back.

Guided walking safaris

Walking safaris run with operators in Zambezi National Park and in Hwange concessions. The UK FCDO warns that walking and canoe safaris carry extra risk, and that animal attacks have injured and killed visitors. Choose a licensed operator with professional guides, ask about minimum ages and prices, and follow every instruction on silence and moving in line. Entry to Zambezi National Park is about US$17 for international visitors. Hwange charges a ZimParks daily conservation fee plus a vehicle fee.

Chizarira’s Mucheni Gorge area

Chizarira National Park, on the Zambezi Escarpment, is for self-sufficient visitors. You need a high-clearance 4WD to climb the access gorge. The park headquarters are at Manzituba, and camping at Mucheni Gorge and Mucheni View is basic. July to October is the suggested season. Do not walk alone away from camp.

Town walks in daylight

Victoria Falls town is compact, and the shops at Elephant’s Walk and the Jafuta Heritage Centre make an easy half-day wander. Do not walk around town after dark, because elephants and buffalo move through, so be indoors by dusk.

Heat and water

  • Heat above 35 C is common from September to November, so walk early.
  • Bring water and a hat.
  • Do not wade in the Zambezi, Lake Kariba or dams. Crocodiles and hippos live there, and bilharzia is a risk in still water.

Health

Malaria is present all year in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange and Binga. Take advice from a doctor and use repellent at dusk.

Where not to look for walks

Matobo, Khami, Great Zimbabwe and Mana Pools are outside this province. Bulawayo is a separate province, about 440 km from Victoria Falls.

Read more: Sightseeing in Matabeleland North and Outdoor activities .

Look for guided walks on GetYourGuide . Safety notes: UK FCDO safety and security page .