What to See in Victoria Falls Town

Victoria Falls was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989 under both names, Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”. David Livingstone was the first European to see it, on 16 November 1855, and named it for Queen Victoria. The main sights sit close together on the Zimbabwe bank.

The rainforest and its viewpoints

Victoria Falls National Park protects a small stretch of rainforest fed by the spray. A paved trail runs through ferns, palms and tall trees to a string of viewpoints opposite the falls. Along the way you pass a bronze statue of Livingstone overlooking Devil’s Cataract, then views of Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls, then Rainbow Falls, where rainbows are common in sun. The trail ends near Danger Point and a view across to the bridge. Allow about two hours.

Entry for international visitors is about US$58 per person, VAT included. SADC residents pay US$35 and Zimbabwe residents US$7. Half price applies to children under 12, and those under 6 enter free. The ticket is single entry, so leaving the turnstile means paying again. Details are on the ZimParks site .

Danger Point and other viewpoints have low barriers or none, and the stone is wet and mossy. Stay back from the edge and keep children close.

Victoria Falls Bridge

The steel arch bridge opened in 1905. It stands about 111 m above the river and links Zimbabwe with Zambia. Cecil Rhodes wanted a Cape-to-Cairo railway crossing close enough for trains to catch the spray. To walk onto the bridge, you first clear the Zimbabwe border post. Passing through Zambian immigration counts as leaving Zimbabwe, so ask at the post about the rules and any fees before you cross.

The Big Tree

The Big Tree is an ancient baobab on Zambezi Drive, about 2 km from the river and the town. Age estimates run from about 1,000 to 1,500 years. It is protected by Museums and National Monuments and is free to see from the road. Elephants and buffalo use that road, so go in daylight and not at dusk.

Victoria Falls Hotel

The hotel opened in 1904 and its gardens, terrace and public rooms are a fine stop for views of the bridge with spray behind it. Visitors usually dress smart-casual for afternoon tea. More at victoriafallshotel.com .

Lookout Cafe

Wild Horizons runs the Lookout Cafe on the rim of the Batoka Gorge. It burned in December 2018 and reopened on 1 December 2019. Check before going that it is trading.

Monuments

Town has monuments to people who died in the liberation struggle. Visit them quietly.

Seeing the falls in each season

  • March to May: peak flood. Spray is heavy, so bring a poncho and expect viewpoints to vanish in mist.
  • August to December: lower river. The gorge is clear and the mist is lighter.

Staying safe

Walk around town only in daylight, because elephants and buffalo graze in the streets. Take a taxi after dark.

Read more: Walking Tours in Victoria Falls Town links these sights into walks.

Booking help

Compare guided sightseeing on GetYourGuide .