VICTORIA FALLS TOWN & NATIONAL PARK
Victoria Falls is where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a gorge, creating one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It offers both the majesty of nature and the vibrant culture of a frontier town.
This region is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream, featuring the thundering ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ and endless opportunities for adventure above and on the water.
Most Popular Attractions
The Falls & Park Core:
Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwean Side): The primary viewing area with 16 main vantage points, offering the most comprehensive views of the cataract.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambian Side): Offers unique close-up views, including the famous Knife-Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot.
The Devil’s Pool: A natural rock pool at the very edge of the falls on the Zambian side, accessible during the low-water season (typically August to January).
Danger Point: A viewpoint on the Zambian side that offers a thrilling, unguarded perspective of the Second Gorge.
Knife-Edge Bridge: A spectacular bridge on the Zambian side that crosses the gorge, offering a view right into the main falls.
Livingstone’s Statue: A monument in the park near the Devil’s Cataract, honoring the first European to see the falls.
Adventures & Activities:
Zambezi River White Water Rafting: World-class rafting experience in the gorges below the falls, known for its extreme rapids.
Bungee Jumping (Victoria Falls Bridge): A 111-meter jump from the historic bridge spanning the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Gorge Swing & Zip Line: Adrenaline-pumping activities crossing the chasm of the Batoka Gorge.
Microlight or Helicopter Flight over the Falls: Known as the “Flight of Angels,” offering incredible aerial perspectives of the falls and the Zambezi River.
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: A relaxing experience on the upper Zambezi, often including wildlife viewing (hippos, crocodiles) and sundowners.
Canoeing/Kayaking on the Upper Zambezi: A calmer alternative to rafting, focusing on wildlife viewing and paddling.
Town & Culture:
Victoria Falls Bridge: A historic steel arch bridge with an active railway, offering spectacular views and activities like the bungee jump.
Victoria Falls Steam Train Trip: A luxurious, nostalgic journey across the bridge at sunset on a beautifully restored steam locomotive.
Victoria Falls Rainforest: The unique, perpetually damp forest nourished by the spray of the falls, home to unique flora and fauna.
Curio Market: A vibrant local market in Victoria Falls Town selling wooden carvings, stone sculptures, and Shona art.
Lookout Café: A popular spot perched on the edge of the gorge offering food and drinks with a dramatic view of the Batoka Gorge.
Jafuta Heritage Centre: A small museum dedicated to the local cultural history and traditions of the people of the region.
Wildlife & Nature:
Game Drive in the National Park: Opportunities to spot wildlife like elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and various antelope species in the park surrounding the town.
Walk with Rhinos: A highly-protected conservation experience available in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side.
The Big Tree: A massive, ancient Baobab tree located a short drive from the town, an impressive natural landmark.
Activities & Experiences
View the Falls from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) & Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe): Walk the trails and bridges on both sides for the most complete perspective, feeling the ‘smoke that thunders’ (Mosi-oa-Tunya) spray.
Take a Scenic Flight over the Falls (Flight of the Angels): Experience a breathtaking perspective of the entire cataract and the winding Zambezi River gorge from a helicopter or micro-light aircraft.
Sunset Cruise on the Upper Zambezi River: Enjoy a relaxed cruise above the Falls, sipping cocktails while watching for wildlife (elephants, hippos, crocodiles) as the sun sets.
White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi River: Brave the “best one-day run in the world” by tackling grade III to V rapids in the deep gorge below the Falls.
Gorge Swing, Zip Line, or Canopy Tour: Get a major adrenaline rush by swinging or flying across the gorge from a platform near the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Visit Livingstone Island & Devil’s Pool (Seasonal): Take a guided boat trip to the edge of the Falls on the Zambian side and, during the low-water season (typically Sep-Dec), swim safely in the naturally formed ‘Devil’s Pool.’
Bungee Jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge: Leap 111 meters from the historic bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe for the ultimate high-adventure experience.
Explore the Local Craft Markets: Browse the open-air markets in Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) for handcrafted wooden carvings, stone sculptures, and local fabrics.
Walk the Victoria Falls Bridge Tour: Take a guided tour of the iconic bridge, learning about its history and engineering while standing above the dramatic Batoka Gorge.
Go on a Half-Day Safari in the Zambezi National Park: Just upstream from the Falls, take a morning or afternoon game drive to spot four of the Big Five (rhino excluded) in a less crowded setting.
Cycle the Zambezi River Banks: Rent a mountain bike and explore the dusty roads and villages along the river, often spotting wildlife and local life along the way.
Boma Dinner & Drum Show (Zimbabwe): Enjoy a memorable evening of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, storytelling, face painting, and an interactive drumming and dancing performance.
Local Tips & Transport
Visas & KAZA Univisa: Check visa requirements for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. For travelers who plan to cross the border multiple times (e.g., to see both sides of the Falls), the KAZA Univisa is a single visa that covers both countries and a day trip into Botswana, which is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option.
Crossing the Border: The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries. You can walk across it (stopping for the bungee jump!) and get your passport stamped on both sides. Taxis are also readily available for crossings.
In-Town Transport: Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) is very compact and walkable. In Livingstone (Zambia), you will rely more on taxis or private transfers for distances outside the immediate center. Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, as meters are rarely used.
From the Airport: Both Victoria Falls (VFA) and Livingstone (LVI) airports are a short, 20-30 minute drive from their respective towns. Pre-arranging an airport transfer with your accommodation or a tour operator is highly recommended.
Dual-Currency Reality (Zimbabwe): While the Zimbabwean side officially uses the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), US Dollars are still widely accepted and often preferred for tourism payments. Carry small denominations of USD. On the Zambian side, the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is used, though USD is accepted for most activities.
Water Levels Matter: The best time to visit depends on your priority:
- High Water (Feb–June): The Falls are at their most spectacular, but the sheer volume of spray makes photography difficult and can obscure the view from certain points. You will be soaked!
- Low Water (Aug–Jan): The spray is minimal, offering clear views of the geological structure. Activities like Devil’s Pool become accessible.
Stay Hydrated & Protected: The area can be very hot, especially during the low-water season. Always carry bottled water, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use high-SPF sunscreen.
Wildlife Awareness: The towns are close to National Parks. Do not walk outside of town areas after dark. You may encounter warthogs, baboons, and occasionally elephants, even in the suburbs—always keep a safe distance. Baboons are notorious for snatching food and unsecured bags.
Tipping: Tipping is common and appreciated for good service. For guides, transfer drivers, and restaurant staff, 10% or a round-up to the nearest denomination is standard.
Hidden Gem: The Big Tree: On the Zambian side, near the entrance to the National Park, visit the massive, centuries-old Baobab tree (officially Adansonia digitata). It’s a great photo opportunity and a quiet natural spot often overlooked in the rush to the Falls.
Top Restaurants
Dusty Road Township Experience [$20-$40] – An authentic Zimbabwean dining experience located in Chinotimba, the oldest township. Food is cooked traditionally over open fires in cast iron pots, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and community empowerment.
Mama Africa Eating House [$20-$35] – A well-established local favorite near the main shopping strip, offering a variety of traditional African dishes in a charming, casual setting often with a resident jazz band.
Shongwe Lookout [$20-$40] – This spot offers a contemporary take on African décor and food, using fresh local ingredients. They offer a great option for a traditional braai (barbecue) in their boma area with local storytelling.
The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show [$50-$70, set menu] – Highly popular (and can be touristy, but worthy for the experience), this is a unique cultural enclave nestled in a Gusu Forest offering a four-course feast of local and international dishes, face painting, and an interactive drumming show.
House of Zulu [$25-$45] – Located on the outskirts of town, this restaurant offers a tranquil dining experience focused on great-tasting food with a deep commitment to supporting the local communities they work with.
MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant [$35-$60] – Nestled on the second floor of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, this upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated African ambiance and boasts tables overlooking a lit waterhole where game often comes to drink.
The Eatery [$35-$55] – Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, this spot offers al fresco dining with options like traditional stews cooked for hours over an open fire in potjie pots.
Rainforest Café [$15-$30] – Conveniently located near the entrance/exit of the Victoria Falls Rainforest, this café offers a much-needed resting spot with simple, hearty café-style meals like Zambezi bream and burgers.
Zulu Bistro Bar [$15-$30] – A hidden gem located in the Landela Complex on the main street, offering a more local, relaxed vibe with a menu featuring various bistro-style and local dishes.
Stanley’s Terrace (High Tea) [$25-$45] – While not dinner, the High Tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel is an essential classic experience, featuring stunning views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorge.
The River Brewing Company [$15-$30] – A casual, lively brewery popular with locals and visitors alike, known for its in-house craft beers, pub food like tacos and short ribs, and a fun, eccentric atmosphere.
The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar [$20-$40] – Quickly established as a top restaurant and local/tourist hub, this lively spot is clustered around an old train carriage and is famous for its gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled steaks.
Shearwater Cafe [$20-$40] – Located in the heart of town, this stylish cafe offers a diverse international menu with highlights like fresh Zambezi Bream, Zimbabwean aged Fillet Steak, and a unique Crocodile Wasabi Wrap.
Zambezi House [$25-$45] – One of the latest establishments, appealing to a fun-loving crowd with a relaxed, communal dining and entertainment experience located right on the shores of the Zambezi River.
Lookout Cafe – Wild Horizons [$25-$50] – Though very popular, it’s one of the most iconic spots with spectacular views overhanging the Batoka Gorge. The menu is an eclectic fusion with options from burgers to crocodile kebabs.
Pariah State [$15-$30] – A rustic, treehouse-looking restaurant snugly fit in the town center, offering a variety of delicious grilled food, pizzas, and unique dishes in a relaxed environment.
Active Sushi Victoria Falls [$25-$45] – A surprising find in Victoria Falls, this spot offers good quality sushi, offering a nice change of pace from traditional safari-style cuisine.
The Bridge Cafe [$15-$30] – Located on the Victoria Falls Bridge, this unpretentious cafe offers an unbeatable view of the bridge, the bungee jumpers, and the gorge, perfect for a casual meal or drink.
Nam Took Restaurant [$20-$40] – A delightful gem in the heart of Victoria Falls that beautifully blends traditional Thai and Chinese cuisine.
GOAT Restaurant Victoria Falls [$20-$40] – Celebrating the spirit of the Zambezi, this restaurant, located a short walk from the Falls, offers a casual setting with a focus on fresh, hearty dishes.
Marula Cafe [$15-$30] – A popular dining spot known for its great service, delicious food, and variety of international and local dishes.
The Livingstone Room [$70-$100, set menu] – Located in the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, this is a supremely elegant Edwardian-style restaurant open only for dinner, featuring a sophisticated à la carte or seven-course degustation menu. Smart casual dress code is required.
Cassia Restaurant (Ilala Lodge) [$50-$80] – Known for fine dining, this restaurant offers an exquisite gourmet à la carte menu, an extensive wine list, and the option for romantic al fresco evening dining under the stars.
1871 at Stanley & Livingstone [$60-$90] – Situated in a private game reserve, this chandelier-lit restaurant offers an elegant and intimate setting with a focus on modern gourmet cuisine, often featuring dinner under the stars overlooking a waterhole.
Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi Explorer (Signature Deck) [$80-$120] – This offers an elegant and unique dining experience on the river’s uppermost deck, featuring a gourmet meal and cocktails while cruising the Zambezi at sunset.
Baines Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located along the Zambezi River above the Falls, this restaurant offers a serene waterfront setting with modern dishes, including steak and Zambezi sesame-battered tilapia.
The Eatery Dinner Experience (Pure Africa Waterfront) [$40-$60] – A three-course a la carte dinner served by lantern light on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering an elegant yet immersive dining experience in the heart of Africa.
Jungle Junction Restaurant [$40-$60, buffet] – Nestled in the Victoria Falls Hotel garden, this restaurant offers a renowned casual yet romantic evening buffet with endless options for starters, main courses, and dessert, often with cultural performances.
Exclusive Dining Experiences (Private) [$100-$200+] – Various luxury lodges and operators offer private, curated dinners at unique hand-picked locations like the riverbank or a starlit bush venue, featuring gourmet menus and private chef/butler service.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Stanley’s Bar (Victoria Falls Hotel): A snug, elegant retreat within the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, a short distance from the Falls. It is the perfect spot for a refined sundowner and signature cocktails while soaking in the majestic sound of the Falls’ spray (the “Smoke that Thunders”).
The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar: Located centrally in Victoria Falls town, this lively spot is known for its relaxed indoor/outdoor setting, delicious food, and a cool vibe. It features a beautifully restored 1935 railway carriage and offers a great selection of cocktails.
Buffalo Bar (Victoria Falls Safari Lodge): This bar, located a short drive outside the main town at the Safari Lodge, offers the best spot for sundowners with panoramic sunset views over a waterhole, where you can often spot wildlife. They have a wide selection of cocktails and fine wines.
The Lookout Cafe (Wild Horizons): Situated 120 meters above the Zambezi River, overhanging the Batoka Gorge, this open-air cafe offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge, making it a dramatic setting for a refreshing cocktail.
Poolside Bar (Ilala Lodge Hotel): A cozy bar located between the swimming pools of the Ilala Lodge, right on the border of Victoria Falls National Park. You can enjoy a classic cocktail like their signature “Zambezi Blue Haze” while watching the spray rise from the Falls in the distance.
Zambezi House: An upscale and scenically beautiful bar and restaurant located right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It offers stunning river views, beautiful decor, and is known for its diverse menu and creative cocktails.
The River Brewing Company: Victoria Falls’ first microbrewery, located in the town center, offering a modern and trendy atmosphere. While specializing in locally brewed craft beers, they also serve a selection of mixed drinks in a lively setting.
Stanley’s Terrace (The Victoria Falls Hotel): A refined, historic spot at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, offering a more laid-back space than Stanley’s Bar. It provides an elegant setting for afternoon tea or evening cocktails with views of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Marula Cafe: A cozy, centrally located spot in Victoria Falls town known for its coffee and light bites, but it also features a bar that serves a wide selection of cocktails, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.
In Da Belly: Found in the Victoria Falls Rest Camp, this spot is known for its relaxed, local atmosphere, offering a mix of traditional Zimbabwean dishes and a laid-back bar area to enjoy a drink.
Pure Africa Waterfront Cocktails: An exclusive sundowner experience located on the tranquil shores of the Zambezi River. It’s an upscale, organized event offering premium cocktails and canapés with stunning sunset ambiance.
1871 Bar and Lounge (Anantara Stanley & Livingstone): A sophisticated bar found within a luxurious boutique hotel a short drive from Victoria Falls Town, offering an ambiance of elegance for indulging in drinks and light bites.
MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant Bar (Victoria Falls Safari Lodge): Situated at the Safari Lodge, this restaurant’s bar provides an excellent elevated view of the surrounding bush and waterhole, ideal for a tranquil cocktail or glass of wine.
Vix Falls Sports Bar and Restaurant: A casual and friendly spot in town, offering drinks and a place to catch up on sports. It’s a great local favorite for a more straightforward bar experience.
Zulu Bistro Bar: Located centrally, this venue focuses on a “Taste of Zimbabwe” culinary experience but also offers a bistro bar setting where you can enjoy local and international drinks in a welcoming environment.
Shoestrings Backpackers: A legendary party hotspot for younger travelers and backpackers, located a short distance from the town center. This lodge transforms into a lively nightclub after dark, with DJs playing a mix of international and African beats—a definite place to dance the night away.
Mukali Sports Bar & Night Club: A local favorite for dancing and drinks, located in a township area near Victoria Falls. It offers a more authentic, less tourist-centric club experience.
The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show: While primarily a dining and cultural venue at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, its vibrant, interactive drumming and dancing performance creates an electric, party-like atmosphere, making it a “must-do” experience that feels like a celebratory club night with a cultural twist.
Chilombo Tavern: A local tavern found in the township, known for being a vibrant, authentic place to enjoy local drinks like Zambezi beer and traditional Chibuku, often featuring locals dancing and singing. It offers a raw, community-focused club-like experience.
Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge BRAAI night: This lodge, in a similar vein to Shoestrings, hosts a lively evening around their Boma fire, featuring a traditional “Braai” (BBQ) and African dancers, which provides an entertaining, social, and lively environment often spilling into a dancing celebration.
Chobezi Bar: A bar found at a local establishment, often serving as a late-night gathering spot for locals and adventurous tourists, known for a relaxed yet social ambiance.