A Mini-Guide to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
What To Know
Zimbabwe
Visa
Some nationalities when entering the country of Zimbabwe may need to get a Visa. Some need to get this in advance, some do not need a visa at all, and some only need to purchase a visa once you arrive (which took maybe 10 minutes thankfully). The visa we purchased upon arrival was 75 US dollars each and they walk you through the process. Make sure to do your research before you arrive on what you need!
We used this website for some initial research, but always check with your local government information and embassy as required:
Immunizations
Although Victoria Falls itself is generally low-risk, be sure to check with the rest of the locations on your trip and your doctor / nurse on what immunizations you should get before visiting Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls.
Safety
Victoria Falls is a super small town, and felt really safe to be in (however, when visiting ANY country, be smart and safe as always). The locals are very nice, even those that are trying to sell you souvenirs will back off (may take a few tries though). The biggest concern the hotel staff told us about were the baboons (they have a knack for knowing when tourists will leave stuff laying about and climbing balconies to steal your items!).
Money
They use US dollars as their currency and it's a small town built on tourism - so expect touristy prices. Most of the restaurants and hotels accept credit cards (and major touristy spots such as the entrance to Victoria Falls), but definitely have some cash for some of the smaller things (i.e. souvenirs if you plan on buying them from the local spots).
Getting Around
Once you're in Victoria Falls you will likely either be staying at a lodge that is in/close to the local town and therefore will be able to walk everywhere (which is what we did), has shuttles you can take into the hot spots, or is able to coordinate travel for you.
If you ever find yourself a bit further away, around most touristy spots there are always a couple people asking if you need a taxi so there are some available.
The only location you will need definitely to coordinate a ride from (either in advance, or get a taxi) is the airport, as this is about 15-25 minutes away from the town.
Here's a transfer option to check out if you want to coordinate this in advance:
Visiting Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is definitely worth a check on the list, but you really don't need much time here to get a feel for the place - it all depends on what your trip looks like and what you're interested in! For us, one afternoon of seeing the falls itself was enough, but the extra time just allows you to relax, get some excursions in, boost your adrenaline, and visit the local spots. But realistically, if you are short on time, you can do it in a day trip and not miss out on too much.
When To Visit
There are different times to visit Victoria Falls depending on what you're looking for. The best time to see the falls itself is February - May timeframe (when the falls are flowing at the highest amount due to it being the rainy season!). However, in the summer heat (August - December timeframe) when the falls are a bit lighter, it allows for activities on the falls (such as Devil Pools) to happen.
The summers are HOT and the winters can be colder than you would think (especially in the mornings or nights for Africa so make sure to do your research (i.e. some parks were colder than others) to choose the right time for you & pack accordingly (and if you are going on a Safari with this you'll want to make sure you think about the animals / experiences you want and the best times of years for those!).
Where To Stay
There are tons of great options on where to stay in Victoria Falls, here are a few for different budgets including where we stayed:
Where To Eat
There are actually a few options in this little town for food - from fine dining to breweries! One night we ended up eating at our hotel (the Cassia Restaurant) and it was SO good, and I know the Palm River Lodge also has their own restaurant in a stunning setting.
What To Do
The town itself has mainly touristy options available for activities, from day trip safari's to Victoria Falls viewings from above! Check out some of these options to fill your time.
Victoria Falls
Visiting Victoria Falls itself is an activity that will take you around two hours to do (from the Zimbabwe side). We got here by walking from the town of Victoria Falls and it was less than 10 minutes. In June 2024 it costed 50 US dollars per person to enter the park area which has 16 viewpoints (on the Zimbabwe side). Here is our blog post on our experience visiting Victoria Falls:
There is also a Zambia side to the falls (which we did not visit). Whilst the falls from Zambia is a bit cheaper to visit, Zimbabwe has most of the falls and activities on their side and therefore is the better side to see the falls from (from our research!). However if you're interested in seeing it from both sides, check out this tour:
Check out the Victoria Falls website for more information and up to date prices:
There are so many adrenaline packed activities at the falls itself - here's a few of them!
Activities In & Around The Falls
There are so many activities in the Falls and the rivers below to check out. From Devils Pool, Gorge Swings, Ziplining, Rafting, and Canoeing - there's something for everyone.
Helicopter Flights
There are so many options for taking a helicopter flight over the falls (what an amazing way to see a different viewpoint). Obviously the longer you go for, the more expensive they get.
Safari's
Zimbabwe safari's are unreal. I imagine if you're making the trip to this part of the world you are probably already planning to combine it with a safari, but if not, there are so many safari options right from the town of Victoria Falls that can make even a short trip feel so much more! If there's one thing you need to do in Africa, it's a Safari.
Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is definitely a highlight in the area - full of wildlife and stunning views, it's a great spot to explore more. There are tons of cruise options, including a sunset dinner cruise to top off your experience.
Cultural Experiences
There are also a few cultural options in Victoria Falls that would be interesting to explore more! Dinners shows (with traditional cuisine, lots of drumming, dancing, and singing - which is such a fun cultural experience), theatric experiences, or local visits to do village tours. These are experiences that help you feel and experience the cultural at a different level.
See You in Victoria Falls!
Although Victoria Falls was such a small part of our Zimbabwe trip, it seriously is such a stunning location worth a visit. We hope you enjoyed this mini-guide & be sure to check out our thatch profile and head over to our blog for MORE!
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