Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park, Few places on earth combine raw natural spectacle and genuine safari wildlife as seamlessly as Victoria Falls. On one side of town, the Zambezi River plunges more than 100 metres into a basalt chasm, throwing up a column of spray that locals have long called Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke That Thunders.” On the other, just a few minutes’ drive upstream, elephants cross the riverbanks of Zambezi National Park, sable antelope graze the open vleis and lions patrol the teak woodland.
This guide brings both parks together in one place. Whether you are planning a quick two-night stopover or building Victoria Falls into a longer Southern African safari with Hwange, Chobe or the Okavango Delta, you will find everything you need below: how to get there, the key attractions, the best things to do, what to expect on a game drive, where to stay at every budget, and the latest 2026 entrance fees.
| Quick Facts at a Glance
Location: Victoria Falls town, Matabeleland North Province, north-west Zimbabwe, on the border with Zambia Parks covered: Victoria Falls National Park (the rainforest and Falls) and Zambezi National Park (upstream wildlife park) Status: Victoria Falls / Mosi-oa-Tunya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1989) and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World Nearest airport: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), about 18–20 km from town Best for: The Falls, adrenaline activities, river cruises, Big Five-style game drives, birding and tigerfish angling Currency: US dollars are used for virtually all tourism payments – carry cash as a backup to cards 2027 Rainforest fee (international): US$58 per person; Zambezi National Park: US$18 per person per day (day visitor) |
Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s smallest national parks, but also its most visited. It protects the Zimbabwean side of the Falls and the unique rainforest that grows along the edge of the gorge, kept permanently green by spray from the cascade. A well-marked footpath runs along the lip of the opposite cliff, linking a series of numbered viewpoints that look straight across at the curtain of water.
The Falls stretch roughly 1.7 km from end to end and drop up to 108 metres into the First Gorge. The Zambezi then zig-zags away through a series of dramatic basalt gorges – the Batoka Gorge system – which are famous for world-class white-water rafting. Roughly three-quarters of the main curtain of water is visible from the Zimbabwe side, which is why most visitors consider it the better side for classic panoramic views.
Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park begins just a few kilometres upstream of the Falls and covers around 56,000 hectares of riverine forest, mopane and Zambezi teak woodland, and open grassland. Established as a national park in 1979, it has a long stretch of frontage along the upper Zambezi River and is divided into two main game-viewing sections:
- The Zambezi River Drive section – a network of tracks and loops running parallel to the river, with picnic sites, fishing camps and lodges along the bank. Great for elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and a huge variety of water birds.
- The Chamabonda Vlei section – a separate area to the south of the main road, centred on a long, open grassland vlei with seasonal pans. This is the best part of the park for sable antelope, and the open terrain makes spotting lion, giraffe, zebra and plains game easier.
Because the park sits so close to town, it is perfect for travellers who want a genuine wildlife experience without committing to a long transfer. You can watch the sun rise over the Falls, do a morning game drive in Zambezi National Park and still be back for lunch in town.
2. Best Time to Visit
The “best” time depends on whether your priority is the Falls themselves or wildlife viewing. Water levels on the Zambezi follow the rains in the upper catchment in Zambia and Angola, so peak flow at the Falls arrives a few months after the rains start.
| Season | Months | The Falls | Wildlife & Activities |
| High water | February – May | Thundering at full volume; huge spray (you will get soaked), views sometimes obscured by mist | Lush and green; wildlife more dispersed; lunar rainbows at full moon; upper rafting sections may close |
| Medium water | June – August | Excellent balance of volume and visibility – often the best time for photographs | Cool, dry and pleasant; game viewing improves steadily; peak tourist season |
| Low water | September – January | Parts of the rock face exposed, especially on the Zambian side; Main Falls still flows year-round | Best game viewing in Zambezi NP as animals gather at the river; best white-water rafting; hot in Oct–Nov |
| Planning Tip
For the best of both worlds, aim for June to August: the Falls are still powerful but less misty, the weather is cool and dry, and game drives in Zambezi National Park are rewarding. If rafting and wildlife are your top priorities, choose September to December. |
How to Get to Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
By Air
The easiest way to arrive is by flying into Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), located about 18–20 km south of town. The airport has a modern terminal and receives regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as regional connections. Other convenient gateways are Livingstone (LVI) on the Zambian side, about 25 km from the border, and Kasane (BBK) in Botswana, around 80 km away by road.
Travelling from East Africa? From Entebbe, Nairobi, Kigali or Dar es Salaam, the most common routings are via Johannesburg, via Nairobi on Kenya Airways, or via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines, with a connecting flight into Victoria Falls or Livingstone. Schedules change seasonally, so always check current routes before booking.
Most lodges offer airport transfers, and a road transfer from VFA into town takes about 20–25 minutes.
By Road
Victoria Falls is well connected by tarred roads and is a natural stop on a self-drive or overland Southern Africa circuit.
| From | Approx. Distance | Approx. Drive Time | Notes |
| Livingstone, Zambia | 10–12 km | 30–60 min incl. border | Cross the historic Victoria Falls Bridge border post |
| Kasane / Kazungula, Botswana | 70–80 km | 1–1.5 hrs + border | Popular Chobe–Victoria Falls combination |
| Hwange National Park (Main Camp) | 180–190 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Classic Hwange–Vic Falls safari pairing |
| Bulawayo | 440 km | 5–6 hrs | Good tar via the A8; watch for livestock and potholes |
| Harare | 870–880 km | 10–11 hrs | Most travellers fly this sector instead |
Getting into the Parks
- Victoria Falls Rainforest (main gate): located on Livingstone Way, a short walk or taxi ride from the town centre, most hotels and the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- Zambezi River Drive gate: about 5–6 km from the town centre along Parkway / Zambezi Drive, past the riverside hotels heading upstream.
- Chamabonda Vlei gate: reached from a separate access road off the main road south of town; ask your lodge or guide for directions and current road conditions.
- Opening hours: gates generally open around 06:00 and close around 18:00. Self-drivers must be out of the park or at their booked camp before closing time.
| Visas & Border Tip: KAZA Univisa
If you plan to visit both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the Falls, ask for the KAZA Univisa on arrival. It costs US$50, is valid for 30 days, allows multiple crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and also covers day trips into Botswana through Kazungula. It is available only to eligible nationalities and at selected ports of entry (including Victoria Falls airport and the Victoria Falls Bridge and Kazungula borders). Sticker supplies have run out at times in the past, so always carry enough cash for a standard visa as a backup, and check your own nationality’s requirements before you travel. |
4. Attractions in Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
Top Attractions in Victoria Falls National Park
The Rainforest Trail and its 16 Viewpoints
The heart of any visit is the rainforest walk, which follows the edge of the gorge through a canopy of ebony, fig and mahogany trees, with ferns, lianas and orchids thriving in the permanent spray. Sixteen numbered viewpoints line the route. Allow two to three hours to walk it slowly. The highlights include:
- Devil’s Cataract (Viewpoint 1–2): the lowest and fastest section of the Falls, framed by the rainforest – dramatic in any season.
- The David Livingstone Statue: marks the Scottish explorer who, in 1855, became the first European to record the Falls, which he named after Queen Victoria.
- Main Falls: the widest and most voluminous stretch, flowing all year round. At high water the spray here is intense – bring a raincoat.
- Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls: Rainbow Falls is the highest section of the Falls; on sunny days, rainbows arc across the gorge almost constantly.
- Danger Point: a rocky, unfenced promontory at the eastern end with sweeping views down the First Gorge and across to the Victoria Falls Bridge. Watch your footing – it is slippery.
The Lunar Rainbow
On nights around the full moon, particularly during high water, moonlight refracting through the spray creates a ghostly silver lunar rainbow (moonbow). ZimParks opens the rainforest for special moonlight viewing on these nights, with a separate entrance fee.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Completed in 1905, the steel-arch bridge spans the Second Gorge and links Zimbabwe with Zambia. It is a historic engineering landmark, and also the launch pad for the famous bungee jump, bridge swing and zip line. Guided historical bridge tours take you beneath the deck on catwalks.
Other Town Attractions
- The Big Tree: a giant baobab estimated to be well over 1,000 years old, standing on Zambezi Drive near the riverbank. Historically it was a meeting point for early traders and explorers.
- The Victoria Falls Hotel: opened in 1904, this colonial landmark is famous for high tea on the Stanley’s Terrace with a view of the bridge and the spray.
- Batoka Gorge and Zambezi gorges: a series of steep, zig-zagging gorges below the Falls, best seen from a helicopter, the gorge swing or a rafting trip.
- Vulture Culture at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: a daily vulture feeding and conservation talk, excellent for photographers.
- Local markets and craft villages: the Elephant’s Walk shopping village and local curio markets sell stone carvings, baskets and textiles.
Top Attractions in Zambezi National Park
- The Upper Zambezi River frontage: broad channels, islands and sandbanks lined with palms and riverine forest – beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
- Chamabonda Vlei: the park’s signature open grassland, with seasonal pans and game-viewing platforms. One of the most reliable spots in the region for sable antelope.
- Elephant and buffalo herds: both are common, especially in the dry season when they come to drink at the river.
- Predators: lion and leopard are present, spotted hyena is common, and African wild dog, cheetah and even the elusive side-striped jackal are seen occasionally.
- Birdlife: more than 400 species have been recorded in the greater Victoria Falls area, including African fish eagle, African finfoot, Pel’s fishing owl, collared palm thrush, and the rock pratincoles that nest on the river rocks.
- Riverside picnic and fishing sites: a string of designated sites along the river where you can stop, stretch your legs and cast for tigerfish.
| Wildlife | Where to Look | Likelihood |
| Elephant | River Drive, river crossings, dry season | High |
| Buffalo | River frontage and Chamabonda Vlei | High |
| Hippo & crocodile | Zambezi River channels and pools | Very high |
| Sable antelope | Chamabonda Vlei | Good |
| Giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, waterbuck, eland | Chamabonda Vlei and woodland loops | Good to high |
| Lion | Chamabonda Vlei and inland areas | Moderate |
| Leopard | Riverine forest, dense woodland (early/late) | Low to moderate |
| Wild dog, cheetah | Wide-ranging; occasional sightings | Low |
5. Things to Do in Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls is widely regarded as the adventure capital of Southern Africa. Beyond the Falls walk, there is something for every energy level – from sunset cruises and high tea to bungee jumping and Grade 5 rapids. Prices below are indicative 2026 ranges per person and usually exclude park fees; always confirm with your operator.
| Activity | Duration | Indicative Price (US$) | Best Season |
| Guided rainforest tour of the Falls | 2–3 hrs | 40–60 + park fee | Year-round |
| Zambezi sunset cruise | 2–2.5 hrs | 75–120 | Year-round |
| Helicopter “Flight of Angels” | 12–15 min | 180–230 | Year-round (clearest views Jun–Dec) |
| Victoria Falls Bridge bungee (111 m) | 1–2 hrs | 160–170 | Year-round |
| Gorge swing / zip line / bridge slide | 1–2 hrs | 70–170 | Year-round |
| Historic bridge tour | 1–1.5 hrs | 60–70 | Year-round |
| White-water rafting (Batoka Gorge) | Half / full day | 140–190 | Best Aug–Dec (low water) |
| Zambezi National Park game drive | 3–4 hrs | 70–100 + park fee | Best Jul–Nov |
| Upper Zambezi canoeing | Half / full day | 130–180 | Apr–Dec |
| Tigerfish fishing | Half / full day | 150–250 | Best Sep–Dec |
| Devil’s Pool / Livingstone Island (Zambia) | 1.5–2 hrs | ~165 | Low water only (approx. Aug–Jan) |
| Lunar rainbow viewing | 1–2 hrs | Park fee (US$116 intl.) | Full moon, high water |
Must-Do Experiences Explained
Walk the Rainforest at Sunrise
Arrive when the gates open to enjoy cooler temperatures, softer light and fewer crowds. Early morning sun on the spray often produces spectacular rainbows at Main Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Take a Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Cruise boats depart from jetties upstream of the Falls and drift along the edge of Zambezi National Park. Expect hippos, crocodiles, elephants on the banks and superb birding, with drinks and snacks as the sun sinks behind the islands. Luxury boats and small private launches are available for a quieter experience.
See the Falls from Above
A helicopter flight is the only way to grasp the true scale of the Falls and the zig-zag gorges. Standard flights last around 12–15 minutes; longer flights continue upstream over Zambezi National Park for game spotting from the air.
Raft the Mighty Zambezi
The rapids below the Falls are among the most thrilling commercially run white water in the world, with names like “Oblivion” and “Commercial Suicide.” At low water, full-day trips run a long series of rapids; at high water, shorter trips run the lower section.
Go on a Game Drive or Walking Safari
A morning or afternoon drive in Zambezi National Park is the easiest way to add wildlife to a Victoria Falls trip. Guided walking safaris with armed professional guides are also offered in the park and nearby private reserves. See Section 6 for full details.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
- Boma dinner and drum show: a lively evening of African cuisine, traditional dancing and interactive drumming.
- Township and village tours: guided visits to Chinotimba township or rural villages to meet local families, visit schools and try traditional foods.
- High tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel: a classic afternoon ritual with views of the bridge and the gorge.
- Cross to Zambia for the day: walk across the bridge to see the Falls from the Zambian side and swim in Devil’s Pool at low water.
- Day trip to Chobe (Botswana): a full-day excursion combining a boat cruise and game drive in Chobe National Park, about 1.5 hours away.
Game Drives in Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
It is important to understand that Victoria Falls National Park itself (the rainforest) is not a game-drive park – it is explored on foot. All game drives take place in Zambezi National Park and in the private wildlife areas that border it. The good news is that the park is only minutes from town, so a game drive is easy to fit into even a short stay.
Game-Drive Routes
- Zambezi River Drive: follows the river upstream from the main gate for roughly 40–50 km, with side loops and picnic/fishing sites. Expect elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, bushbuck, waterbuck and outstanding riverine birdlife. Scenery is at its finest in the late afternoon.
- Chamabonda Vlei Drive: a loop along the grassy vlei with several waterholes and elevated game-viewing platforms. Best for sable, roan (rare), giraffe, zebra, lion and general plains game, particularly from July to November.
Guided vs Self-Drive Game Drives
| Option | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
| Guided game drive | Open 4×4 safari vehicle with a licensed guide, usually with hotel pickup | Expert spotting, commentary, no navigation stress, elevated seating | Shared vehicle unless booked private; set timings |
| Private guided drive | Exclusive vehicle and guide for your group | Flexible pace, ideal for photographers and families | Higher cost |
| Self-drive | Your own or rented vehicle; pay park and vehicle fees at the gate | Total freedom, budget-friendly, great for combining with a regional self-drive safari | Lower vehicle height; you must know the park rules and routes |
Typical Game-Drive Schedule
| Drive | Typical Timing | What to Expect |
| Morning drive | 06:00 – 09:30 | Cool air, active predators, best chance of lion and leopard; tea/coffee stop |
| Afternoon drive | 15:00 – 18:00 | Elephants coming to the river, golden light, sundowner stop by the Zambezi |
| Full-day / combo | 06:00 – 16:00 | Game drive plus picnic and river activity; pair with fishing or canoeing |
Self-Drive Tips for Zambezi National Park
- A high-clearance vehicle is recommended; a 4×4 is strongly advised in the rainy season (roughly November to April), when some tracks and the Chamabonda Vlei become muddy or closed.
- Pay conservation and vehicle fees at the gate and keep your receipt – you may be asked to show it when exiting.
- Stay in your vehicle except at designated picnic and fishing sites, and keep a respectful distance from elephants, particularly breeding herds.
- Stick to the speed limit, never drive off-road, and plan to exit before the gates close. Night driving is not permitted for self-drivers.
- Carry water, snacks, a full tank and a charged phone – there are no shops or fuel inside the park.
| Marriott Safaris Africa Tip
Combining Victoria Falls with a self-drive safari? Plan at least one morning in Chamabonda Vlei and one afternoon on the River Drive – the two sections feel completely different and together give you the best overall wildlife experience. |
7. Where to Stay in Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
Accommodation ranges from riverside luxury lodges inside Zambezi National Park to classic hotels within walking distance of the Falls and budget backpacker camps in town. Your choice largely depends on whether you want to be close to the Falls and restaurants, or immersed in the bush.
Inside Zambezi National Park (Riverside Bush Lodges)
- Victoria Falls River Lodge: luxury tented and treehouse-style suites on the riverbank, with private game drives, boating and fishing directly from the lodge.
- Old Drift Lodge: an intimate, stylish tented lodge on the Zambezi, a short drive from town but deep in wild surroundings.
- Zambezi Sands River Camp: a luxury camp set among riverine trees, ideal for canoeing, fishing and quiet sundowners on the water.
- ZimParks Zambezi Camp & exclusive fishing camps: self-catering riverside lodges, bush camps and exclusive camps along the river for a rustic, budget-friendly bush stay – book through ZimParks central reservations.
- Chamabonda Vlei platforms: elevated ZimParks sleeping platforms overlooking the vlei – a truly wild overnight for adventurous travellers.
Luxury Options in and Around Town
- The Victoria Falls Hotel: the grande dame of Victoria Falls, with manicured gardens and a private path to the Falls.
- Matetsi Victoria Falls: an ultra-luxury lodge on a large private concession upstream along the Zambezi.
- Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel: an elegant hotel in the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, with rhino-focused game drives.
- The Elephant Camp: luxury tented suites overlooking the Batoka Gorge in the Victoria Falls Private Wildlife Area.
Mid-Range Options
- Ilala Lodge Hotel: walking distance from the Falls, bordering the national park, with animals often grazing on the lawn.
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: a landmark thatched lodge overlooking a busy waterhole, home to the Boma restaurant and Vulture Culture.
- A’Zambezi River Lodge: a family-friendly riverside hotel on the road to the Zambezi National Park gate.
- Lokuthula Lodges: self-catering thatched lodges, ideal for families and groups.
Budget Options
- Shearwater Explorers Village: dorms, safari tents, chalets and camping in the centre of town, close to activity booking desks.
- Victoria Falls Rest Camp & Lodges: simple chalets, dorms and camping sites – popular with overlanders and self-drivers.
- Local guesthouses and B&Bs: a growing range of small, family-run guesthouses offer excellent value within the town.
| Tier | Example Properties | Indicative Rate (US$ per night) | Best For |
| Luxury (in park / private reserve) | Victoria Falls River Lodge, Matetsi, Old Drift, Elephant Camp | 600 – 1,500+ pp (often all-inclusive) | Honeymooners, full safari immersion |
| Upper mid-range / classic | The Victoria Falls Hotel, Stanley & Livingstone | 350 – 800 per room | Heritage, comfort, walk to Falls |
| Mid-range | Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, A’Zambezi | 180 – 400 per room | Families, first-time visitors |
| Budget | Shearwater Explorers Village, Rest Camp, guesthouses | 15 – 120 | Backpackers, overlanders, self-drivers |
| ZimParks (in Zambezi NP) | Zambezi Camp, bush camps, Chamabonda platforms | From ~35 pp (international) | Self-drive bush experience |
Rates vary significantly by season, room type and meal plan; the figures above are indicative for planning only.
8. Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park Entrance Fees (2027)
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) increased entrance fees in early 2026 after VAT was applied to tourism services. The fees below are taken from the ZimParks 2026 tariff schedule and are quoted in US dollars per person, per day, inclusive of VAT. Fees can change without notice, so confirm before you travel.
Victoria Falls Rainforest (Zimbabwe Side)
| Entry Type | Zimbabwe Citizens / Residents | SADC Visitors | International Visitors |
| Rainforest main gate | US$7 | US$35 | US$58 |
| Rainforest VIP gate | US$30 | US$87 | US$174 |
| Moonlight (lunar rainbow) viewing | US$15 | US$81 | US$116 |
Zambezi National Park Conservation Fees
| Section | Visitor Type | Locals | SADC | International |
| Zambezi NP – land (game drives) | Day visitor | US$5 | US$14 | US$18 |
| Zambezi NP – land (game drives) | Accommodated in park | US$3 | US$7 | US$10 |
| Zambezi NP – river | Day visitor | US$5 | US$12 | US$12 |
Vehicle Entry Fees (Zambezi National Park)
| Vehicle Type | Zim-Registered Day | Zim-Registered Accommodated | Foreign-Registered Day | Foreign-Registered Accommodated |
| Saloon, pickup or 4×4 | US$5 | US$2 | US$10 | US$3 |
| Minibus (up to 25 seats) | US$15 | US$5 | US$30 | US$10 |
| Trailer / caravan | US$5 | US$2 | US$10 | US$3 |
ZimParks Accommodation in Zambezi National Park
| Facility | Locals | International |
| Zambezi Camp bush camps (per person/night) | US$25 | US$35 |
| Ordinary camping (per person/night) | US$25 | US$35 |
| Chamabonda platforms (per person/night) | US$25 | US$35 |
Zambian Side (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park)
If you cross to Zambia, the Falls section of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park charges a separate entry fee – around US$20 per international adult in 2026, payable in Zambian kwacha at the official rate or in US dollars. This is not included in Zimbabwean park fees, and visa fees are always separate.
| Fee & Payment Notes
Rainforest tickets are single-entry – once you leave, you pay again to re-enter. Card machines are available at the Rainforest gate but can go offline; always carry clean, recent US dollar notes in small denominations. Children usually pay reduced rates – confirm at the gate or with your operator. Many packaged tours and activities already include park fees; check your inclusions to avoid paying twice. For official and updated rates, see the ZimParks website (zimparks.org.zw) or contact ZimParks central reservations. |
9. Sample 3-Day Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 – Arrival & the Falls | Arrive at VFA; transfer to lodge | Guided walk through the rainforest and all 16 viewpoints | Zambezi sunset cruise; dinner in town |
| Day 2 – Wildlife Day | Early game drive in Chamabonda Vlei | Lunch, rest; helicopter Flight of Angels | Afternoon River Drive game drive with sundowners; Boma dinner |
| Day 3 – Adventure & Departure | White-water rafting OR bridge tour and bungee OR canoeing upstream | High tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel; craft market | Transfer to airport or continue to Hwange / Chobe |
Want more time? Add a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, a visit to the Zambian side and Devil’s Pool, or continue by road to Hwange National Park for a deeper Zimbabwe safari.
10. Packing & Safety Tips
What to Pack
- A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho (essential from February to July) and a dry bag for phones and cameras.
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, plus a warm fleece for early mornings in June–August.
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good grip for the wet rainforest paths.
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife and birding.
- US dollar cash in small notes, plus a backup bank card.
- Any personal medication, plus malaria prophylaxis on your doctor’s advice – Victoria Falls is in a malaria area.
Staying Safe
- Wildlife, including elephants and buffalo, often walks through Victoria Falls town, especially at night. Do not walk after dark – take a taxi or lodge transfer.
- Stay behind barriers and on marked paths in the rainforest; Danger Point is unfenced and slippery.
- Never swim in the Zambezi outside of supervised activities – crocodiles and hippos are present.
- Use reputable, licensed operators for adventure activities and ask about safety briefings and equipment.
- Politely decline offers from street money changers and unofficial “guides.”
- Carry your passport or a copy, as you may need it for activities near the border and for crossing the bridge.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Victoria Falls entrance fee in 2026?
Under the ZimParks 2026 tariff, international visitors pay US$58 per person at the Rainforest main gate, SADC visitors pay US$35 and Zimbabwean citizens pay US$7. VIP gate and moonlight viewing tickets cost more.
How far is Zambezi National Park from Victoria Falls town?
The Zambezi River Drive gate is only about 5–6 km from the town centre, making it one of the most accessible national parks in Africa.
Can I see the Big Five in Zambezi National Park?
Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are all present. Rhino is not generally seen in Zambezi National Park, but guided rhino experiences are available in nearby private reserves and on the Zambian side.
Is it better to see Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe or Zambia?
The Zimbabwe side offers most of the classic panoramic views of the main curtain of water. The Zambian side lets you get closer to the edge and, at low water, swim in Devil’s Pool. If time allows, visit both using the KAZA Univisa.
Can I self-drive in Zambezi National Park?
Yes. Self-drivers pay conservation and vehicle fees at the gate. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and a 4×4 is advisable in the rainy season.
How many days do I need?
Two to three nights is ideal to see the Falls, do a game drive in Zambezi National Park, enjoy a sunset cruise and try one or two adventure activities.
When can I see the lunar rainbow?
On nights around the full moon, mainly during the high-water months (roughly March to July), when there is enough spray and clear skies.
Is Victoria Falls safe for tourists?
Yes, Victoria Falls is considered one of Zimbabwe’s safest destinations. The main risks are wildlife in town at night and slippery paths near the gorge, so follow local advice.
Plan Your Victoria Falls & Zambezi Safari with Marriott Safaris Africa
From airport transfers and rainforest tours to private game drives in Zambezi National Park and multi-country itineraries linking Victoria Falls with Chobe, Hwange and East Africa, Marriott Safaris Africa can tailor every detail of your trip to your travel style and budget.
| Ready to Book?
Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our team will design a personalized Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park itinerary with transparent pricing and 24/7 on-trip support. Marriott Safaris Africa – Perfection Anytime. |
