Victoria Falls

Eco-friendly travel guide to Victoria Falls advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 3 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 4.5 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$15 - $ 500

Budget per day: US$ 50- $ 800

Responsible Travel

Victoria Falls is a town in western Zimbabwe that is home to the massive waterfall of the same name. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and it is famous for being the largest waterfall in the world. The water makes a roaring noise as it falls over the cliff and down into the Zambezi River below. There are several ways to ensure responsible travel in Victoria Falls, with some being:

Use public transport
Choose an eco-friendly hotel.
Don't eat at tourist restaurants.
Try to avoid packaged things, ideally eat your snacks on the spot.
Support local businesses by buying local goods.
Use public transport

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Victoria Falls is moderate as there is a significant amount of pollutants in it. The pollutants are mainly from traffic emissions, energy production, and industry. The levels of air pollution tend to be higher during winter. The air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure.

The pollution levels in Victoria Falls are relatively high. The waste collection process has been a bit ineffective, leading to uncollected rubbish piles in some parts of the city. These not only make the city less beautiful but at times they pose health hazards to city residents.

Water pollution is also relatively high in the city, with the improper treatment and disposal of liquid wastes being the major contributor to pollution. This leads to diseases in humans and destroys aquatic life. Several industries in the city discharge their waste materials into water sources, which increases pollution.

Respect the Culture

The culture in Vic Falls is exceptionally diverse due to the many indigenous groups that call the city home. There are a few cultural beliefs that these diverse groups share. When greeting people, it is essential to use your right hand as using the left hand is considered disrespectful. Public display of affection is fronded upon and may even get you a fine. It is also important to note that homosexuality is illegal, and dressing provocatively is one sign of that, so better to dress modestly. Music is also a large part of the Zimbabwean culture, especially in Victoria Falls. Live entertainment is found all over the city, and this music is rooted in culture through the use of traditional stories and instruments such as the mbira, or thumb piano.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Victoria Falls is a beautiful city and one of the best places to visit not only in Zimbabwe but in all of Africa. There are several places to visit to experience the city's beauty and culture as an international traveler. The city is known for its majestic waterfall, the largest in the world among many other things. The city is brimming with a variety of activities for every type of tourist. Below is a list of the top ten places to visit:

The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River just below the Victoria Falls and is built over the Second Gorge of the falls. The bridge links Zimbabwe and Zambia and has border posts on both ends at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, Zambia. The bridge is a fantastic landmark that is a must-see when you are in the city. There is a fantastic view of the falls from the bridge that is even more beautiful from a helicopter, booked. The scenery is mind-blowing, and there is bungee jumping from the bridge into the river below.
Devils Pool Victoria Falls is a natural rock pool on a waterfall ledge that is amazingly beautiful and scary. The experience is incredibly amazing and a little scary at the same time. The tour directors are well trained, helpful, and patient, and they make sure everyone is safe and, most of all, having fun. They have exciting yet scary activities designed to freak you out just up to the point where they can get beautiful and memorable pictures of you to do this fantastic activity. You need to be a strong swimmer as you have to do a little swimming to the rock, and there is a guide rope to the 'island' where you take the pictures from. It is important to note that the current is usually strong. Once you are out of the water, there are gorgeous, well-maintained walking trails with breath-taking views in all directions. Rest and refreshment areas are well stocked and well placed.
Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is a waterfall on the Zambezi River in southern Africa on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is considered to be one of the world's largest waterfalls. The falls offer breath-taking views, and there are plenty of tour activities taking place 24/7. The Victoria Falls provides a habitat for several unique species of plants and animals. You can visit the falls on foot, or if you can afford it, you can use the helicopter tour option, which is more expensive, but worth it. It would help if you were careful when walking close to the edge because it is very slippery, and the barrier is not that solid. Don't forget your rain jacket or poncho as you will get wet.
Victoria Falls National Park in north-western Zimbabwe protects the south and east bank of the Zambezi River in the world-famous Victoria Falls. The national park extends along the Zambezi River from the larger Zambezi National Park about 6 km above the falls to about 12 km below the falls. There is a breath-taking helicopter tour to see the falls from above. A notable feature of the park is the rainforest, which grows in the spray of the falls and has ferns, palms, liana vines, and many trees such as mahogany that are not found anywhere else in the region. The park has several animals in the park, including elephants, Cape buffalo, southern white rhinoceros, hippopotamus, eland, etc., during game drives and walking safaris.
Safari Victoria Falls is a safari and elephant habitat. The place offers a fantastic experience, including elephant rides, and you will see many animals on the elephant ride trail. The place offers breakfast and snacks for lunch. The elephants are well taken care of. They are walked in family groups, so they are comfortable. After the elephant ride, the guests give the elephants treats, so the experience is very positive. They use padding like those who ride horses, so the saddles are not set directly on the elephant's back. Baby elephants are not ridden. The staff is lovely, and the trainers that ride with guests are well-trained and friendly.
Zambezi River is a usually calm river that offers the perfect place for many beautiful cruises with great food, an open bar, and a lovely atmosphere, all for 40 USD. The sunset view on one of these cruises is to die for, and the general experience is relaxing, especially after a long day in the scorching heat. There are many photo opportunities to add to your memory collection. On some cruises, locals are playing traditional music. There are many animals along the cruise route, and if you are lucky, you might see elephants cross the river, hippos, and crocodiles.
Victoria Falls Steam Train is a traditional steam train that offers tours around the city. The tours are evening tours, and they are a wonderful experience along a scenic route. The staff will keep you entertained the entire evening, and the service is impressive. There is an endless supply of delicious food, wine, cocktails, and beverages. There are several guides who have a thorough knowledge of the area and are willing to share it with those who want to know more. There is live entertainment in the form of onboard musicians whose performances include some catchy songs that everyone can sing along with.
Jafuta Heritage Center is a small museum with a comprehensive private collection of Zimbabwean artifacts, focusing on local peoples, historical records of the region, and a small library of historical books. The museum allows visitors to explore some of the tribes and history and discuss aspects of this with the curator, who is also an artist, and the local N'anga (traditional healer), who can throw the bones for them as well. There are beautifully presented displays on the Shona, Ndebele, and Tonga peoples, accompanied by cultural artifacts, some going back many hundreds of years. The small library has a sitting area where visitors are welcome to spend some time going through historical books or just sit and soak up the atmosphere. There is also a café, The Africa Café, which sells local coffees, teas, and tasty eats.
David Livingstone Statue is a monument along the trail around Victoria Falls that was erected to commemorate David Livingstone. It is said that he was a real champion of the ordinary person, and the locals speak of him with great respect. David Livingstone is the one who named the Victoria Waterfall after Queen Victoria. The statue has an inscription which says that David Livingstone visited the falls in 1851, and he wrote his first impression on the beauty of the waterfalls on that particular visit.
Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm is home to various African animals, including the second largest crocodile in the world and the second-largest reptile in existence. As you are on the crocodile farm, you learn and understand crocodiles more and get a closer look at them than one would like to in the wild. The crocodile farm is situated about 5 Kilometres from the town center. The area is along a natural creek surrounded by tall, shady trees which keep the temperature down. There are hundreds of crocodiles on display, ranging from fully grown adults to babies. Go on a guided tour of the crocodile breeding farm, as well as the tannery. The braver guests can hold newly hatched baby crocodiles, which makes for a great holiday photo memento. The feeding times are also worth watching as you can see large crocodiles leaping out of the water to snap at big chunks of meat. The farm also has a curio shop that stocks high-quality souvenirs and gift items made of crocodile skin.

Explore

Victoria Falls is home to one of the World's Seven Wonders, which goes by the same name. The falls are a glorious waterfall made when the Zambezi River plummets over a cliff and into the Boiling Pot before flowing through a series of gorges. There are many other sites such as The Devil's Pool; a natural infinity pool is on the edge of a sheer drop. There is also the Zambezi National Park, which is home to white rhinos and elephants. The choice to visit Victoria Falls is, without a doubt, a great one, and it will be worth your time and every cent spent. Keep reading to be able to find out more about this fantastic tourist destination.

City Parks

The Victoria Falls Park is the only notable city park. There are lush green grass, beautiful flowers, and several park benches where people can relax and enjoy the fresh air. The park is a common place for those who want to relax and have picnics or hang out with families or friends. There is enough space for children to play and run around. Also, fitness fanatics sometimes use the park for boot camps.

National Parks

Victoria Falls National Park in north-western Zimbabwe protects the south and east bank of the Zambezi River in the world-famous Victoria Falls. The national park extends along the Zambezi River from the larger Zambezi National Park about 6 km above the falls to about 12 km below the falls. There is a breath-taking helicopter tour to see the falls from above. A notable feature of the park is the rainforest, which grows in the spray of the falls and has ferns, palms, liana vines, and many trees such as mahogany that are not found anywhere else in the region. The park has several animals in the park, including elephants, Cape buffalo, southern white rhinoceros, hippopotamus, eland, etc., during game drives and walking safaris.
Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm is home to various African animals, including the second largest crocodile in the world and the second-largest reptile in existence. As you are on the crocodile farm, you learn and understand crocodiles more and get a closer look at them than one would like to in the wild. The crocodile farm is situated about 5 Kilometres from the town center. The area is along a natural creek surrounded by tall, shady trees which keep the temperature down. There are hundreds of crocodiles on display, ranging from fully grown adults to babies. Go on a guided tour of the crocodile breeding farm, as well as the tannery. The braver guests can hold newly hatched baby crocodiles, which makes for a great holiday photo memento. The feeding times are also worth watching as you can see large crocodiles leaping out of the water to snap at big chunks of meat. The farm also has a curio shop that stocks high-quality souvenirs and gift items made of crocodile skin.

Beaches

There are no beaches in Victoria Falls.

Landmarks

David Livingstone Statue is a monument along the trail around Victoria Falls that was erected to commemorate David Livingstone. It is said that he was a real champion of the ordinary person, and the locals speak of him with great respect. David Livingstone is the one who named the Victoria Waterfall after Queen Victoria. The statue has an inscription which says that David Livingstone visited the falls in 1851, and he wrote his first impression on the beauty of the waterfalls on that particular visit.

Museums

Jafuta Heritage Center is a small museum with a comprehensive private collection of Zimbabwean artifacts, focusing on local peoples, historical records of the region, and a small library of historical books. The museum allows visitors to explore some of the tribes and history and discuss aspects of this with the curator, who is also an artist, and the local N'anga (traditional healer), who can throw the bones for them as well. There are beautifully presented displays on the Shona, Ndebele, and Tonga peoples, accompanied by cultural artifacts, some going back many hundreds of years. The small library has a sitting area where visitors are welcome to spend some time going through historical books or just sit and soak up the atmosphere. There is also a café, The Africa Café, which sells local coffees, teas, and tasty eats.

Eat

There are several traditional foods in the city that enhance the experience of being a tourist. Several restaurants and street vendors sell different dishes that you could try, whether it is out of curiosity or so that you can have a story to tell later.

Traditional Local Restaurants

One of the best things about traveling worldwide is trying the various local cuisines available in that area. In most cases, traditional restaurants are the best place to experience local foods' taste, and maybe even a bit of the culture behind said dishes. Numerous conventional restaurants around the city serve excellent varieties of Zimbabwean dishes. Below is a list of the most popular traditional restaurants in the city.

Mama Africa is a long established town favorite that specializes in traditional dishes from all over Africa. There is no rush at Mama Africa; meals are prepared from scratch and enjoyed slowly. The restaurant makes Zimbabwean specialty dishes that you will come back for. The must-try dish is Sadza, a maize porridge-like substance, with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables, and side sauce made from peanuts. They also have a wide selection of African game meats. There is also entertainment in the form of live traditional music and accompanying dance performances.
Da Belly Restaurant is a relaxed restaurant set around a beautiful swimming pool located underneath a traditional hut. The menu has many options, including several delicious local specialties such as Impala Stew, the Parmesan Warthog Schnitzel, and Crocodile Steak. These dishes come with a choice of a side dish of traditional Sadza (staple food), green vegetables, chips, or salad. They are open from breakfast time. There is live entertainment by local music and dance groups in the evenings.
The 3 Monkeys Restaurant and Cocktail Bar one of the newest restaurants in the city that provides the best of local cuisine, together with a wide variety of beverage options and customer service of the highest quality. The place is frequented by locals, backpackers, and hotel residents, making it a fun place to exchange travel experiences. The menu caters to everyone as it has burgers, wraps, pizzas, and paninis alongside a selection of local flame-grilled meats. The place is quite pricy.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Nam Took is a typical Asian and Eastern Fusion foods restaurant with many items on the menu that can be made vegan upon request. Most of these are soups, noodles, salads, spring rolls, and curries. Ask your server which specific dishes have a vegan choice.
The Palm Restaurant is a classy restaurant in the Ilala lodge. They offer various international cuisine and have many vegan options available. They have a chickpea burger featured on the lunch menu, in addition to many veg choices on the dinner menu (falafel, curry, and salads, etc.). Vegan dishes are not marked on the menu, but they can be requested.
The Shearwater Café offers various cuisines, including European, Fusion, and African. The restaurant serves meat but also has several vegan options available on their menu. Some of their vegan and vegetarian choices include pizza, wraps, pasta, and sandwiches. Be sure to enquire before ordering. The restaurant is modern and urban, so be prepared for the prices to be high.

Street Food

Street food is not a common occurrence in Victoria Falls as the city council is strict on vendors and reducing their activity in the city. There are some parts of the city, mainly in the downtown area, where you can find people selling street food. Some of the things you can consider trying include:

Sadza
Mopane worms
Game meat

Drink

Victoria Falls is a rather hot city, although there are times when it is cold as is expected. As is expected, there is a high need to stay hydrated during summer due to the high temperatures. The high temperatures dictate the beverage of choice as people prefer to drink something that would cool them down. There are numerous cold non-alcoholic drinks to choose from in the city, excluding water. Beverages of choice on a hot day include but are not limited to soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake, vegan shakes, and even iced tea or coffee. Tea is relatively popular, regardless of the temperatures outside; however, tea consumption increases significantly when it's cold. Other choice beverages on cold days include coffee and warm milk.

Alcohol consumption is high in Victoria Falls. The city has many bars and nightclubs where people meet up after a long day at work or on weekends for a relaxed evening of drinks with friends. Other people enjoy the occasional drink at home, mostly whiskey or wine. There are both local and international brews available for purchase in both bars and supermarkets. The various types of alcoholic beverages include wine, gin, vodka, and cocktails, to name a few.

Tap-water

The tap water in Victoria Falls is generally safe for drinking.

Organic Cafés

Organic foods are foods that are grown without artificial nutrients, pesticides, or other chemicals. Eating organic has become a widespread trend where people are very selective about what they put in their bodies. Several organic cafes attract patrons of all ages who are careful about nutrition. There are many cafes in the city that cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in the city

Wild Horizons Lookout Café
Shearwater Café
Nam Took

Breweries

Beer is a significant part of the Victoria Falls society, and local brands hold a strong sense of national pride among the population. The local beer brewing industry in Vic Falls is strong, as they make various types of local beer to meet the demand, which is rather high as the locals are very proud and fond of their local beer. There are several breweries around the city, such as:

The River Brewing Company
Beerbab Brewpub and Brewery

Activities

Numerous activities can be done as you explore Victoria Falls. The city is visited by local tourists, as it is one of the World's Seven Wonders. The activities are designed to ensure that no one is left out, and people of different interests can still enjoy and have a great time. Some of the most popular activities include hikes, bike riding, white water rafting, and bungee jumping, to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city center while others are just on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city offers.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite popular globally, including Vic Falls, and some of the most visited yoga studios include:

Zimbabwe Luxury Yoga Safari
Prana Africa Yoga
Victoria Falls River Lodge

Accommodation

There are many different accommodation types across Vic Falls. As an individual, you get to decide which one you prefer based on your needs, tastes, and budget. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from.

Green Hotels

There are several eco-friendly hotels in the city which aim for the sustainability of the environment. These hotels tend to offer safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient accommodation. Other characteristics include using renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. A few of the most popular ones are:

Victoria Falls Hotel
The Kingdom Hotel
Elephant Hills Hotel

Hostels and Guest Houses

Khanondo Guest House is a comfortable self-catering house that offers homely budget accommodation for family groups or couples in Victoria Falls. The guest house can accommodate up to eight guests in its four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge. Two of the rooms feature twin beds and the other two feature double beds. The rooms can be rented out individually on request. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering.
Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge is a relaxed backpacker for the younger population interested in a party more than a good night's sleep. They offer a choice of comfortable Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, Family Rooms, or Dorm Rooms, most of which have air-conditioning or ceiling fans. Soap and toilet paper are provided, and most of the rooms have bedding, except for the Dorm Rooms, where sheets and pillows are provided, but bedding can be requested at an additional cost. There is a communal kitchen with all the accessories needed, and guests can enjoy their meals in the dining area. Cleaning and a laundry service are available on request. Other facilities include an airport shuttle and swimming pool, to name a few.
Mandebele Lodge is an affordable lodge that boasts African architectural design and offers free Wi-Fi to all guests. Each room has a TV with satellite reception, air condition, wall art, and an en-suite bathroom. There is a complimentary breakfast served daily. The onsite restaurant and bar serve a variety of meals and drinks. Guests can enjoy swimming sessions at the outdoor pool, which is flanked by sunbeds. Laundry, airport pickup, and car hire services are provided for an additional cost.

Apartments

Those who intend to stay in Vic Falls for a long time will be very expensive as they charge per day. Some several flats and apartments are available for rent for at least a month. These are more affordable as they charge a flat rate and buy your food, which lowers costs. Those traveling as a group will find these most convenient as it is possible to share the flat rate cost instead of paying per head or room in hotels and motels.

Couchsurfing

Some families rent out a part of their home to tourists, known as couch surfing. This trend is still growing in Victoria Falls. It offers the host family an opportunity to make extra money and the tourist a chance to experience Zimbabwean culture through family life. Several websites connect tourists with people who are willing to open up their homes.

Camping

There are numerous campsites for those tourists who want to rough it, which offers a sense of adventure by giving people the full outdoor experience, including the fresh night air and the magnificent night skies. Below are some of the more popular campsites:

Victoria Falls Rest Camp
Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge
Shoestrings

How to Get There

Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Victoria Falls, with the most convenient for you being dictated by where you are coming from, be it a local or international area. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use airplanes.

Air

The Victoria Falls airport is about 22kms out of town and receives planes from the two major cities and a few international flights. There are several transport options to get to the airport's city center, including car rental, airport transfers, and taxis. In most cases, airport transfers are organized with your hotel. There are taxis around at the airport for every flight, and you should expect to pay about US$30 to $40 to get into town. Taxis carry at least four passengers, making them more convenient for groups.

Bus

Long-distance buses are also a standard mode of transport with the locals. There are top-class buses such as Inter-Cape, which are comfortable and reliable as they stick to the timetable. They are somewhat expensive. The alternative is 'chicken buses,' these are old buses that do not stick to the timetable and are, in most cases, uncomfortable and overcrowded.

Train

Two trains come into the city on specific days. This is not a comfortable mode of transport as these are old model steam engines that take a long time to complete the journey. The trains travel at night along some scenic routes, and if you are lucky, you might come across wild animals as there are many game reserves on the way

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking to Victoria Falls from any city in Zimbabwe is easy. When hitchhiking, just stand at a part of the road where cars can stop. The thumbs-up signal is used to show that you want to hitchhike. You can use English to communicate with drivers. It is important to note that there are no free rides.

Others

Hired private cars are another popular way of traveling to Victoria Falls, although they are quite expensive and charged per day.

Moving Around

Victoria Falls is a relatively small town, even though it does have many things to do and places to explore. Moving around the city can be complicated as the city's public transport system is not efficient. In most cases, walking or hiring a taxi is the best way to move around. Below are several other ways you can move around the city.

Walk

Walking is the best way to get around the city, especially once you are in the city center. Walking is safe, although at midday in the summer it can get unbearably hot. Locals walk around at night, and if you want to do so and ensure that you are not alone as you might be robbed. When walking around town, it's entirely possible to come across wild animals, mostly elephants.

Bicycle

Bicycles are available for hire in the town center between the Information center, and Wild Horizons booking office on Park Way and are charged hourly, half a day, or daily depending on what you want. Victoria Falls bike tours take you into the local township to see and experience the local culture, to the big tree, along the Zambezi River, and down to the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Electronic Vehicles

There are currently no electronic vehicles in Victoria Falls.

Public Bus

There is a free shuttle service that runs hourly from most hotels and lodges to the town center. There are no actual public buses that need to be paid for.

Tram, Train and Subway

This mode of transport does not exist in Victoria Falls.

Sustainable Shopping

There are many shopping centers in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops and ensure that you stick to one shop and try to spread the wealth by visiting different shops.

Food Markets

There are several markets across the city that are dedicated to selling fresh food. They sell both local and international food, processed or unprocessed. Some of these markets include

OK Supermarket
Fruit And Veg Mart
Chinotimba Market

Flea Markets

Several flea markets across the city offer both an exciting shopping experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. Most of them sell various things, mostly souvenirs at reasonable prices. However, they tend to double the price when selling to tourists.

Victoria Falls flea market.
Elephant walk shopping center

Second Hand Stores

The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. The Salvation Army church owns the only second-hand store in Vic Falls.

Eco-Fashion

There are currently no eco-friendly fashion labels in Victoria Falls.

Recycling

Victoria Falls Recycling is a private organization dedicated to ensuring that recycling is done in the city. They separate collected waste and send it to large recycling plants in Harare and South Africa, where it is made into plastic bags, clothing, diesel, and much more.

Waste

Victoria Falls does not have a proper landfill site at the moment. Solid waste material is collected either by municipal trucks, which take it to designated dumpsites. Some collectors collect waste for a living and get paid per kilogram by the recycling organization.

Work and Study Abroad

The economy in Victoria Falls is not as good as it should be, and therefore getting a job there as a foreigner could be quite hard. The most common opportunities for ex-pats are related to animal and wildlife conservation. So those with qualifications in those areas can try their luck. There are many primary and secondary schools in the city, and the language of instruction is English. There is, however, no tertiary institution.

Exchange Student

There is no university in Victoria Falls.

Au Pair

An au pair is a young foreign person who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and pocket money. The concept of Au pairs is not yet popular in Vic Falls. Most people rely on local nannies or daycare services.

Volunteering

Several voluntary organizations across Victoria Falls are always open for volunteers. You can look up volunteer opportunities in the city. The most popular volunteer organizations are those that deal with animals and nature conservation.