Things to Do in Victoria Falls: Activities, Adventures and Attractions

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural spectacles, and the activity options surrounding it match that scale. Whether you want to stand metres from the edge of a curtain of water twice the height of Niagara, leap off a bridge 111 metres above the Zambezi, or simply watch elephants wander through town at dusk, Victoria Falls delivers a range of experiences that few places in Africa can match. For those who prefer to have activities pre-arranged, guided tours in Victoria Falls cover everything from day trips to multi-activity packages.

The Rainforest Walk

The Rainforest Walk is the centrepiece of a visit to Zimbabwe’s side of the falls. A path of around 1.7 kilometres runs along the gorge edge opposite the main curtain of water, passing 16 numbered viewpoints. The spray soaks you within minutes during high water (March–June), so a waterproof bag for cameras and a poncho are essential. During low water (August–December), the mist clears enough to see the full cliff face and photograph the layered basalt columns.

Entry to the Rainforest Walk at the Victoria Falls National Park (also called the Victoria Falls Rainforest) costs approximately USD 30 per person as of 2026. The park opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00. Early mornings (before 08:00) offer better light, fewer crowds, and the best chance of seeing the resident warthogs and vervet monkeys along the path.

Bungee Jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge bungee is one of the most dramatic in the world. You jump 111 metres above the Zambezi River from the exact point where the Zimbabwe–Zambia border runs through the bridge arch. Shearwater Victoria Falls operates the jump daily, with prices from approximately USD 160 per person as of 2026. The operation has run since 1994 with an excellent safety record. No experience is required.

The bridge is also a popular vantage point for free photography of the gorge, accessible by walking or driving to the Zimbabwe–Zambia border post (bring your passport; a day pass allows crossing without a full visa in many cases).

White Water Rafting on the Zambezi

The Zambezi below Victoria Falls produces some of the best white water rafting in the world. The stretch from Rapid 1 to Rapid 23 below the gorge runs through Class IV–V rapids with names like Stairway to Heaven, Washing Machine, and The Terminator. Half-day trips cover Rapids 1–10 (approximately USD 110 per person as of 2026); full-day trips extend to Rapid 18 or 23 (approximately USD 130 per person including lunch). All trips are guided, with safety kayakers and downstream support.

The rafting season runs from August to December, when low water makes the gorge accessible. High water season (February–July) closes the lower gorge; operators switch to upper Zambezi flatwater canoeing instead.

Operators: Shearwater Victoria Falls and Safari Par Excellence both run strong operations from the Boiling Pot at the base of the gorge.

Sunset Cruises on the Upper Zambezi

Above the falls, the Upper Zambezi flows broad and calm through channels lined with wild date palms, fig trees, and papyrus beds. Sunset cruises run daily from multiple jetties along the Zambia Road side, lasting around two hours. The hippo and elephant sightings are reliable — hippos patrol the shallows, and elephant herds frequently cross or drink along the banks.

Most cruise operators provide unlimited drinks (local beer, wine, and soft drinks) and snacks. Standard pricing runs approximately USD 35–50 per person as of 2026. Operators include African Queen Sunset Cruises and Makoro Quest. Cruises depart around 16:00–16:30 and return after sunset. Book a day in advance during peak season (July–October).

Microlight and Helicopter Flights

A 15-minute microlight flight over the falls gives you a “Flight of Angels” perspective — you see the full width of the curtain of water, the five distinct sections of the falls, and the zigzag gorge system below from directly overhead. UltraLight Aviation and Batoka Sky both operate from the Victoria Falls Airport apron. Prices start from approximately USD 160 per person for a 15-minute flight and USD 220 for 30 minutes as of 2026. Helicopters carry three to four passengers and are operated by Helicopter Horizons; flights from approximately USD 190 per person.

Flights run from sunrise to mid-morning (best light and calmer air) and again in late afternoon. Bookings fill fast in July–October — reserve at least 48 hours ahead.

Elephant Encounters and Walking with Elephants

Several operators offer elephant encounters at sanctuaries and conservation camps on the outskirts of town. These range from brief 30-minute interactions to two-hour walks alongside habituated elephants in the bush. Wild Horizons Elephant Camp and Elephant Café offer morning encounters (from approximately USD 130 per person) that include a close-up interaction, feeding, and coffee in the bush. These operations work with elephants that were orphaned or rescued, not wild-captured, and the programmes include active elephant welfare monitoring.

Game Drives into Zambezi National Park

Zambezi National Park borders the town directly and covers 56,000 hectares of riverine forest and mopane woodland. Morning game drives typically run 06:00–10:00 and evening drives from 15:30–18:30. You can expect lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and a wide range of antelope. Wild dog packs use the park seasonally. Day entry costs approximately USD 15 per person plus USD 5 per vehicle for self-drive (as of 2026). Guided drives with operators such as Touch the Wild or Shearwater cost from approximately USD 55 per person.

The Victoria Falls Hotel and Historical Sites

The Victoria Falls Hotel, opened in 1904 and still operating as a five-star property, is worth visiting even if you are not a guest. The terrace overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge and the gorge spray is one of the most photographed views in Zimbabwe. High tea on the terrace costs approximately USD 25 per person (as of 2026). The Stanley and Livingstone (a heritage villa property outside town) and the Elephant Camp offer similar Victorian-era ambience at the luxury end.

Shopping and the Curio Market

The Victoria Falls Curio Market on the road approaching the Rainforest Walk entrance is a concentrated cluster of stalls selling stone sculpture, wood carvings, batik fabrics, wire art, and painted gourds. Bargaining is expected and prices are negotiable — start at roughly half the first asking price and meet somewhere in between. The Elephant’s Walk Shopping Village, a short walk from the main market, offers fixed-price boutiques with higher-quality items.

Planning Your Time

Two full days in Victoria Falls comfortably covers: Rainforest Walk (morning one), sunset cruise (evening one), white water rafting or bungee (morning two), and an evening game drive. A third day works well for a cross-border day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana (approximately USD 150 per person all-inclusive), where boat safaris alongside elephants crossing the Chobe River are exceptional. Before you travel, it is worth picking up a Zimbabwe eSIM to stay connected throughout your stay without relying on hotel WiFi.

For where to sleep and eat during your stay, see our Victoria Falls best restaurants guide.