Rainforest Trail, Town Strolls and Bush Walks

There are three kinds of walk at Victoria Falls Town: the rainforest trail beside the falls, a stroll around the town, and a guided bush walk in the wild. Each has its own rules, set out here by length and effort.

Walk one: the rainforest trail

  • Time: about two hours at a relaxed pace.
  • Effort: easy, on paved paths with some stone steps.
  • Cost: about US$58 for international visitors, with US$35 and US$7 tiers for SADC and Zimbabwe residents. Children are half price under 12 and free under 6.

The trail starts at the Livingstone statue by Devil’s Cataract and follows the cliff past Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls. It finishes at Danger Point and the view of the bridge. The tickets are single entry, so you cannot step out for a meal and return without paying again.

In the wet months the spray falls like heavy rain even when the sky is clear. Carry a poncho and a dry bag. In the dry months, bring a hat and water. The stones are slick year round, so wear shoes with good grip. At Danger Point the barriers are low or absent, so stay well back.

Walk two: town and heritage

  • Time: half a morning.
  • Effort: flat and short.
  • Cost: free, apart from what you buy.

The distance from the town centre to the rainforest entrance is a walk of 15 to 20 minutes by day. Elephant’s Walk is the shopping village, and the Jafuta Heritage Centre is also in town. The curio market usually offers stone and wood carvings, and haggling is part of the fun. The grounds of the Victoria Falls Hotel make a pleasant end to the walk, with views toward the bridge.

Walk only in daylight. Elephants, buffalo, warthogs and baboons can appear on streets, and nobody should walk after dark.

Walk three: the guided bush walk

  • Time: about three hours.
  • Effort: moderate, on uneven ground in the heat.
  • Cost: guide fee from the operator plus US$17 for the daily Zambezi National Park entry.

A licensed guide and an armed ZimParks scout lead walks in Zambezi National Park. You track animals by footprints and droppings, learn about plants and approach grazing animals on foot, without an engine. The usual minimum age is 12 to 14. Wear sturdy closed shoes and clothes in khaki, beige or green.

Walking dos and don’ts

  • Do not walk to the Big Tree on Zambezi Drive, as elephants and buffalo use the road.
  • Do not paddle in the Zambezi or wash at the river’s edge, because crocodiles and hippos live there.
  • Do take a taxi after dark, even for 300 m.

Read more: Sightseeing in Victoria Falls Town explains each stop in more depth.

Booking help

Guided walks can be compared on GetYourGuide . Check park conditions with ZimParks .