Walking Safaris and Rainforest Trails

Walks here range from a paved rainforest path to wilderness trails among elephants, and each step up in wildness raises the risk. Read this page as a checklist, starting with the safest option.

Safest: the Victoria Falls rainforest trail

Admission is about US$58 for international visitors, US$35 for SADC residents and US$7 for Zimbabwe residents, for a single entry. If you leave, you pay again to return, so bring water and a snack. Spray leaves stones slippery, so wear shoes with grip and carry a rain layer. The edges at some viewpoints are unfenced. The trail shows the falls and the forest that the spray feeds.

Easy: town and craft stops

Victoria Falls town is small enough to walk during the day. Elephant’s Walk has shops and the Jafuta Heritage Centre. Return to your hotel before dark, because elephants and buffalo cross the town after sunset.

Guided: walking safaris

Operators lead walks in Zambezi National Park and in Hwange concessions. The UK FCDO says that walking and canoe safaris carry extra risk and that animals have injured and killed visitors. If you go, use a registered operator, listen to the briefing, stay in line behind the guide and do not run. Ask in advance about age limits and prices, since both vary. International entry to Zambezi National Park is about US$17. Hwange charges a ZimParks daily conservation fee and a vehicle fee, and the park is best from August to November.

Remote: Chizarira

Chizarira National Park lies on the Zambezi Escarpment and calls for self-sufficiency. A high-clearance 4WD is needed to climb the access gorge, and the park headquarters are at Manzituba. Camping at Mucheni Gorge and Mucheni View is basic. July to October is the suggested window. Do not go without supplies, a map and a plan for emergencies.

Water and heat

  • From September to November, temperatures above 35 C are common, so start before sunrise.
  • Do not paddle in the Zambezi, Lake Kariba or any dam, because of crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia.
  • Carry more water than you expect to need.

Health

Malaria occurs all year in Victoria Falls, Hwange, Binga and the Zambezi Valley. See a doctor before you travel, and use repellent in the evening.

Walks outside the province

Matobo, Khami, Great Zimbabwe, Mana Pools and Chinhoyi Caves belong to other provinces. Bulawayo has its own province, around 440 km from Victoria Falls.

Read more: Sightseeing and Outdoor activities .

Look for guided walks on Viator . Government advice: FCDO safety and security .