This article will help you find your way to Victoria Falls town from the closest airports and then let you in on 8 easy ways to get around town, no matter what you need to do or where you need to go.
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Where are the Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)?
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders"), a stunning waterfall located about midway on the course of the Zambezi River, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe with Zambia to the north, in Southern Africa.
One of the world's largest waterfalls, the Victoria Falls is about twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls. Spanning the Zambezi River across at one of its greater widths, it measures about 5,500 feet (1.7 kilometres)wide and 550 feet (170 meters)deep.
At the falls, the river plunges to a maximum drop of 355 feet (108 meters). The falls’ average flow is almost 38,000 cubic feet (1088 cubic meters) per second.
Those visiting the Falls from the Zimbabwe side will enter through the Victoria Falls National Park, just outside of the main town.
Getting to Victoria Falls Town from Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Airport is only a short 22-kilometer drive from the town.
There are a few options to get into town from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
Airport Transfer
Airport transfer is probably the easiest and cheapest as most accommodations in the Falls offer this service as complimentary. Just be sure to let your Hotel or Lodge know the flight details if not booked through a travel agent.
Taxi
There is never a shortage of taxis at the airport. They prefer to take USD cash as payments but will accept other mainstream currencies such as GBP or Euros. See the rates list for fares
Car Rental
If you're looking for a rental car in Vic Falls, it's a good idea to book well ahead of time so that you can be guaranteed a vehicle when you arrive.
There are a number of car rental companies situated at the airport. Avis and Europcar are just two. We suggest using Rentalcars.com who represent all the major brands and are a global and well-respected organization known to have very good rates, particularly in the Falls.
Getting to Victoria Falls Town from Livingstone Airport, Zambia
Airport Transfer
If you have flown into Livingstone Airport (LVI) on the Zambia side, we recommend an airport transfer. This is mainly because there is a border crossing involved, and a pre-arranged transfer with either your travel agent or one of the tour operators will remove the hassle.
We recommend using Wild Horizons or Shearwater for your trip into Victoria Falls town. These companies carry the required permits to make the transition seamless.
Although taxis are an option, we would advise against using them because they do not carry the required permits to cross the border. You would need to take 2 or 3 taxis to get to Victoria Falls town.
One from the airport to the Zambian side border post to clear customs. Then either walk over the bridge between the Zimbabwe and Zambia border posts which is about 1,5 kilometres or take another taxi.
After clearing on the Zimbabwe side you would then have to take a 3rd taxi to your accommodation in Victoria Falls. See the rates here.
Victoria Falls Town and Surrounds
The entrance to the actual Victoria Falls in the National Park is situated at the end of the main street, close to the town centre.
1. Car Hire
While a car rental is always an option, it might be an expense best spent elsewhere. The town is small and getting around is made easy by the many other options mentioned in this article.
2. Taxi
Taxis are available throughout the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and most accommodations or travel offices will book one for you to get anywhere within the town limits. Click here for rates.
3. Walking
The easiest way to get around Vic Falls, Zimbabwe is by foot. Walking is a fantastic option for most occasions and it’s usually the best method for visitors.
Please be aware of the wildlife that you might see in and around Victoria Falls. Elephants are often sighted in the town centre, so please keep a watchful eye for the unexpected.
4. Hotel or Tour Operator Shuttle
Most accommodations offer a free shuttle service to and from town, the falls, or other activities. There are also tour operators that offer a shuttle service for various destinations in Victoria Falls.
The hotel shuttles run regularly throughout the day.
5. Bicycles
Bicycles are a great way to explore the area around Victoria Falls.
If you're looking for something more exciting than just cycling on paved roads, consider renting bikes with gears and going off-road on one of the many dirt trails that wind through villages in the area.
There is a bicycle rental office in town next to the information centre. See the rates here.
For guided tours, try the Bike & Saddle Tours team.
6. Bamba Bus
The Bamba Bus is a Hop-on Hop-off tour bus that makes getting around Victoria Falls easy, affordable and fun.
They hit all the hotspots, from the Victoria Falls to local shopping areas and curio markets, to restaurants and bars, to lodges in the suburbs. For more information, check out our Bamba Bus page.
7. Scooter Hire
For those who want to explore Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe at their own pace and make the most of their time there, Y-Walk Scooter Hire is a must! Rent one of their 50cc motorized scooters for full or half day use. This way you can get from site to site without any hassle. They will deliver the scooters right to your hotel so all that's left to do is explore.
8. Tours & Activities
There are a multitude of tours and activities around Victoria Falls, from shopping and cultural tours to family, and adrenaline-type activities. Visit our activities page for more information.
Transport for most tours and activities is provided by the tour company.
When you make your booking, be sure to tell the person where you want to be collected from. There is also a central hub in towns for most Victoria Falls activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Victoria Falls is a place that offers convenient travel options. The town values security, and you're safer here than many other places in the world, including big cities.
Yes, there is a fee for all tourists on both Zambia and Zimbabwean sides. SADC passport holders pay a reduced rate. See the rates sheet for more information on costs
Visitors to the Falls should wear comfortable attire that provides sun protection – cool cotton clothing, hats, sunglasses, hiking/running shoes. Your would need warmer clothing in cooler months, during April to August.
The bottom of the gorge is undeniably the most stunning site to view Victoria Falls. If you're brave enough, it's possible to swim in rock pools right underneath at certain times of the year. Check out this page for more information on one of these types of activities.
Yes, it's generally safe enough notwithstanding some "risks". A short swim, say about 50 meters near the edge of the falls is required before you reach the pool. The current is weak here, but it exists, no doubt about it. For more detail on Devils Pool, click here