things to do

Shoestrings Cafe is located between the entrance and the garden area at Shoestrings Backpackers. With a variety of seating options in the gardens or by the bar, you can enjoy reasonably priced meals in a relaxed setting.

Every lunchtime a professional guide takes visitors to a viewing platform at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to see wild vultures feeding. Guests will learn more about the plight of vultures across Africa and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem.

A private community reserve on the outskirts of Victoria Falls town offers a wide range of activities, tours, breathtaking views and abundant wildlife that make for an adventurous safari.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve wildlife and natural ecosystems in the Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe. The VFWT work directly with communities to encourage good environmental stewardship, provide scientific solutions to today’s wildlife management challenges, and rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife injured through human interference.

Greenline Africa has an exciting action orientated volunteer program aimed at making a difference to the environment and the communities in and around Victoria Falls. The experience is offered at the Greenline Africa Centre on the outskirts of Victoria Falls and operates year round. Activities include conservation, recycling, education, health, community development and rural agriculture which are run in partnership with local community leaders, school authorities and other appropriate authorities. Suggested stay is 1 to 2 weeks but longer tailor made volunteer experiences can be crafted on request.

The new kid on the block, Simba’s bakery is centrally located in the heart of the city and offers a range of pastries and artisanal breads locally made by Chef Simba. The Bakery has a ‘Parisian’ atmosphere and incorporates a quaint seating area where you can watch the hustle and bustle of the street.

Malonga Village restaurant is located close to the entrance to Victoria Falls and claims to have ‘the biggest burger in town’ and offer casual lunchtime dining.

Little sister to The Three Monkeys Restaurant, Little Monkey is a very small takeaway serving healthy meals, snacks and sushi for those on the go whilst exploring the city.

Active Sushi is located at the N1 Hotel property, at the pavilion by the pool. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can enjoy large portions from their extensive menu. They offer a sit in or takeaway menu.

Comprising of Bakers Inn, Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn and Creamy Inn, the Innscor Food Court in Victoria Falls has a diverse offering of fast food.

Specially crafted wine tastings in a rustic setting located within Elephants Walk. Book your tasting or stroll in to invigorate your palate with award winning wines that have been thoughtfully sourced from some of the best international wineries.

A lovely, small open bar, away from the crowds. A great spot to relax and enjoy a cold beer. Friendly staff with regular local entertainment and an authentic locally made craft beer.

The Rainforest Restaurant is found just inside the entrance to the Rainforest in Victoria Falls National Park and serves light meals and cold drinks before or after having walked around the majestic Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls has many local artists and artisans, many of whom exhibit in local galleries, or welcome visitors to their studios.

Across from Elephants Walk is the Orange Elephant, a premier gift shop, specialising in handmade, locally inspired art, craft, homeware & books. The Orange Elephant regularly hosts artists and authors to conduct children’s reading and art workshops on Saturdays.

Go on a journey through African culture and the history of Victoria Falls with a lively, entertaining specialist talk. The talks include the life of David Livingstone - missionary, explorer, author and philanthropist and can be tailored as required, including at specific lodges or onboard a cruise. This is a bucket list activity for those interested in the fascinating history of the region and local culture.

To meet the local communities around Victoria Falls, embark on one of the Community Village visits. Located within the quiet rural countryside, you can visit traditional Zimbabwean homesteads and learn about life, customs and history of the village. These activities support the development of community-based tourism in more diverse areas of the city.

Pariah State is a rustic treehouse-style restaurant snugly fit within the city centre, offering a variety of grilled food, pizzas and unique dishes. It’s open for lunch and dinner.

Hop onboard an authentically styled 19th century tram known as the Bamba Tram. This is the world’s most beautiful tram ride and a fun experience for families and groups. It goes from the Railway station through Victoria Falls National Park and down onto the historical Victoria Falls Bridge, taking in astonishing scenery of the landscape and city. Whilst admiring the view from the bridge, light refreshments are served. Spectacular sunrise trips are available on request and confirmed with a minimum of 6 people.

A number of specialist and talented photographers live and work around Victoria Falls. Tami Walker Fine Art Gallery has a display of fine art photography focused on african wildlife and nature. Well known for her monochrome work which creates a striking contrast between the subject and the background, Tami Walker’s art has become sought after on an international scale. Baines Art Gallery - Showcasing photographic work from a number of local residents within Victoria Falls, Baines Art Gallery displays photographic images of wildlife and communities from around the region and is located alongside the spectacular Baines Restaurant overlooking the Zambezi River.

Situated in the Trading Post complex in the heart of the City Center, Mama Africa Eating House has a vibrant local atmosphere with traditional African style decor. With live music most nights from the local Mama Africa band which includes jazz, reggae and pop renditions, you can expect great live music to accompany a casual dining experience.

An unforgettable experience in a spectacular outdoor setting, with a fusion of african and western flavors with views of the historic Victoria Falls bridge. The evening buffet incorporates nightly entertainment from energetic traditional dancers including the spiritual, masked Makishi dancers, and a local story teller narrating the meaning behind each dance and the purpose of the tribe.

Loretta's Coffee & Smoothie Caravan in Victoria Falls is the brainchild of TK and Loretta Musungwa. Loretta's is set in beautiful natural gardens and regularly visited by locals. You can enjoy a range of locally roasted coffee, healthy smoothies and milkshakes. The caravan overlooks a sitting area under the “Solomon Tree of Wisdom” where you can draw on inspiration from the wise words hanging off the branches whilst enjoying your drinks.

Located upstream of the Victoria Falls, Baines Restaurant has been stylishly built to blend in with the natural environment and offers exceptional views of the mighty Zambezi River with the roaring sound of “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” as its backdrop. It serves freshly prepared breakfasts, lunch and cocktails. With couches and swinging chairs this is a beautiful place to relax whilst soaking up the views.

Newly introduced to the art scene is the Patrick Mavros gallery offering luxury silversmith products and experiences.

Whilst running in Victoria Falls is possible, it should be done with caution to avoid any contact with wildlife. If you do decide to run or walk it is recommended to inform your accommodation provider, do so during daylight hours, stay on main tar roads frequented by vehicles, and maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. It is not recommended to run off-road and with earphones.

Awaken your senses as you get out to explore on foot. Whether in Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Forestry Areas and the Woodlands Community Reserve, there are many options for stretching your legs. Zimbabwe is renowned for having some of the best professional guides in Africa.

Many accommodations in Victoria Falls have state of the art gyms for in-house residents. In addition the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy has a small gym with personal trainers available for those visiting the destination.

At the heart of the largest conservation area on earth, Victoria Falls has many different national parks, wildlife corridors and private reserves to explore. These offer some of the best and wildest opportunities for wildlife sightings in Africa, including large mammals, predators, rare birds and endangered species.  Zimbabwe is world-known for its knowledgeable and passionate guides who can bring even the smallest leaf to life with engaging stories and science. 

Guided bicycle tours are available three times a day. Led by a guide, small groups are able to explore the city, craft markets and Zambezi River, visit the Big Tree and enjoy spectacular views of the Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls Bridge. The terrain is relatively flat with a few mild inclines but a basic level of fitness is advised.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available to rent at selected properties around Victoria Falls or through the Bamba Victoria Falls Team for delivery. The Bamba E-Bikes provide a great opportunity to explore the city in your own time and offer an ecofriendly independent adventure. Riding in and around Victoria Falls should only be done in daylight hours with close vigilance of your surroundings given the proximity of wildlife.

The Landela Centre is close to the railway line on the main road which comes into Victoria Falls City and traverses down to Victoria Falls Rain Forest and has an array of small boutiques, the exceptional “Victoria Falls Art Gallery” showcasing the talent of local artists, curio shops, cafes and booking agents.

The Phumula centre on Park Way is a small shopping centre behind the Shearwater booking office. The Centre includes a well stocked supermarket, numerous service shops for cell phones, banks and a pharmacy, as well as a few clothing boutiques and a deli called the Butcher’s Daughter.

If you would like help in moving between shopping spots or exploring the multitude of markets in and around the city, take a guided tour. The tours include pickup and drop offs from your accommodation and can assist with pricing negotiations.

Located centrally behind Ilala Lodge, this pedestrian courtyard area contains specialty shops and studios where you can meet local craftsmen at work. The center is home to handmade products made by local community members at the Batoka Creatives studio, Ndoro Designs, art galleries, sculpture galleries, a book shop, a jewellery workshop, and Brooks Cafe.

Sawanga is the first shopping mall you will see on your way into Victoria Falls on the right hand side and is adjacent to the main road just before you reach the City Centre. A large parking lot is surrounded by a multitude of shops which range from liquor and stationary supplies, a shoe shop, banks, a supermarket and a pharmacy.

The annual Zambezi Cycle Challenge offers mountain bikers an opportunity to take part in an event that raises funds for conservation and incorporates some fantastic scenery with a mixture of dirt off-road and tough trail riding.

The annual Victoria Falls Marathon takes place in July every year and attracts thousands of runners through our iconic parks and trails.