Victoria Falls Travelers Recommend

Despite Zimbabwe’s difficult social and political past, Victoria Falls continues to attract travelers from across the globe. Three days is just enough time to experience the diversity this town has to offer. Whether it’s getting wild, getting in it with the locals, or getting out into nature, Victoria Falls has what you’re looking for. 

Day 1: Get Crazy

Start your morning with a hike through the forests of Victoria Falls National Park. Then meander across the 420-foot bridge straddling the roaring Zambezi River. Take a leap of faith and bungee jump into the open air at one of the world’s most-sought-after bungee destinations. Then relax in a dugout canoe and paddle through a calmer pass of the otherwise rushing river. End your day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles are easy to spot. 

Day 2: Get Local

Spend the morning wandering through expansive craft markets and local shops that sell items like marimbas, tribal jewelry and Shona soap stone carvings. Afterwards, enjoy 3 p.m. high tea on the terrace at the 100-year-old Victoria Falls Hotel. End the day with a traditional dinner at the restaurant, Boma, a Victoria Falls favorite that serves crocodile, beef and other local dishes. Afterwards, relax with a cocktail while you watch the post-meal music and dance performance put on by local artists.

Day 3: Get Out

After experiencing the rush of the Zambezi and the wonder of local culture, take a day trip to Mana Pools National Park, one of Africa’s best game-viewing destinations. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the country, as well as nearly 400 different species of birds. Hire a guide and take a walking safari through the scenic wilderness and untouched forests, or hop in a 4WD vehicle and ride across the grasslands in search of big game. 

The craft markets around Victoria Falls cater to an ever-growing tourist crowd. Complexes such as the Women’s Curio Market, Elephant’s Walk, and Victoria Falls Craft Market offer visitors the opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs and handcrafted wares for fair prices. Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your visit.

Shop around

It’s worth exploring a few stalls or markets before making a purchase. There’s a huge variety of shops, from luxury boutiques to roadside stalls. Look around first to get an idea of what’s available and to get a sense of what things cost.  

Be ready to barter where appropriate

As with all markets, it’s fairly common—if not wholly expected—for shoppers to negotiate prices. When a vendor offers a price, ask yourself if you can afford two-thirds. If not, politely decline and move on—there’s plenty more to be seen, and it’s best to avoid haggling unless you’re really ready to buy. Boutiques typically have set prices, and attempting to barter can be considered offensive.

Buy more for a better deal

If you’re shopping for a number of items, you’re likely to save money by purchasing as many as possible from a single market vendor. This will save you time, too.

Be fair

Getting a good deal is important, but be respectful of vendors’ price limits and remember that this market is where they come work. Aim to pay a fair and reasonable price while considering the factors like craftsmanship and labor costs If hard selling makes you uncomfortable, simply move on.

Chefs in Zimbabwe have made an art out of transforming inexpensive local ingredients into hearty meals that reflect culinary influences from other nations throughout Southern Africa. Don’t miss these best bites and tasty food experiences during your trip to Victoria Falls.

Must-Try Dishes

The breakfast staple in Zimbabwe is bota —loose cornmeal porridge typically flavored with peanut butter, canned jam, butter, milk, or sugar. At lunch and dinnertime, cornmeal is used to make sadza, a porridge thick enough to be rolled into a ball and dipped in stewed spinach, spring greens, or collard greens ( muriwo unedovi ), along with dried or stewed meat. After the Portuguese brought peanuts to Zimbabwe during the 16th century, the ground nuts were incorporated into their own stew made with meat and vegetables, known as dovi. If you have a sweet tooth, sample some mapopo candy, a sweet treat made from papaya that’s been cooked and dusted with sugar. Wash your meal down with maheu, a local drink made from maize.

Must-Do Experiences

• Enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner while cruising the Zambezi River at sunset or riding a steam train to Victoria Falls Bridge.

• Be welcomed into a local home in Victoria Falls to experience the authentic flavors of a “home lunch” comprised of typical Zimbabwean dishes.

• Sink your teeth into a 4-course dinner of local specialties, including African game meats, followed by a live drumming show.