Victoria Falls National Park Park
Protected park surrounding the dramatic Victoria Falls
On Zimbabwe's Zambezi, Victoria Falls National Park protects the Zimbabwean face of Victoria Falls, with viewing platforms at Devil's Cataract. Tourists arrive for waterfall viewpoints, river safaris, wildlife drives and helicopter flights.
Victoria Falls National Park at a Glance#
Address: Victoria Falls National Park, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Website: https://zimparks.org/parks/victoria-falls-national-park/
Hours: Daily 6:00am-6:00pm
Admission: USD 30 for foreign adults (approx.) - fees set by Zimbabwe Parks; lower rates for residents. Check the park website for current rates.
About Victoria Falls National Park#
Victoria Falls National Park protects the Zimbabwean side of one of the world’s largest waterfalls on the Zambezi River, commonly known as Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya. The falls form a nearly continuous curtain of water about 1,708 meters wide and fall up to around 108 meters.
A paved promenade and a set of named viewpoints run along the cliff edge and rainforest, offering close views of the Main Falls and adjacent cataracts; boardwalks and platforms provide staged vistas across the gorge. The park includes rainforest shaped by the falls’ spray and trails that lead to key viewpoints, with visitor facilities located near the town of Victoria Falls.
The cascade was noted by European explorer David Livingstone in the mid-19th century and has long been revered by local peoples; the surrounding land was progressively protected in the 20th century as a national park to conserve the falls, the spray forest and associated wildlife. The site is managed for tourism, conservation and cultural values.
On the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River at the border with Zambia, the park sits adjacent to the town of Victoria Falls and opposite the Zambian town of Livingstone, with access from regional road and airport connections.
- Scale and seasonality: The curtain of water is about 1,708 meters wide and the falls reach up to around 108 meters in height, with seasonal flow varying widely between wet and dry months.
- Viewing conditions: Best visibility of the full curtain is typically during and shortly after the rainy season when river flow is highest; heavy spray can limit viewing at peak flow.
What to See#
- Main Falls and Promenade: The Main Falls sector on the Zimbabwean side provides the principal viewpoints along a paved promenade and rainforest trail that runs close to the cliff edge.
- Devil’s Cataract: A series of viewpoints and trails around the western end of the falls, including the area known as Devil’s Cataract, which frames one side of the main cascade.
- Rainforest trail and viewing platforms: A maintained rainforest path and viewing platforms that allow close views of the falls and the spray-formed vegetation corridor beneath the cliffline.
How to Get to Victoria Falls National Park#
Victoria Falls National Park is immediately adjacent to the town of Victoria Falls in northwestern Zimbabwe. The town is the usual gateway - Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) lies a short drive from town (roughly 15-20 km, around 20-30 minutes by car) with taxis and shuttle buses into the town center. Overland, Victoria Falls is several hundred kilometres from Zimbabwe’s larger cities (for example, Bulawayo is roughly a 4-6 hour drive by road); once in town the park entrance and the main viewpoints are within a short taxi ride or walk from many hotels.
Tips for Visiting Victoria Falls National Park#
- Visit at sunrise or early morning to avoid the busiest coach-arrival times and to get clearer photographs before spray and crowds build up.
- Use the main Zimbabwe-side park entrance near Victoria Falls town (access from Zambezi Drive/First Street area) to walk the established rainforest circuit and reach the principal viewpoints in sequence.
- Walk beyond the first viewpoints toward Devil's Cataract and the eastern viewing points-these are less crowded than the main Terrace and often give better panoramic perspectives.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls National Park#
For a balance of good views and activities visit June-September; come February-May if you want the falls at their fullest and don't mind heavy spray.
Weather & Climate near Victoria Falls National Park#
Victoria Falls National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Moderate rainfall (631 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.