25+ Things to do in Victoria Falls with Kids | Zimbabwe

As many of my regular readers may or may not know, I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. We live in the UK now, but we recently went back to South Africa for a family wedding, and after the fun of Cape Town, it was time to go home to Zimbabwe for me. We decided it was time for the kids to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and we took the kids to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where we got to spend some time with my parents. It was amazing – we loved every minute!

There are so many things to do in Victoria Falls with kids, and we had a jam-packed time there before moving on to the Hwange National Park. I thought I’d share some of what we got up to and mix it with other activities you can do, even if we didn’t get a chance this time.

View The Victoria Falls Themselves, at the Victoria Falls National Park

• Why: Explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park offers stunning views of the falls and safe walkways for families.
• Highlights: Rainforest walks, scenic viewpoints, and abundant wildlife.

Victoria Falls themselves are called ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya,’ which means ‘the smoke that thunders’. To view the Victoria Falls on foot, you need to go through the Victoria Falls National Park. As such, there is an entry fee to get in, but it is nominal. There’s a separate rate for Zimbabwean locals and tourists, but the really helpful staff will tell you how much you need to pay.

There’s a long-running debate about which is the best side to view Victoria Falls from, the Zimbabwean side or the Zambian side. I might be biased, but I believe that the best view of the falls is from the Zimbabwean side—although I’ve never actually been to the Zambian side myself. Victoria Falls National Park is made up of walking paths that are really well maintained and take you to different spots where you can look at Victoria Falls from different angles.

In the park, you’ll find a statue of David Livingston, the British explorer who “discovered” Victoria Falls. He didn’t discover it; he just put it on the map. You can stand there and take a photo with the statue overlooking the falls and the spray from the falls.  

Depending on the time of year you go, walking the paths to view the Falls from different angles is like walking through a tropical rainforest. This ‘rainforest’ was created from the spray from the giant waterfall itself. The spray will be more or less than at different times of the year – after the rainy season, the volume of water is immense, so the spray will be more, and during the drier season, there is less water going over the falls, so there is less spray.  We went in April, and the mighty Zambezi River was in full flood. The falls were just spectacular.

Dinner at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show

1. Why: A vibrant, immersive dining experience combining delicious local cuisine with lively cultural entertainment.
2. Highlights: Traditional Zimbabwean dishes, interactive drumming sessions, traditional dance performances, and storytelling.

Other than actually going to see ‘the falls’ themselves, if you do one thing on your visit to Victoria Falls with the kids or without them, it should be this one.

The full Zimbabwe experience starts when you arrive, are greeted, and are immediately dressed in a stunning, traditional, colourful printed wrap. You are then whisked past the reception into the main Boma dining area. If you don’t know what a boma is, it’s a large hall with a thatched roof. From there, you are taken to be seated, and then your waiter is assigned to your table.

They will bring you a bowl with warm water to wash your hands and explain the whole evening to you. You then help yourself to a mind-blowing array of food, from braai meat and roasts to salads and hot vegetables.

You can’t go to the Boma for dinner without at least one person in your party leaving with a ‘Boma Diploma,’ a uniquely Zimbabwean delicacy of cooked mopane worm! My youngest got one, and it will forever be her claim to fame and the thing she holds over her sister’s head.

After dinner, the drum show starts. You get to watch extremely talented and enthusiastic Zimbabweans dancing and beating on their African drums. It’s a thrilling show and one you must not miss. Tickets must be booked in advance and can usually be arranged at your hotel or guest lodge.

Tandem Zipline Across the Gorge from The Lookout Cafe!

• Why: To say you’ve done it!
• Highlights: Getting back to land! Kidding! The thrill, the rush, the views, the experience, the bragging rights.

I am not a massive adrenaline junky. Buy my kids are. The lookout cafe has to have one of the best views in Victoria Falls. Sitting at the restaurant, you can see the Victoria Falls Bridge. You can watch people zip lining and bungee jumping, and you can see the boats coming down the river in the gorge. Never mind that the food is lovely. It’s the perfect place to have lunch on a scorching day. The staff are attentive, and it’s just a fantastic venue and a must-do when visiting Victoria Falls.

From there, you can sign up for a range of different adrenaline-fuelled activities. My girls picked the zipline, so that’s what we did. The zipline across the Batoka Gorge is one of the longest zipline rides in the world. You can travel at a speed of 106 kilometres and go for 425 metres across the gorge.

It is suspended 120 metres above the mighty Zambezi River below. My kids absolutely loved this, and it was possibly the highlight of their trip to Victoria Falls—other than the drum show at the boma. For me, it was terrifying. I am so glad that I did it, but I probably would never do it again myself. However, my kids would do it again and again and again if I let them.

It’s run by a company called Wild Horizons. They are a major tour operator in Victoria Falls and offer various other excursions as well, including the flying fox, which is done at the same venue as the zip line. Both are located at the Lookout Cafe, so you can have family and friends or whoever is watching you from the cafe as you hurtle across the gorge!

My top tip here would be to make sure that you wear something comfortable and tie your hair back. If you wear it, your hair down, and you should probably wear trainers or some shoes that are tied to your feet. I would not recommend wearing flip-flops.

We did the Tandem Zipline, we went with one adult and one child each. I think the kids would have gone together if we hadn’t been doing it as well. Check out the video on my TikTok page, and see if you can catch the moment where I nearly backed out of the whole thing – and yes, I was shaking like a leaf!

Experience the Victoria Falls Bridge

• Why: A historic bridge offering spectacular views and educational insights about its construction and significance.
• Highlights: Guided tours, views of the gorge, and the thrill of watching bungee jumpers.

The Victoria Falls Bridge offers a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and thrill levels. Here are some popular ways to experience the Victoria Falls Bridge, although obviously not all these are child-friendly:

• A guided bridge tour: This includes informative talks by knowledgeable guides, access to parts of the bridge not normally open to the public, and historical insights.
• Bungee Jumping: For adrenaline seekers, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is a must-do activity. A 111-meter plunge towards the Zambezi River, breathtaking views, and an unforgettable thrill.
• Bridge Swing: Experience the thrill of free-falling and swinging over the Batoka Gorge. A heart-pounding drop followed by a wide swing arc, stunning views, and an exhilarating rush.
• Historic Steam Train Ride: Travel back in time on a luxurious steam train journey that crosses the bridge. Beautifully restored carriages, gourmet meals, and panoramic views as the train stops on the bridge for photo opportunities.
• Walking Across the Bridge: A simple yet rewarding way to take in the grandeur of the bridge and the surrounding scenery. Views of the Zambezi River, the falls, and the opportunity to straddle the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
• Photography and Scenic Viewing: Capture stunning images of the bridge, the falls, and the gorge. Multiple vantage points for photography, including the main span of the bridge and surrounding areas. Or you could go for a drink at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel who boast magnificent views of the Victoria Falls bridge.
• Abseiling: For a controlled descent experience, abseiling off the bridge offers a different kind of thrill. Rappelling down the bridge structure with professional guidance and safety measures in place

Sunset River Cruise on the Zambezi River

Why: A sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It’s an ideal activity for families with children because it combines tranquility with exciting opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy refreshments in a safe and comfortable environment.

Highlights:

• Wildlife Viewing: The cruise offers close-up views of animals like crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species in their natural habitat. The calm waters and the guidance of knowledgeable staff make it easy for children to spot and learn about these fascinating creatures.
• Stunning Sunsets: As the sun sets over the Zambezi River, the sky is painted with brilliant colours, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates both adults and children. It’s a perfect moment for family photos and creating lasting memories.
• Educational Experience: Onboard guides provide interesting facts and stories about the river’s ecosystem, the animals, and the local culture. This turns the cruise into a fun and educational experience for kids, sparking their curiosity about nature and wildlife.
• Safe and Comfortable: The boats are designed with safety and comfort in mind, featuring amenities such as restrooms, shaded seating areas, and life vests for all passengers. This ensures that even the youngest family members have a comfortable and secure experience.
• Refreshments: Complimentary snacks and beverages are typically provided, catering to both adults and children. Enjoying a cold drink while watching the sunset adds to the relaxation and enjoyment of the cruise.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The cruise is tailored to be family-friendly, often including activities or games to keep children entertained. The staff are usually very accommodating to families, making sure everyone has a great time.
• Photographic Opportunities: The picturesque scenery and wildlife sightings provide fantastic opportunities for family photos. Children can have fun capturing the beauty of the river and the animals they see.

A sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River offers a perfect blend of relaxation, education, and adventure, making it an ideal activity for families visiting Victoria Falls. The combination of beautiful natural scenery, exciting wildlife encounters, and a comfortable, family-friendly environment ensures that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy this memorable experience together.

Experience the Wildlife in Victoria Falls.

• Why: Educational and engaging for kids to learn about wildlife conservation and see Africa’s magnficent animals up close.
• Highlights: Where to go

There are a number of different conservation and wildlife centres in and around Victoria Falls where you can go to learn more about the animals. These are so important to take your children to so that they can learn to love and respect the wildlife of Africa, in particular the wildlife of Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Here are a few recommendations:

Visit to Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm

• Why: A fascinating place for kids to see and learn about crocodiles and other reptiles.
• Highlights: Feeding times, educational talks, and a chance to hold baby crocs.

Victoria Falls Snake Park

• Why: An opportunity to learn about the region’s snakes and other reptiles in a safe environment.
• Highlights: Guided tours, educational displays, and handling sessions.

Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

• Why: Educational and engaging for kids to learn about wildlife conservation and see rescued animals up close.
• Highlights: Rehabilitation centre tours and animal interactions.

Elephant Encounter Victoria Falls

• Why: An unforgettable experience where kids can learn about elephants and conservation efforts.
• Highlights: Close encounters, feeding, and learning about elephant behaviour.

Horseback Riding Safaris

• Why: A unique way to explore the area around Victoria Falls and see wildlife.
• Highlights: Guided rides through the bush, suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Helicopter Flight of the Angels

1. Why: An exhilarating aerial view of the magnificent Victoria Falls, offering a unique perspective.
2. Highlights: Scenic flights over the falls, Zambezi River, and surrounding areas, providing unforgettable photo opportunities.

The Helicopter Flight of the Angels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This activity offers families an unforgettable aerial view of the magnificent Victoria Falls. This unique perspective allows everyone, from young children to adults, to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of one of the world’s natural wonders in a way that’s both thrilling and awe-inspiring. Whilst we didn’t get to do this this time, my mom has been a couple of times, and she absolutely loves it. She says it’s one of the most incredible experiences of her life – a must-do when visiting Victoria Falls with kids.

Is Victoria Falls with Kids on your Bucket List?

A trip to see The Smoke That Thunders, is often a once in a lifetime experience. This list of activities is unfinished, and I really pray that we get the opportunity to go back again because we didn’t get to do half of what is on offer. If you have been to Victoria Falls, let me know in the comments what was your favourite experience as a family?