Matabeleland North Activity Planner

Use this page as a set of decisions, taken in order. Each choice narrows the next one, and none needs more than a few minutes of research.

Choice 1: your base

Victoria Falls town suits first-timers, since the falls, the river, Zambezi National Park and most operators are within minutes. Hwange suits people who want wildlife first and are happy with a drive of about 2.5 hours from the falls. Binga on Lake Kariba suits people who want a quiet cultural stop and have a night to spare. The provincial capital, Lupane, has little for visitors.

Choice 2: a river day

Zambezi rafting uses the low-water route from about August to late December and shorter high-water routes through the wetter months, with a pause at flood. Riders must be 15 or older and fit enough for a steep climb out of the gorge. The bridge bungee is 111 m, and the river cruise at sunset sits above the falls and adds a US$12 levy. The helicopter ride lasts 12 to 13 minutes and adds a US$18 levy.

Choice 3: a wildlife day

Zambezi National Park has half-day game drives, with entry at about US$17 for international visitors. Hwange is bigger, with about 14,651 km2 of bush, and animals gather around pumped waterholes in the dry months, especially August to November. Pay the ZimParks daily conservation fee and a vehicle fee, and ask your operator for current figures. Painted Dog Conservation at Dete is free and a rewarding stop on the way.

Wildlife rules to keep: no elephant rides, no lion walks and no cub petting.

Choice 4: a culture stop

The Victoria Falls Hotel serves afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace in the late afternoon. The BaTonga Community Museum in Binga covers the Tonga community’s history around Kariba Dam. For a quick history lesson, ride the Bamba Tram to the 1905 bridge.

Choice 5: money, health and safety

  • Prices are in US dollars. The domestic currency is the ZiG, and cash helps when cards fail.
  • The rainforest costs about US$58 for international adults, once per ticket.
  • Take malaria advice before you travel, because the risk runs all year.
  • No swimming in rivers or dams. They hold crocodiles and hippos.
  • After dark, stay out of Victoria Falls streets. Elephants and buffalo use them.

For current official advice see the UK FCDO page on Zimbabwe .

Where to go next

Read more: Day trips around Victoria Falls and Sightseeing .

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