A visit to the mighty Victoria Falls is a truly unforgettable experience. Like most natural wonders and iconic destinations around the world visitors are required to pay entry fees.
This guide written and researched by us personally, gives you clear, up-to-date accurate information on park entry fees, conservation levies, and activity-related fees in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
We hope that is clears up much of the confusion surrounding the national park fees to be paid whilst visiting Victoria Falls.
Which National Parks Are in and Around Victoria Falls?
There are two National Parks in the Victoria Falls area:
- Victoria Falls National Park - The rainforest area that provides access to walking trails and viewpoints of the actual waterfall.
- Zambezi National Park - Covers the Zambezi River and the wildlife area starting about 6 kms upstream of Victoria Falls and stretching for about 40 kms along the river. This area encompasses the Chamabonda Vlei.
Victoria Falls Entrance Fees: Quick Facts for Visitors
- Where to pay fees: Entrance fees and activity-related fees are paid on-site at the park entrance or activity check-in, either in US$ cash or by credit card.
- Single entry: Each visit to Victoria Falls National Park requires a new ticket, even if you return later the same day.
- Other activity fees are not included in the entrance fee: Park entrance fees do not cover activities done within a National Park or on a private wildlife concession. Excursions such as helicopter flights, sunset cruises, and rafting attract additional fees on top of the Victoria Falls or Zambezi National Park entrance charges. When booking an activity, you’ll be advised of any extra park or conservation fees (see table of prices below).
- Zimbabwe vs. Zambia: The fees listed here apply only to the Zimbabwean side. To visit the Zambian side, you’ll need to pay their separate park fees.
- Accommodation fees: If you are staying at accommodation inside the Zambezi National Park, or visiting nearby destinations such as Hwange National Park, additional park entry and conservation fees will apply. Your travel agent will confirm these costs.
Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fees (Zimbabwe Side)
This fee is paid to see the waterfall; it does not cover any other activities outside of the rainforest (see those below).
| Visitor Type | Fee (US$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Visitors | 50 | Per person, per entry |
| SADC Residents | 30 | Per person, per entry |
| Zimbabwe Residents | 7 | Per person, per entry |
| Lunar Rainbow Event | 100 | Special evening opening |
| Children (under 12) | 50% discount | On applicable fees |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Park entry only |
All fees are per person, per entry. Children under 6 are free for park entry; activity fees may still apply at 50%.
Zambezi National Park Entry Fees
| Visitor Type | Fee (US$) |
|---|---|
| International Visitors | 15 |
| SADC Residents | 12 |
| Zimbabwe Residents | 5 |
| Visitor Type | Fee (US$) |
|---|---|
| International Visitors | 8 |
| SADC Residents | 6 |
| Zimbabwe Residents | 3 |
Victoria Falls Activity-Related Park Fees & Conservation Levies
These fees are charged in addition to any National Park entry fee. Even though you may not be passing through a park gate, you are still making use of the National Park. For example, helicopter flights pass over the waterfall, sunset cruises take place on the Zambezi River within the park, and rafting also runs along the Zambezi River.
| Activity | Fee (US$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Flights | 15 pp | |
| Sunset Cruises | 10 pp | |
| White-Water Rafting | 10 pp | |
| Canoeing | 10 pp | |
| Adventure Jet Boat | 10 pp | |
| High Wire Activities (Wild Horizons) | 5 pp | Per activity |
| Rapid & Gorge Hikes | 10 pp | |
| Elephant Encounter | 20 pp | |
| Game Drives & Walking Safaris (Zambezi NP) | 15 pp | |
| Rhino Game Drive | 5 pp | |
| Horse Safaris | 20 pp | |
| Fishing Safaris | 20 pp | |
| Children (under 12) | 50% discount | On all activity fees |
Victoria Falls Park Fees FAQ
Do I pay US$50 every time I visit the Victoria Falls?
Yes – the entrance fee is charged per person, per entry. For international visitors it’s US$50, for regional visitors US$30, and for locals US$7.
Can I not just say that I am a local and pay the US$7 entrance fee?
No - that won’t work. All visitors claiming to be regional or local must show proof of residence or citizenship.
Is the Victoria Falls entry fee valid for the whole day?
Yes - but only for a single entry. Once you leave, you’ll need to pay again if you return.
Can one buy passes, like a daily, family, or weekly pass?
Unfortunately not - The Victoria Falls entry fee is strictly per person, per entry. There are no family tickets, daily passes, or weekly passes available.
Can I pay a once-off fee to cover all my National Park fees?
No - Each fee, whether it’s an entrance fee or an activity-related fee, is charged separately and does not cover any other costs.
Are there discounts for groups or families?
No - apart from children under 12 (50% discount) and children under 6 (free for park entry, but 50% for activity-related fees). Schools can apply for a group discount.
Do I need to pay if I only want to see sunrise or sunset?
Yes - the full entry fee applies, even for a short visit.
Do I pay park fees to stay at a hotel that is outside of a National Park?
No - hotels outside the park boundaries do not require additional fees. However, lodges located within a National Park are subject to park entry and conservation fees.
Is the Lookout Café inside the park?
No - it’s outside, so you don’t pay any park fees to visit.
Do I need to pay to walk on the Victoria Falls Bridge?
No - the bridge is free to access, although border formalities may apply.
What is the difference between National Park fees and Conservation levies?
National Park Fee – is the fee paid to enter or conduct an activity in one of
Zimbabwe’s National Parks. The money goes to government treasury and is later allocated to park.
Conservation Levy – is the fee collected by private operators, on private concessions and used directly for conservation projects in that specific area.
However, Zimbabwe National Parks have confused the matter these days by also calling their
park fees a conservation levy.
Do I need to pay on the Zambian side as well?
Yes - Zambia has its own National Park fees, separate from Zimbabwe.
Are credit cards accepted at the park gate?
Yes - but card machines sometimes fail if there is no network. Always carry some US$ cash as a backup.
Do children under 6 pay park entry and activity-related fees?
Children under 6 do not pay to enter Victoria Falls National Park, but they do still pay 50% of activity-related fees.
Are the park fees included in tour and activity prices?
This depends on where and who you book through, but in most cases park or conservation fees are shown separately from the activity price. Always check with your booking agent.
Do I need to book Victoria Falls entrance tickets in advance?
No - you buy them at the park gate on arrival. The park does not sell out.
What are the park opening hours?
Open year-round from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. (Extended hours apply for special events such as the Lunar Rainbow.)
Are drones allowed in the park?
No - drones are prohibited unless you have special government permission.
Does my day entrance fee cover the Lunar Rainbow tour if I stay inside the rainforest park?
No - the park closes at 6:00 pm and all visitors must exit. It then re-opens later for Lunar Rainbow tours. (Yes, it feels a bit cheeky, but that’s how it works.)
