How to Get to Victoria Falls | Flights, Visas, Health & Transport

How to Get to Victoria Falls: Flights, Visas, Health & Transport Guide

Victoria Falls sits at the meeting point of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, making it one of southern Africa’s most accessible safari destinations. Whether you fly in directly, arrive by luxury train or drive yourself, this guide covers everything you need to plan your journey – from flights and visa requirements to malaria prevention, yellow fever certificates and getting around once you arrive.

Getting to Victoria Falls by Air

What Airports Serve Victoria Falls?

Three international airports provide convenient access to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia, are the closest, both within 30 minutes’ drive of the Falls. Kasane Airport (BBK) in Botswana is roughly two hour’s road transfer away and involves a border crossing, but it can be a practical option if combined with a Chobe safari. You can fly into either the Zimbabwe or Zambia side and arrange a cross-border road transfer if your accommodation is in the other country. Wild Horizons can arrange this for you – simply complete our Enquiry Form.

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) – Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Airport is the primary gateway and the second-largest airport in Zimbabwe. It is approximately 22 km south-east of Victoria Falls town. The airport has a modern international terminal and handles direct flights from across Africa.

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) – Zambia
Located about 6 km from Livingstone town centre and approximately 25 km from the Zambian side of the Falls. This airport is a good option if you plan to stay on the Zambia side or want to combine both countries using the KAZA UniVisa.

Kasane Airport (BBK) – Botswana
Situated in the north-eastern corner of Botswana, near Chobe National Park. From Kasane, it is about a two-hour road transfer to Victoria Falls town via the Kazungula border post. This is a popular route for travellers combining Victoria Falls with a Chobe safari.

Which Airlines Fly to Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls Airport is served by several airlines with regular scheduled services. The main carriers and their key routes are:

Airline	Key Routes to/from VFA	Schedules & Booking
Airlink	Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nelspruit (Kruger), Harare, Kasane, Windhoek	View Current Schedule →
Fastjet	Johannesburg, Harare, Bulawayo	View Current Schedule →
Ethiopian Airlines	Addis Ababa (with onward global connections), Gaborone	View Current Schedule →
Kenya Airways	Nairobi (with onward connections)	View Current Schedule →
South African Airways	Johannesburg	View Current Schedule →
CemAir	Johannesburg	View Current Schedule →
Air Tanzania	Dar es Salaam (seasonal)	View Current Schedule →
Mack Air	Kasane, Maun (light aircraft)	View Current Schedule →

Schedules change seasonally. For current timetables and bookings, visit each airline’s website directly or search on Google Flights.

Tip: The Johannesburg – Victoria Falls route is the busiest, with an average of 47 departures per week across all airlines. If you’re connecting through Johannesburg, you will usually find multiple daily options.

Other Airports to Consider
Zimbabwe’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) in Bulawayo are hundreds of kilometres from Victoria Falls. Reaching the Falls from either requires an additional domestic flight or a road transfer of 5 to 10 hours. Similarly, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) near Lusaka is roughly 480 km from Livingstone. These airports are not recommended as primary entry points for a Victoria Falls trip unless you are combining with time in those cities.

Airport Transfers to Victoria Falls Town

Victoria Falls Airport is approximately 22 km (a 25-minute drive) from Victoria Falls town centre.

Wild Horizons offers shared and private airport transfers. Our driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board. Contact us via our [Enquiry Form] to arrange your transfer.
Car hire is available at the airport from local rental agencies.
Private transfers are recommended if several passengers are arriving on the same flight, as they allow you to skip the wait for a shared vehicle to fill up.
From Livingstone Airport: If your accommodation is on the Zimbabwe side, you will need a cross-border transfer (approximately 40 minutes plus immigration processing). Wild Horizons can arrange this, including border-crossing assistance.

Getting to Victoria Falls by Rail

Can You Take a Train to Victoria Falls?

There is no regular commuter rail service between South Africa and Victoria Falls. However, Victoria Falls is a destination on several luxury train itineraries, making the rail journey an experience in itself.

Rovos Rail – The Pride of Africa
Rovos Rail operates a Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey of 3 or 4 nights, travelling northward through Zimbabwe via Bulawayo, the Hwange area, and Thompson’s Junction before arriving at Victoria Falls. The journey ends at the historic Victoria Falls station, a short walk from the Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Duration: 3 nights or 4 nights
Route: Pretoria → Beitbridge → Bulawayo → Hwange area → Victoria Falls
Includes: All meals and beverages on board, guided off-train excursions, laundry service
Booking: Visit rovos.com for schedules, rates and reservations
Rovos Rail also operates the Southern Cross journey (11 nights, Pretoria to Victoria Falls via Kruger, Maputo, Great Zimbabwe, and Matobo Hills) for travellers wanting a comprehensive southern African rail experience.

Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Overnight Train
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) historically operated an overnight sleeper train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. This service has been intermittently suspended in recent years. When running, it offers a budget-friendly option with basic sleeper compartments. Check with NRZ or local tourism offices for the latest availability before planning around this service.

Getting to Victoria Falls by Road

Can You Drive to Victoria Falls?

Yes. Victoria Falls town is accessible by road from several directions. The roads are generally well-maintained tar surfaces on the main routes, though conditions can vary on secondary roads, especially during the rainy season (November to March).

From Johannesburg, South Africa (approx. 1,650 km)
The most common self-drive route from South Africa crosses the border at Beitbridge. From there, the road heads north through Masvingo to Bulawayo, then north-west to Victoria Falls. The total journey is roughly 1,650 km and takes around 16 to 18 hours of driving, usually split over two days with an overnight stop in Bulawayo. This route is on sealed roads throughout.

From Kasane, Botswana (approx. 80 km)
From Kasane (the gateway to Chobe National Park), Victoria Falls is about 80 km via the Kazungula border post. The drive takes roughly one hour excluding border formalities. This is a popular route for travellers combining Chobe and Victoria Falls.

From Windhoek, Namibia (approx. 1,400 km)
Namibia’s Caprivi Strip provides a route through to Kasane and on to Victoria Falls. The drive from Windhoek is approximately 1,400 km, typically completed over two days. Roads through the Caprivi Strip are mostly sealed.

From Harare, Zimbabwe (approx. 900 km)
The drive from Harare to Victoria Falls is about 900 km via Bulawayo or Karoi/Chirundu, taking roughly 9 to 10 hours. The road via Karoi passes through beautiful Zambian scenery but involves an additional border crossing.

Self-Drive Tips

Carry your original passport, vehicle registration and third-party insurance documents.
Carbon tax is payable at the border for foreign-registered vehicles entering Zimbabwe.
Fuel is available in major towns, but fill up when you can - long stretches of highway may not have service stations.
Drive on the left-hand side of the road in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
Watch for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn, dusk and at night.
Please ensure you are familiar with vehicle requirements for driving in Zimbabwe.

Getting Around Victoria Falls

Is Victoria Falls Town Easy to Navigate?

Victoria Falls is a small, walkable town. The Falls themselves are situated at the end of the main road (Livingstone Way), and most hotels, restaurants, shops and the craft market are within easy walking distance of each other. The ever-present spray from the Falls acts as a natural compass point.

Walking
Most visitors get around town on foot. The walk from the town centre to the Victoria Falls entrance gate is approximately 1 km along a paved road. The main curio market, restaurants and banks are all clustered within a few blocks.

Taxis and Shuttles
Local taxis are readily available and can be arranged through your hotel or flagged down in town. Most trips within town cost between USD $5 and $10. A taxi to the airport is typically around USD $25 to 30. Agree on the fare before setting off. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber are not available in Victoria Falls.

Many hotels and lodges offer complimentary or paid shuttle services to the Falls entrance and town centre.

Activity Transfers
If you book experiences through Wild Horizons, transfers to and from your activity are typically included or can be easily arranged. Our vehicles pick up from all major hotels and lodges in the area. Browse our full range of [Experiences] or get in touch via our Enquiry Form.

Car Hire
Car rental is available locally if you prefer to explore independently. Drive on the left-hand side in Zimbabwe. Within Victoria Falls town itself, a car is rarely necessary, but it can be useful for trips to Kazungula (Botswana border), Zambezi National Park or further afield.

Border Crossings Between Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Wild Horizons is here to make your border crossings as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our experienced team will assist you every step of the way. Please note that border operations are managed by government authorities and may occasionally involve delays. Wild Horizons allocates a 30-minute allowance for border crossing procedures; however, actual crossing times may vary, particularly during peak travel periods.

How You Can Help Speed Up Your Crossing

Zimbabwe – Zambia Border (Victoria Falls Bridge)
The Victoria Falls Bridge border post connects Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) with Livingstone (Zambia). This is one of the most scenic border crossings in the world, with views of Victoria Falls and bungee jumpers in action.

Present yourself at Immigration for passport scanning and formalities.
Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge - only one vehicle is allowed on the bridge at a time, so there may be a short wait.
Expect truck congestion and possible delays, particularly during busy periods.
You may need to change vehicles on the Zimbabwean side of the bridge.
A short walk with your luggage may be required - drivers will assist.

Zambia – Botswana Border (Kazungula)
This crossing takes you from Zambia into Botswana, typically for Chobe National Park day trips or onward travel.

Present yourself at Immigration.
Cross the Zambezi River bridge in a Zambian or Botswana vehicle.
Expect truck congestion and possible delays.
On the Botswana side, transfer to an African Odyssey 4x4 game-viewing vehicle for your Chobe safari.
Step on a treated mat and disinfect shoes for foot-and-mouth disease control; this is a standard biosecurity requirement.
Pro Tip: Pack additional shoes separately or carry them in hand luggage for easy access at the border.

Zimbabwe – Botswana Border (Kazungula)
This crossing takes you from Victoria Falls directly into Botswana, bypassing Zambia.

Present yourself at Immigration.
Expect queues and delays during peak season.
Change from a Wild Horizons closed vehicle to an African Odyssey 4x4 or Quantum minibus.
A short walk with luggage may be required – Wild Horizons guides will assist.
Step on a treated mat and disinfect shoes for health control.
Pro Tip: Pack additional shoes separately or carry them in hand luggage for easy access at the border.

Botswana to Namibia – Impalila Island / Kasika
There is no direct border crossing from Zimbabwe to Namibia. Guests travel via Kasane, Botswana.

Botswana to Namibia – Katima Mulilo
For guests heading to Katima Mulilo in Namibia, the route also goes via Kasane, Botswana.

Transfer from Victoria Falls to the Botswana border in a Wild Horizons vehicle.
Switch to an African Odyssey vehicle to the Ngoma Border Post (approximately 55 km from Kasane).
Final destination: Katima Mulilo (approximately 70 km from Ngoma).
Namibian immigration follows the same documentation rules as Botswana.
Hundreds of travellers cross these borders safely every day. With Wild Horizons and African Odyssey by your side, your journey will be smooth, scenic and unforgettable.

Visa & Entry Requirements for Victoria Falls

What Visa Do I Need for Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe uses a three-category visa system. The category your nationality falls under determines whether you need a visa, how to obtain one, and what it costs. To streamline and speed up the immigration process on arrival The Zimbabwe Immigration Department has implemented an online immigration declaration form that ideally, should be completed by all travellers prior to arriving at any Zimbabwean border post, including Victoria Falls Airport. Please complete the following link https://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/

Category A – Visa Exempt
Nationals of Category A countries do not need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. You simply present your passport at the port of entry and complete an immigration declaration form. Category A countries include most SADC member states such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius, among others.

Category B – Visa on Arrival
Most Western nationalities fall into Category B, including citizens of the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France and many other European countries. Category B nationals can obtain their visa directly at the airport or border post on arrival. You pay the visa fee in cash (USD) and receive your visa stamp immediately.

Important: If you are a Category B national, you do not need to apply for an eVisa in advance. The eVisa system (evisa.gov.zw) is primarily designed for Category C nationals.

Category C – Prior Approval Required
Nationals of Category C countries must apply for a visa in advance through the Zimbabwe eVisa portal (evisa.gov.zw) or at a Zimbabwean embassy. Approval is not automatic and may take several working days. Apply well in advance of travel.

Zimbabwe Visa Fees

Zimbabwe visa fees vary by nationality. The table below shows the most common fee structures:

Visa Type	Standard	UK / Ireland	Canada	KAZA
Single Entry	USD $30	USD $55	USD $75	USD $50
Double Entry	USD $45	USD $70	–	–
Multiple Entry	USD $55	–	–	–

Note: Visa fees apply to all travellers regardless of age, including infants and children. Fees are payable in cash (USD) at the border. Carry small denominations, as change may not always be available. Credit cards are not accepted at all entry points. Multiple entry visas can only be obtained through the eVisa facility at evisa.gov.zw and are not available at ports of entry. Visa fees are subject to change.

What Visa Do I Need for Zambia?

If you are only visiting the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, you do not need a Zambia visa. However, if you plan to cross the border into Livingstone, visit the Zambian side of the Falls, or take a day trip into Zambia, you will need either a Zambia visa or a KAZA UniVisa.

Zambia Visa Fees

Zambia Visa Type	Fee
Single Entry	USD $50
Double Entry	USD $80
Multiple Entry	USD $150
Day Tripper (under 24 hours)	USD $10 (subject to change – may be discontinued)
KAZA UniVisa (covers both countries)	USD $50

Tip: If you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa at USD $50 is almost always the best value. A single Zambia visa alone costs USD $50, and you would still need a separate Zimbabwe visa on top of that.

Zambia Prohibited Medications Advisory

Zambia maintains a list of controlled substances that are found in some prescription medicines from other countries. Some travellers have had difficulties entering Zambia when carrying medications containing these substances.

Our advice: If you take regular prescription medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains any substances that may be controlled in Zambia. Where possible, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative that does not contain a controlled ingredient. If no alternative is available and you must carry the medication, bring a letter from your prescribing doctor that clearly states the drug name, dosage, and medical necessity.

Do I Need a Visa for Botswana Day Trips?

Many Victoria Falls visitors take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The good news is that citizens of Commonwealth countries (with some exceptions), EU member states, the United States, and several other nations do not require a visa to enter Botswana for short stays.

If you hold a KAZA UniVisa, it covers day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula border post. However, the KAZA UniVisa is not valid for overnight stays in Botswana. If you plan to stay overnight in Botswana, you would need to exit on your KAZA UniVisa and may need to purchase a new visa to re-enter Zimbabwe or Zambia.

Nationals requiring a Botswana visa: Citizens of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka (among Commonwealth countries) do require a visa and should apply in advance through a Botswana embassy or high commission.

What Is the KAZA UniVisa?

The KAZA UniVisa is a joint visa for Zimbabwe and Zambia that costs USD $50 and is valid for 30 days. It allows unlimited crossings between the two countries during that period, making it the best option if you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls or take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana via the Kazungula border post.

Where Can I Get the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is available on arrival at the following designated ports of entry:

Which Nationalities Are Eligible?
Citizens of the following 40 countries are eligible for the KAZA UniVisa:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Burundi, Canada, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

Important: If your nationality is not listed above, standard separate visa requirements for Zimbabwe and Zambia apply. The KAZA UniVisa is for holiday purposes only and is not valid for business travel. Visa regimes are subject to change.

Passport Requirements

What Documents Do I Need When Travelling with Minors?

If you are travelling with children under 18, additional documentation is required at all border crossings in the region (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia). Border officials are strict about these requirements, and missing documents may result in being denied entry.

Required Documents for Minors

Valid passport for each child.
Valid visa (if required for the child’s nationality).
Botswana & Namibia Specific - Unabridged birth certificate for each child. This must include the full details of both parents. A standard (abridged) birth certificate is not accepted.
Affidavit(s): If only one parent is travelling with the child, a consent affidavit from the absent parent is required, authorising travel. If neither parent is travelling with the child, affidavits from both parents plus a letter of guardianship may be required.

Warning: Standard (abridged) birth certificates are not accepted at any border post in the region. All documents must be in English. If your documents are in another language, you will need certified English translations.

Note: Namibian immigration follows the same documentation rules as Botswana for minors.

Important Visa Disclaimer Guests are responsible for ensuring that they have the correct visas and travel documentation in place for their journey. We strongly advise guests to ensure they have obtained the correct visa before leaving the arrivals hall, as changes cannot be made once you have exited the immigration area.

Visa requirements may change from time to time, and while every effort is made to keep the information on this page up to date, Wild Horizons cannot be held responsible for any changes that may not yet be reflected on this website. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant embassy or the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal (evisa.gov.zw) before travelling.

Malaria Prevention for Victoria Falls

Is There Malaria in Victoria Falls?

Yes, malaria is present in the Victoria Falls region on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. However, malaria is preventable. With the right preparation and straightforward precautions, there is no reason you should not enjoy a healthy and memorable visit to Victoria Falls.

Malaria is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Not all mosquitoes carry malaria, and these particular mosquitoes are most active from dusk until dawn. Taking simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten.

What Should I Do Before Travelling?

We strongly recommend consulting a travel clinic or your doctor well in advance of your trip for personalised, up-to-date travel health advice tailored to the Victoria Falls region. Ideally, book an appointment four to six weeks before departure to discuss prevention options and obtain any recommended prescriptions.

Inform your healthcare provider that you will be travelling to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia so they can recommend the most suitable prophylactic medication for your circumstances.
Confirm with your travel clinic whether any additional vaccinations, including yellow fever (depending on your country of origin or recent travel history), are required before entering Zimbabwe or Zambia. See the Yellow Fever section below for more information.

How Can I Avoid Mosquito Bites While in Victoria Falls?

Enjoy the many experiences the region has to offer, but remain malaria-aware, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and remember to keep up with your tablets.

Use insect repellent during the evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent to all exposed areas of skin, particularly ankles and other areas not covered by clothing.
Wear protective clothing in the evenings - long sleeves, trousers and socks can significantly help reduce the risk of bites.
Sleep under a mosquito net Most hotels and lodges in Victoria Falls provide mosquito nets. Wild Horizons’ lodges provide mosquito nets in every room.
Use insecticide sprays in your room before bedtime to help reduce mosquitoes indoors.

What Should I Do After Returning Home?

It is important to complete the full course of any malaria prophylactic medication, even after leaving the malaria area.

Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Certificate for Victoria Falls?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is generally only required for travellers entering Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa if you have recently travelled to or lived in a country considered a yellow fever risk area. This typically applies if you have been in a risk country within the past 12 months.

If this applies to you, you must present an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) showing proof of vaccination, or an approved medical waiver, at the port of entry.

Key Points for Travellers

Consider your full travel itinerary carefully. In some cases, long layovers or airport transfers in countries where yellow fever is present may require passing through immigration, which could trigger the requirement to show proof of vaccination.
If you are unsure whether you have recently travelled to a yellow fever risk country, check the list of affected countries on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (cdc.gov/yellow-fever).

Our Recommendation

Ready to Start Planning Your Victoria Falls Holiday?

Wild Horizons has been operating in Victoria Falls for over 40 years. From airport transfers and visa guidance to unforgettable safari experiences and luxury lodge accommodation, we handle every detail so you can focus on the adventure. Get in touch with our travel experts today.