Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Victoria Falls gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from VFA to the city takes roughly 40 minutes by local transport, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Victoria Falls, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Zimbabwe vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Victoria Falls is roughly 40 minutes from VFA via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Victoria Falls from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Budget for Your Victoria Falls Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Victoria Falls might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Victoria Falls, here are two things worth checking out:
Victoria Falls National Park (Rainforest Section) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
Victoria Falls Craft Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside VFA, you can spend time at Dzimbahwe Executive Lounge or try Victoria Falls Duty-Free & Souvenir Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Victoria Falls, local travelers recommend The Lookout Cafe. If you have time for a second stop, Three Monkeys Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at VFA, Hangar 1 Cafe & Bar is the go-to. Victoria Falls Airport Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Storing Your Luggage at Victoria Falls International Airport
Luggage storage options at VFA can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Victoria Falls for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
WiFi at VFA should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Zimbabwe and you’re good to go.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at VFA include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Zimbabwe also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Victoria Falls exploring the streets or relaxing at VFA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.