The secret side of Victoria Falls

As the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls needs little in the way of introduction – over a million tourists and thrill-seekers flock here every year. Even to the uninitiated, the name Victoria Falls conjures up visions of thundering cascading water, mist-soaked rainforests, and towering columns of spray visible from kilometres away. At 1.7km wide and over 100m tall, the falls are impressive whichever way you look at them – you really need to see them for yourself to grasp their enormity.

Lively Victoria Falls town, on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, is a fun town, packed with activities and experiences for every type of traveller – young and old, adrenaline seekers, budget-strapped backpackers, solo travellers, couples and families. There’s a myriad of things to do and see here, some better known than others. Let’s dive into the more secret side of this tiny tourist town and discover a few of the special experiences you can have while you’re here.

In the heart of the buzzing Chinotimba township, just 2km from town, Dusty Road offers a dining experience like no other in Victoria Falls – introducing international tourists to traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.

The food here is not just a meal, it’s a cultural journey that uses indigenous ingredients, some familiar and others surprising, to create an experience that offers a taste of Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage. For those ‘tamer tummies’, there’s chicken in peanut butter sauce, or bream with local vegetables and lemon, but for the more adventurous, there are the unexpected delights of mopane worms and cricket and cornflake crunchies.

Food is not the only unique element at Dusty Road; the funky upcycled and recycled décor is a real winner. Everything from doors to cable reels, tins, pots and more is repurposed into furniture – bath tubs become chairs, tin cups become chandeliers, recycled bottles become glasses. Importantly, Dusty Road supports local women through employment and small-scale craft sales, as well as empowering the local community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and markets. Every meal here is a taste and a celebration of Zimbabwean culture.

In the heart of Victoria Falls is the latest culinary gem transforming the town’s food scene. Founded by Chef Simba Musiyiwa, the bakery offers a delicious range of artisanal breads, pies, pastries, and mouthwatering desserts. With a friendly atmosphere and a handy outdoor seating area, this is the perfect spot to stop to enjoy freshly baked treats, while doing a bit of people watching.

In the tranquil surroundings of the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, 20 minutes from town, the Stanley & Livingstone Hotel offers afternoon tea daily on the hotel’s terrace, overlooking manicured gardens and a waterhole where wildlife can often be spotted having a drink of their own.

Towering cake stands, laden with delicious cakes and savoury treats, a variety of teas and a glass of champagne. Whether you’re staying at one of the hotel’s luxury suites or visiting for the day, the high tea at the Stanley & Livingstone is a must and the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

On the banks of the Zambezi River, you’ll find The Eatery at the Pure Africa Waterfront. Whether you’ve started your evening with a sunset cruise on the river, or you’re looking for somewhere special to have dinner, follow the lantern-lit path to the Eatery, where a three-course African-flavour-infused meal awaits. Perched on the riverbank, this open-air dining spot has a lovely atmosphere – the distant roar of the Victoria Falls, the grunting of nearby hippos, and the calls of nightjars all accompany your meal.

For a completely different dining experience, head to the ‘vulture restaurant’ at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, just 4km from town. Daily at 1pm visitors can witness hundreds of endangered vultures swooping down to feed on leftover meat scraps from the lodge’s kitchens. This free experience showcases a variety of vulture species and starts off with a briefing on the ecological importance of vultures, as well as the dangers they face, including poisoning, electrocution, and the use of body parts in traditional medicine.

This supplementary feeding program plays a crucial role in helping sustain local vulture populations, which are in decline due to human impact. The Vulture Culture Experience is a family-friendly activity that’s not only a thrilling spectacle but also supports vulture conservation.

At the Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge a highlight for guests and visitors alike is the lookout itself, an elevated viewing tower with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the Zambezi River and the distant spray of the Victoria Falls. Whether it’s a gin and tonic, a local Zambezi Lager, or a cocktail, this is the perfect spot for a sundowner as the day winds down – what a great spot to toast another incredible day in Victoria Falls.

As you ascend the four-storey tower, take your time to admire the striking artworks of Nicole Sanderson that line the walls, spiralling upwards. Nicole is a Zimbabwean-born artist, renowned for the vibrant designs, bold colours and intricate detail in her paintings of local birds and flora. The Shongwe Lookout is home to Nicole’s gallery, and a stunning selection of her paintings can be purchased here. (They easily roll up for transport).

The Simunye show, at the Victoria Fall’s Ndlovu Theatre, is a captivating performance designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through dance, storytelling, and stunning visuals. Featuring a talented local cast, an amazing set, stunning costumes, clever puppets, and some impressive and immersive lighting and sound effects, the show emphasises themes of cultural harmony, conflict resolution, and rich African traditions.

Simunye is suitable for all ages, making it a great family-friendly activity, and after the show, guests can meet, mingle and take photos with the cast. Simunye – the spirit of Africa is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

For some relaxation and pampering, the Victoria Falls Safari Spa is a serene retreat located within the grounds of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. This is the first purpose-built spa property in Victoria Falls and is tucked away amongst indigenous woodland and designed to blend into the natural surroundings – lucky visitors might even spot warthogs or bushbucks wandering nearby.

There are some pretty luxurious facilities here, including massage treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, a hair and makeup studio, a relaxation lounge, and a splash pool with a scenic deck. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments from massage, to facials, body waxing and even bridal party makeup. A tranquil escape with uninterrupted views of the bush, this is a great place to unwind after a safari adventure.

The Victoria Falls Boxing Academy is more than just a place to train; it’s a source of hope and opportunity for some of Zimbabwe’s orphaned youth. Founded by Tobius Mupfuti, himself once an abandoned child, many of the children who come to the academy were once homeless.

The Academy offers boxing lessons and personal training sessions to the public, but it also it provides a safe haven and opportunities for children who need it the most. Through boxing, Tobius teaches discipline, perseverance and life values to his students, shaping them as athletes and as individuals. At its core, the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy is a story of resilience and community, where boxing serves as both a sport and a path to a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s disadvantaged youth.

One of the best ways to explore Victoria Falls is on a Bamba Bike – a fun and eco-friendly way to experience this iconic destination. The retro-style e-bikes, with their balloon tyres, are an easy and affordable way to get around, and the peddle-assist feature means even on the hottest of days you can glide around town without raising a sweat.

Bamba Bike can be rented for half days or full days, or you can take a customised guided tour. Popular stops include Dusty Road, the Big Baobab Tree, the Vulture Feeding Experience, the bustling local market, and scenic viewpoints along the Zambezi River. Bamba Bikes is a flexible and exciting way to see the sights of Victoria Falls and free delivery to your accommodation makes it convenient for everyone.

For a quiet and comfortable stay just minutes from the falls, owner run Pamarah Lodge is a stylish boutique option tucked away, on half an acre, in the leafy suburbs of Victoria Falls.

With just 14 thoughtfully designed rooms—including a private honeymoon suite and spacious family units—it offers a peaceful base with modern comforts, warm service, and easy access to local attractions.

Whether you’re ending a day of adrenaline adventures or cultural explorations, the lodge’s tranquil gardens and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind.

Whether it’s dining under the stars beside the Zambezi River, watching vultures swoop in for a midday feast, or cycling past local landmarks on an e-bike, Victoria Falls offers more than just its iconic waterfall. These lesser-known experiences reveal the town’s cultural character, community spirit, and the many creative ways locals are sharing their town. Beyond the roar of the falls, a secret side of Victoria Falls awaits—one that will linger in your memory long after the mist has settled.