Senior travel: Victoria Falls
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 88 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Victoria Falls BridgeStep-free: yes · about 40 minLevel approach and a viewing area; activities are not accessible.
- The Big Tree (baobab)Step-free: check (check before you go) · about 20 minRoadside path; surface varies.
- Curio and craft marketStep-free: check (check before you go) · about 60 minUneven ground and narrow aisles.
- Victoria Falls rainforest path (Zimbabwe side)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 75 minDozens of uneven steps across the route.
- Zambezi sunset cruiseStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 150 minA few steps at the jetty and a gangway; toilets on some boats.
- Zambezi National ParkStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 180 minHigh vehicle steps and rough tracks.
Getting around in Victoria Falls
The falls path and bridge are the main sights and are uneven and wet. Wheelchairs and strollers struggle on the path, the kerbs are broken in town and there is no accessible public transport. Hotels near the falls and taxis are the practical step-free choices.
- Pavements:
- Broken kerbs, gravel and gaps in town; paths near the falls are packed earth with steps at viewpoints.
- Falls path:
- Some sections are level, but wet stone and mud make wheelchairs difficult; ask the park office about the easiest viewpoints (check).
- Transport:
- Taxis and hotel vans; few have ramps, so book ahead and ask.
- Toilets:
- Available at the park entrance and hotels; accessible facilities are rare (check).
Medicines and health on the ground
The Zimbabwe guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Malaria:
- The area has malaria risk, higher in the wet season; talk to a travel clinic before you go about prophylaxis, repellent and nets.
- Water:
- Drink bottled or filtered water only; brush teeth with bottled water.
- Sun and heat:
- Sun protection, a hat and a litre of water per hour of walking.
- Food:
- Choose hot, freshly cooked food; skip salads washed in tap water if you are cautious.
- Insurance:
- Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation; facilities are basic and evacuation is costly.
- Swimming:
- Do not swim in the river outside licensed, guided activities: crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia risk in still water.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.