Town in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Is Victoria Falls safe?
Safe in the tourist core by day and evening.
Is Victoria Falls safe?
Safe in the tourist core by day and evening. Persistent touts, petty theft and wildlife are the main issues; avoid wandering far from the centre at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2023-06-26.
- Homicide rate in Zimbabwe: 6.8 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Zimbabwe: 41.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 995 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993.
Safety in Victoria Falls at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds and markets, persistent curio sellers, and occasional room theft. |
| At night | The tourist strip is fine in the evening. Use hotel taxis late and don't walk outside the lit centre. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women in the tourist core. Expect persistent sellers; avoid dark roads at night. |
| Other risks | Slippery paths and spray at the Falls; Rapids on rafting trips; Elephants on roads and malaria in the wet season |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street money changers offering rates for Zimbabwe dollars
- Curio sellers demanding payment after 'gifts' or friendship bracelets
- Tour touts selling activities at inflated prices
- Unofficial guides at the Falls asking fees
Take care
- Quiet roads at night: muggings
- Baboons and monkeys grabbing food
- Walking near the gorge or river at dusk
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, airports, police or the military can lead to arrest
- Criticising the president is a criminal offence
- Drone use needs a permit
How Victoria Falls compares in Zimbabwe
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Harare | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Victoria Falls safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women in the tourist core. Expect persistent sellers; avoid dark roads at night.
Is Victoria Falls safe at night?
The tourist strip is fine in the evening. Use hotel taxis late and don't walk outside the lit centre.
What is the crime rate in Victoria Falls?
Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds and markets, persistent curio sellers, and occasional room theft. Nationally, Zimbabwe records 6.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Victoria Falls?
Police 995 · Ambulance 994 · Fire 993.
More about Victoria Falls
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
- Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.