Victoria Falls Entry Fees: 2026 Rates & Payment Guide

Visiting Victoria Falls involves two quite separate fees. First, the park entry — paid to the national park authority on whichever side of the river you visit. Second, any visa fees for crossing between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. This page covers the first. It is updated for the 2026 season; national park rates are generally reviewed annually, so always check at the gate or with your operator for the latest figures before travel.

Zimbabwe side — Victoria Falls National Park

The Zimbabwean side is managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). The park covers the length of the rainforest trail and the sixteen viewpoints along the rim of the gorge.

Fees are paid at the main park gate in US dollars. Card payment is usually accepted but can be unreliable — carry cash as a backup. Gates are open 06:00–18:00 daily.

Zambia side — Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Zambian side is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. The park covers the Knife-Edge Bridge, the Boiling Pot viewpoint and the Zambian-side rainforest path. A separate fee covers Livingstone Island access, which is handled by a concessioned operator.

Payment in US dollars or Zambian kwacha is accepted at the main entrance at Mosi-oa-Tunya. The park gate is open 06:00–18:00.

How and where to pay

Both sides accept US dollars, which are the preferred currency for international visitors. Cards are accepted at the larger gates but are not reliable — a card decline can cost you an hour while you arrange an alternative. Best practice:

• Carry small US dollar notes (1, 5, 10, 20 denominations).
• Have your passport to hand — entry is recorded against it.
• Keep your entry receipt — some viewpoints and onward activities require it.

What's included with your entry

Park entry gives you:

• Access to the rainforest trail and all marked viewpoints.
• Use of restrooms and sheltered rest areas within the park.
• Access to the Livingstone statue (Zim side only) and the Big Tree if within park boundaries.

Entry does not include:

• Poncho or umbrella rental (small fee at the gate).
• Guided walks (arrange with a licensed guide separately).
• Activities: cruise, helicopter, bungee, rafting, bridge tour, canopy tour — all priced separately.
• The Victoria Falls Bridge walk (the bridge itself is free; activities on it are not).

Separate fees to know about

A few costs people don't always plan for:

• Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool — around US$165 per person, Zambian side, low-water season only.
• Victoria Falls Bridge slide / flying fox / bungee — US$70–170 depending on the activity.
• Canopy tour — roughly US$40.
• Photo permits — none required for personal/tourist photography, but commercial photography and drone use require advance permits from ZimParks.

Visa fees versus park entry fees

This trips up a lot of first-time visitors. Visa fees and park entry fees are two separate charges:

• Visa fees are paid at the border (Kazungula, Victoria Falls Bridge, or the airport). Zimbabwe single-entry is typically US$30; Zambia single-entry is US$50; KAZA Univisa (both countries) is US$50.
• Park entry fees are paid at the park gate after you're in the country.

Budget for both. See our Kazungula border guide for the visa picture in detail.

Are fees ever waived or discounted?

Yes, in specific cases:

• Zimbabwe citizens and residents pay significantly reduced rates with a valid ID.
• SADC residents (from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, DRC, Lesotho, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) pay mid-tier rates with a passport showing residency.
• Children under 6 are usually free or heavily discounted.
• Educational group rates are negotiable via the park authorities in advance.

Planning a day trip from Kasane

A Victoria Falls day tour from Kasane typically includes the Zimbabwe-side park entry in the Gold and Silver package pricing. Bronze packages often do not — check the inclusions before booking. Visa fees are always separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Victoria Falls?

US$50 per adult on the Zimbabwean side and US$20 on the Zambian side for international visitors, as of 2026. Lower rates apply to SADC residents, Zimbabwean/Zambian citizens and children.

Can I pay the entry fee with a card?

Often yes, but not reliably. Always carry US dollar cash as a backup. The Zim-side gate has had card facilities since 2022 but outages are not uncommon.

Is the entry fee the same on both sides?

No. Zimbabwe charges US$50 per international adult; Zambia charges US$20. They are separate national parks with separate entry.

Can I visit both sides on the same day?

Yes. You would pay both entry fees plus any applicable visa fees. The KAZA Univisa at US$50 covers both countries' visa requirements; park entry is extra at each gate.

Is Livingstone Island included in the Zambian park fee?

No. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool are operated by a concessioned tour operator and cost approximately US$165 per person. Park entry is separate.

Do I need to book entry in advance?

No. Park entry is sold at the gate and there is no booking system. Activities (cruises, helicopters, Devil's Pool) must be booked in advance, especially in peak season.