FAQ
The top questions about Victoria Falls activities, tours, safaris and the falls answered
Can you walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge?
Yes.
Visitors can walk across the historic Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe. The bridge spans the Batoka Gorge and offers spectacular views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.
Walking across the bridge is one of the most popular activities in the region because it allows visitors to:
View the waterfall from a unique angle
Stand between two countries
Do thrill seekers activities, like bungee jump, gorge swing, bridge swing, zip lining, and more.
Watch bungee jumpers
Guided bridge tour or sightseeing
Take photographs of the gorge
Visitors should carry appropriate travel documents and visas where required.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Do I need a visa for activities on the Victoria Falls Bridge?
No. You can visit the Victoria Falls Bridge for activities such as bungee jumping, the bridge swing, or simply to enjoy the spectacular views over the Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls without an extra visa.
Because the bridge is located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, all visitors must carry a valid passport. Before accessing the bridge activity area, you will pass through border control and receive a temporary bridge pass.
Important Information Before Visiting the Bridge
Bring a valid passport
A passport is required for security checks, registration, and access to the bridge activity zone. Copies or photographs of your passport are generally not accepted.
Inform immigration officers of your plans
When passing through the border post, tell immigration officials that you are visiting the bridge for an activity and not entering the neighboring country.
No official border crossing
A bridge pass allows access to the Victoria Falls Bridge only. It does not grant permission to enter Zambia or Zimbabwe officially, and your passport will normally not be stamped for entry into the other country.
Keep your passport secure
Adventure activities such as bungee jumping and bridge swinging have specific registration procedures. You may be asked to present your passport before participating.
Is the Victoria Falls Bridge open?
The Victoria Falls Bridge is generally open year-round for visitors, border crossings, and authorized tourism activities.
However, temporary closures or restricted access may occasionally occur due to:
Maintenance work
Security measures
Special events
Border procedures
Visitors planning to cross the bridge or do activities on the bridge should verify current conditions with local authorities or tour operators before travel.
Expert note: Long-term closures are uncommon. The bridge remains one of the region's most important transport and tourism links.
What Is the History of the Victoria Falls Bridge?
The Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 to connect what are now Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Zambezi River, just below Victoria Falls. It was originally constructed as part of Cecil Rhodes' ambitious vision for a railway stretching from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt, known as the "Cape-to-Cairo Railway."
Today, the bridge is one of Southern Africa's most famous landmarks, carrying road traffic, rail traffic, pedestrians, and adventure activities such as bungee jumping and bridge swinging.
Why Was the Victoria Falls Bridge Built?
During the late 19th century, British businessman and politician Cecil Rhodes envisioned a railway network connecting Africa from south to north. The Zambezi River presented a major obstacle, and Victoria Falls was selected as the crossing point.
According to popular accounts, Rhodes wanted the bridge built close enough to the falls that passengers could see and even feel the spray from the waterfall as their train crossed.
Historical Note
Some historians debate whether Rhodes actually made the famous statement about trains catching the spray of the falls. However, it is widely quoted in historical records and bridge literature.
How Was the Bridge Constructed?
The bridge was designed by engineer George Andrew Hobson and manufactured in England by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company. The steel sections were prefabricated in the United Kingdom, shipped to Africa, and transported by rail to the construction site near Victoria Falls.
Construction began in 1904 and was completed in just 14 months, an extraordinary achievement for the time. The bridge officially opened on 12 September 1905.
What Makes the Bridge Special?
The Victoria Falls Bridge remains an engineering masterpiece more than a century after its construction. Key facts include:
Total length: 198 metres (650 feet)
Main arch span: 156.5 metres (513 feet)
Height above the Zambezi River: 128 metres (420 feet)
Connects Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Second Gorge below Victoria Falls
Carries road, rail, and pedestrian traffic
The bridge has been recognized internationally as an important historic engineering landmark.
What Is the Victoria Falls Bridge Used for Today?
While the bridge still serves as a vital transport link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it has also become one of the region's top tourist attractions.
Visitors come to:
Walk across the international border bridge
Take photographs of Victoria Falls
Enjoy views of the Batoka Gorge
Join guided bridge tours
Experience the world-famous Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
Try the Bridge Swing or Bridge Slide
Key Takeaway
The Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' dream of connecting Africa by rail. More than 120 years later, it remains one of the continent's greatest engineering achievements, linking Zambia and Zimbabwe while offering visitors some of the most spectacular views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi Gorge.
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Page last updated: 10-08-2026
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