Tourist Scams in Zimbabwe

Vendors near the falls entrance and Souvenir Village follow tourists for long distances, becoming increasingly aggressive if buyers show any initial interest. Some use guilt tactics claiming they are providing for starving families.

How to avoid: Do not make eye contact or respond if you are not interested. A firm single no thank you is enough. Walking with purpose reduces approach frequency significantly.

Informal money changers near the Victoria Falls entrance offer USD exchange rates far above the official bank rate to lure tourists. They then shortchange the cash amount or provide counterfeit local notes.

How to avoid: Exchange money only at official banks or hotel exchange desks. The informal rate may seem attractive but the risk of counterfeits and shortchanging is very high.

Taxis from Victoria Falls Airport have no meters and quote tourist fares 3–5 times the local price. The short 8km trip to town can cost USD 30–50 instead of the standard USD 10.

How to avoid: Agree on a firm price before entering any taxi. USD 10–15 is a fair rate from the airport to town. Ask your accommodation for a recommended transfer service.

Fraudulent websites and Facebook pages claim to represent legitimate Victoria Falls activity operators — including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter flights — collecting deposits or full payment via PayPal or direct bank transfer before disappearing. Some sites clone the visual identity of established operators such as Wild Horizons or Shearwater Adventures using near-identical domain names. Victims may discover the fraud only upon arrival at the activity site.

How to avoid: Book all activities through your hotel concierge, the official Zimbabwe Tourism Authority desk in Livingstone, or directly via the verifiable official websites of known operators. Confirm the operator's physical address and phone number independently before paying any deposit online.

Budget sunset cruise operators on the Zambezi significantly overload their vessels to maximize revenue. Safety equipment is inadequate and guides may be intoxicated.

How to avoid: Book Zambezi sunset cruises with established operators like Shearwater or Safari Par Excellence. Inspect the boat before boarding and leave if it appears dangerously overcrowded.

Individuals in unofficial clothing set up near the entrance roads to Zambezi National Park and the Victoria Falls Rain Forest, offering to sell park entry tickets at a slight discount. The tickets are counterfeit and visitors are turned away at the official gate, having lost their money with no recourse. The scam is particularly active during peak season when genuine queues at the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority booth can be long.

How to avoid: Buy park entry tickets only at the official Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority booths at the main gate or through your verified hotel or lodge. Reject any offer to buy tickets outside the formal gate area, regardless of price or how official the seller appears.

Individuals in uniform-like clothing near the falls collect what appears to be an entrance fee or conservation levy outside the official gate, keeping the money and providing no valid ticket.

How to avoid: Pay entrance fees only at the official Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority booth. Receipts are printed. Never pay fees to individuals outside the official gate.

Along the main path to Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe) and near the Zambia border, touts position semi-tame warthogs, baboons, and occasionally snakes as photo props for tourists. A handler encourages the tourist to take a photo — sometimes physically placing an animal on the visitor — then demands cash payment, typically $5–$20 USD, and becomes aggressive if refused. Handlers also solicit tips for "guiding" tourists the short distance from the car park to the falls entrance.

How to avoid: Decline to interact with or photograph animals held by handlers. State firmly that you do not want photos with animals before any physical contact occurs. The footpath to the falls entrance is clearly marked — you do not need a paid guide for this section.