A local-led guide to the best microbreweries, taprooms and beer-friendly spots around Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
In This Article
Riverside brewery hub
Best seasons
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Plan with a specialist
Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe side) has developed a small but growing craft beer scene that pairs well with safari itineraries and riverside relaxation. Local microbreweries focus on small-batch lagers and ales using Zambezi water and regional ingredients; taprooms here are often combined with smokehouse menus, live music and family-friendly dining. This guide highlights where to sip, when to visit, and how to fold brewery visits into a Southern Africa safari route.
The most established venue is a riverside microbrewery located near the Elephant's Walk shopping and artists' village. Expect a range of flagship beers (lager, amber ale, session IPA), occasional seasonal releases, brewery tours, and a paired menu (grills, local sides). Smaller bars around town may serve the microbrew on draft alongside Zimbabwean national brands for easy comparison.
Timing a brewery visit around wildlife viewing and waterfall conditions makes for a richer trip. The dry winter months bring clearer wildlife viewing in nearby parks and milder evenings for pub crawls; the high-water months show the Falls in full spray but can be wet for daytime walking.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| High water / spray | February-May | Spectacular falls views, wetter walks; great indoor taproom evenings. |
| Dry season | June-October | Best game viewing nearby; cooler nights, perfect for riverside patio beers. |
| Shoulder months | November, December, January | Warmer, occasional rains; lively local events and music nights. |
An afternoon brewery tour is an excellent add-on after a morning activity (game drive, helicopter flight or a guided falls walk). For multi-day plans, combine a brewery evening in town with day trips to Hwange National Park (2-3 hour drive) or a short flight into remote fly-in camps. For suggested routes and local itinerary ideas, Zimtrek’s popular destinations overview is a helpful reference here.
Local brewers often emphasise clean, drinkable styles that suit hot afternoons and hearty grills. Look for crisp lagers, amber ales with malt character, and lighter session IPAs. Menus commonly feature grilled meats, smoked platters and local sides such as sadza-style dishes - all designed to pair well with fuller-flavoured beers.
For background on Zimtrek and how a local specialist can fold brewery visits into a custom safari, read about our approach on the About page here.
Currency: most venues accept cash and card; prices for draught craft beers typically range from about 4 to 8 US Dollars per pint depending on venue and size - these are estimates and subject to change. Tipping of 10% is common where service is provided. Bring a light jacket for evenings during the dry season and a rain layer in the high-water months.
Victoria Falls town is compact and walkable for many visitors; taxis and hotel shuttles are readily available. When visiting taprooms after dusk, use hotel transport or a recognized taxi operator and keep valuables secure. Avoid implying official endorsements - independent venues may change opening hours or offerings seasonally.
Many breweries welcome families during daytime hours and offer non-alcoholic options. If travelling with children, plan a short brewery stop or an early-evening visit and balance it with outdoor activities such as a guided fall walk or a river cruise.
| Wildlife & season | Best months | Notes for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Elephants & large herds | June-October | Dry season concentrates animals near water; combine game drives with relaxed brewery evenings. |
| Birdlife (river species) | Year-round, peak breeding Nov-Mar | Bring binoculars for riverbanks; many taprooms have outdoor seating with river views. |
| Hippos & crocodiles (river) | Year-round | Observe from safe distances on guided activities; not related to brewery areas. |
Many visitors arrive via Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe side), or by road from Livingstone (Zambia) if crossing the border. A typical multi-day plan might include 2 nights in town for falls and brewery visits, followed by 2-3 nights in Hwange for game viewing. Zimtrek can tailor transfers, lodge bookings and local guides to combine breweries with safari time; see our contact and planning page to request tailored arrangements here.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Airport → Town | 20-40 minutes | Most lodges offer transfers; taxis available. |
| Town → Hwange National Park | 2-3 hours by road | Common day or overnight transfer; ideal for safari extension. |
| Livingstone (Zambia) → Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) | 10-30 minutes plus border time | Cross-border timings vary; plan for passport checks and visa needs. |
As an illustrative example, a relaxed evening sampling three draught beers with a shared main course in town might cost 20-45 US Dollars per person. Brewery tours (where available) may charge a small fee or request advance booking; these figures are estimates and should be confirmed with venues at the time of travel.
Insider tip: Plan a brewery stop the evening after a full-day activity - the casual atmosphere and local music make for a relaxing wind-down without sacrificing sightseeing time.
If you want a tailored plan that combines a tasting evening with region-focused safari options, Zimtrek’s homepage explains how we design custom trips and work with trusted local partners here. For detailed destination ideas across Southern Africa that can be combined with a Victoria Falls stop, explore our popular destinations page here.
