Sight guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Visiting The Big Tree
A giant, centuries-old baobab stands beside Zambezi Drive a few kilometres upstream of town, once a meeting point for early traders and settlers crossing the river.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The Big Tree is a nature spot in Upper Zambezi riverfront, Victoria Falls. Allow 20 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Upper Zambezi riverfront
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, photo spot and kids
- Best months
- May–July
About The Big Tree
A giant, centuries-old baobab stands beside Zambezi Drive a few kilometres upstream of town, once a meeting point for early traders and settlers crossing the river.
Tip: Stop on the way to a sunset cruise jetty; keep alert for elephants and buffalo nearby.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 20 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Zambezi riverfront, riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive.
Best time to visit The Big Tree
The Big Tree is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Victoria Falls has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Victoria Falls itinerary visits The Big Tree on day 2, together with Zambezi sunset cruise, Zambezi National Park and The Boma dinner and drum show.
- No. 8 of the 14 sights in our Victoria Falls things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Victoria Falls.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Victoria Falls.
- A family favourite in Victoria Falls with kids.
Near The Big Tree
Also in Upper Zambezi riverfront, so you can walk between them:
- Zambezi National Park — 3–4 hours, mid-priced
- Zambezi sunset cruise — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Upper Zambezi canoeing — half a day, expensive
If you like The Big Tree
- Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 2–3 hours
- Knife-Edge Bridge (Zambia side) — Livingstone riverfront (Zambia), 1–2 hours
- Lunar rainbow visits — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 1–2 hours
Staying near The Big Tree
Stay in Upper Zambezi riverfront ($$$) to walk here: riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive. All areas to stay in Victoria Falls.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at The Big Tree?
Plan 20 minutes. With Zambezi National Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Zambezi riverfront.
+Is The Big Tree free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit The Big Tree?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Stop on the way to a sunset cruise jetty; keep alert for elephants and buffalo nearby.
+Do I need to book The Big Tree in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is The Big Tree good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls works well for families with school-age children: the rainforest walk, river cruises, game drives and The Boma are all family-friendly, although many adventure activities have minimum ages.