Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism

 This year marks a monumental milestone for one of Africa’s most iconic structures, the Victoria Falls Bridge, as it celebrates 120 years of connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe while serving as a vital commercial, historical, and tourism landmark.

Since its completion in 1905, the bridge has stood as a testament to engineering brilliance, linking the two nations across the Zambezi River just a few hundred metres from the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

The bridge, constructed entirely from steel, spans an impressive 198 metres across the second gorge of the falls, with its arch rising to 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the river.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the Emerged Railway Properties (ERP) Board, which manages the bridge, highlighted the bridge’s enduring significance.

“This year marks the 120th anniversary of the most iconic bridge in Zambia in terms of historical, tourism, and commercial significance. The Victoria Falls Bridge crosses the Zambezi River, just a few hundred metres from the majestic Victoria Falls.

“It is built across the second gorge from the Victoria Falls. It was constructed purely from steel, it spans an impressive 198 metres across the gorge. It is arch-shaped, with the arch rising to a height of approximately 156.50 metres at the top and 128 metres at its base above the Zambezi River,” reads the statement.

On the bridge are a one-vehicle-wide roadway, a railway track, and a footpath in between and on both sides of the bridge.

The bridge is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of only three road links between the two countries.

The Victoria Falls Bridge remains a critical transport and trade artery for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services.

As the only rail link between the two nations, it has played a pivotal role in regional trade, connecting southern Africa to markets as far as South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Truck drivers, traders, and tourists alike rely on the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest border crossings in the region.

Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, particularly as both nations continue to explore deeper economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Beyond its commercial value, the bridge has become a world-renowned tourism attraction, offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining, drawing thousands of adventure seekers annually.

The bridge tour provides visitors with unparalleled views of the Victoria Falls on one side and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel on the other.

“Train tours onto and across the bridge every week give hundreds of tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the bridge and its unique ambience, while tasting memorable cuisine aboard the train, and viewing the beautiful sunset!” the ERP Board said.

Despite its age, the bridge remains structurally sound, thanks to rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols.

The ERP Board emphasised the collaborative efforts of engineers and security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in ensuring its longevity.

“The bridge boasts an impressive safety record across the decades as it is managed by experienced engineers who undertake rigorous daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections and management protocols, overseen by a combination of engineers from institutions like the Road Development Agency (RDA) in Zambia, the Zimbabwe Roads Department, specialised Bridge Safety engineers, as well as security personnel from both Zambia and Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

An independent international engineering firm conducts a principal inspection every five years to assess structural integrity.

The most recent assessment in 2022 confirmed the bridge’s remarkable durability, projecting a lifespan of 200 years from its construction date, meaning it could remain operational until 2105.

“As documented in the present report, the Victoria Falls Bridge is generally very healthy, and the current maintenance schedule is sufficient for securing the durability. When the items listed in the summary above are taken care of, and the good maintenance practice continued, we assume main structures of 200 years from the original construction, i.e. until 2105 (~2100),” reads the statement.

Source: Victoria Falls bridge marks 120 years of uniting nations and boosting tourism (21/07/2025)