VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE TURNS 120! Steel giant keeps nations connected and tourists screaming

Rutendo Nyeve

IT’S older than most cities, stronger than ever, and still making hearts race. The mighty Victoria Falls Bridge has turned 120 and is celebrating more than a century of connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia while thrilling tourists and powering trade across the Zambezi River.

Built in 1905 entirely out of steel and stretching an incredible 198 meters across the second gorge, the bridge is no ordinary relic. With its iconic arch rising 156.5 meters at the top and 128 meters above the river, it remains one of Africa’s greatest engineering marvels.

It carries a railway line, a single-lane road, and a footpath — and over the decades, it has carried dreams, trade goods, and daredevils.

“The bridge is iconic in its history, commercial role, and tourism value,” said the ERP Board in a statement marking the anniversary. “It’s the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of just three road crossings.”

Every day, truckers, traders, and tourists pass over its steel frame, keeping the heartbeat of regional trade and movement alive. The bridge connects southern Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, making it a critical artery under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Thrill-seekers from all over the world flock to the bridge to throw themselves off it — on purpose. Bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and zip-lining are all part of the adrenaline buffet.

There’s also a slower, classier way to enjoy the view — train tours that let visitors sip wine, eat fine food, and snap photos of the Falls and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel as the sun sets in spectacular fashion.
Despite its age, the bridge is in excellent condition. Thanks to a meticulous schedule of inspections and maintenance by engineers from Zimbabwe and Zambia — and a top-to-bottom international assessment every five years — the bridge is expected to stay solid until at least 2105.

“The structure is very healthy and, with current practices, is projected to last 200 years from its original construction,” reads the latest engineering report.
As it marks 120 years, the Victoria Falls Bridge is not slowing down. It remains a living legend, uniting nations, thrilling visitors, and defying time.

 

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