Victoria Falls Theatre: Award-Winning Simunye Show
Puppetry, dance and live music tell an African story in one hour
You arrive 30 minutes early, settle into the open air theatre, watch a one-hour puppet-and-dance show about an African wanderer and his elephant, then spend 20 to 30 minutes on stage taking photos with the cast. Drinks are available, taxis run to and from the venue, and the whole evening takes about two hours from start to finish.
1h
Step-by-step itinerary
Attend Simunye theatre show
- Arrive 30 minutes before 8pm
- Purchase drinks if desired
- Watch 1-hour theatre production
- Take photos with cast on stage
- Use taxi to and from theatre
The Experience
So you're sitting there in the open air, and the lights drop — and suddenly there's this elephant puppet, Ndlovu, moving across the stage like it's actually breathing. The whole thing is built around Bomani, cast out from his tribe, wandering the African hinterland trying to find where he belongs, and his elephant companion is with him the whole way. Mongiwekhaya, the director, is a handspring puppeteer — which means the puppetry isn't just background noise, it's the whole story. You've got music, dance, local artists moving around this 195-seat open air theatre in the center of Victoria Falls, and it all lands in about an hour.
The show starts at 8pm, so you'd want to arrive around 7:30 to settle in and grab a drink if you want one — they sell them right there and you can take them into the theatre. The whole thing is this fusion of puppetry and live performance that keeps moving, so you're not sitting there waiting for the next thing to happen. After it wraps, the cast comes down and you can get photos with them on stage, which usually takes another 20 to 30 minutes depending on how many people want to do it. It's not rushed, and honestly that's when you get to see the detail in the costumes and puppets up close.
Getting there is straightforward — taxis run to and from the theatre, which sits right in Victoria Falls town, so you're not hunting for transport or trying to figure out directions. The whole experience, from arrival to photos with the cast, is maybe two hours start to finish. Wheelchair access is built in, and if you've got small kids, they can sit on your lap or bring a stroller — the theatre's designed so families can actually come.
What’s included
Your ticket includes entry to the one-hour theatre production, access to the open air venue, and the opportunity to take photos with the cast on stage after the show. Drinks are available for separate purchase and can be brought into the theatre.
Operated by Shearwater Adventures (Pvt) Ltd
Is this one for you?Right for anyone in Victoria Falls wanting a live performance that's not a typical tour — the show is built around puppetry and local artists, so it's more intimate than a stadium production. Plan for two hours total, including the post-show photos, which is what makes the evening feel complete rather than rushed.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What time does the show start?
8pm. Arrive by 7:30pm to get settled and buy drinks if you want them.
How long is the show?
One hour. The post-show photos with cast add another 20 to 30 minutes.
Is there parking or transport to the theatre?
Taxis are available to and from the theatre, which is in central Victoria Falls. Public transport options are nearby.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or be brought in a stroller. The show is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair access is available.
Can I buy food or drinks?
Drinks are available for purchase and can be taken into the theatre. No food is mentioned.
What is the show about?
It follows Bomani, cast out from his tribe, and his elephant companion Ndlovu as they journey across the African hinterland searching for home. It combines puppetry, dance, music, and live performance.
Who directs the show?
Mongiwekhaya, an acclaimed handspring puppeteer, directs the production.
Victoria Falls Theatre: Award-Winning Simunye Show
1h
from US$ 41 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96406 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
