Victoria Falls Zimbabwe vs Zambia: Which Side Is Better?

Last Updated: October 2026

As we started our descent into the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the pilot told us to look out of the window on the left side of the plane. Below us, miles and miles of lush green plains stretched as far as the eye could see. But in the middle of it all was an enormous cloud of what looked like smoke.

It quickly dawned on us that this was exactly what we’d come to see: the mighty Victoria Falls! What we’d initially mistaken for smoke was actually a huge cloud of mist rising from one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls.

We were suddenly even more excited. If Victoria Falls looked this impressive from so far away, what would it be like standing right beside it?

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke That Thunders, Victoria Falls is one destination you shouldn’t miss when travelling through Southern Africa. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the mighty Zambezi River plunges over a cliff approximately 1.7 kilometres wide and into the dramatic basalt gorges below. The sheer force of the falling water creates enormous clouds of mist that can sometimes be seen from more than 20 kilometres away.

Victoria Falls is considered the world’s largest sheet of falling water, combining an extraordinary width and height. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

But which side of Victoria Falls is better to visit, Zimbabwe or Zambia? Having explored this incredible natural wonder, we’ll share our experiences, the best viewpoints, things to do and practical tips to help you plan your own visit.

Where is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls sits on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Southern Africa, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a spectacular series of gorges.

You can visit the falls from either country, flying into Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport near Livingstone in Zambia.

Victoria Falls town is just a short walk from the Zimbabwean entrance to the waterfall, making it a convenient base for exploring on foot. Livingstone is a larger, busier town located approximately 10 kilometres from the falls, so you’ll generally need a taxi or transfer to reach the entrance on the Zambian side.

Which side of Victoria Falls is better?

This is actually a tough question to answer! Both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer spectacular views of Victoria Falls, but the experience can be quite different depending on the time of year.

The Zimbabwean side is generally considered the best for panoramic views, as around three-quarters of the waterfall can be seen from its viewpoints. You can walk along a series of paths directly opposite the falls, enjoying incredible views of the cascading water and the dramatic gorge below.

However, that doesn’t mean the Zambian side is any less worth visiting! We saw some absolutely incredible rainbows from the Zambian viewpoints, which made the experience even more breathtaking for us. During the high-water season, the spray can be so powerful that you feel as though you’re walking through a tropical downpour!

One important difference is that during the late dry season, particularly from October to December, parts of the waterfall on the Zambian side can dry up almost completely. The Zimbabwean side generally offers better waterfall viewing during these months.

Our recommendation? Visit both sides if you have time! After all, if you’ve travelled all that way to see one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, why not admire it from as many angles as possible?

Which visa do you need to visit both sides of Victoria Falls?

If you plan to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, the KAZA Univisa is a great option. It costs US$50 per person, allows multiple crossings between the two countries for up to 30 days, and even permits day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana via the Kazungula border.

The visa is available to eligible nationalities, including Australians, British, French and Americans. You can obtain it on arrival at participating airports and border crossings, subject to availability.

We purchased ours on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, and the process was straightforward. Just remember that you’ll still need to pass through immigration when crossing the border.

How do you visit Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side?

Visiting the Zimbabwean side of the falls is extremely easy. Once you pay the entrance fee and enter the park, you turn left and follow a path that leads you to 16 different viewpoints. You can choose to hire a guide or simply walk it on your own. We chose the latter and it was quite straight forward.

You’ll need up to 2 hours to visit all of the viewpoints, depending on how many photos you take. Bear in mind that if you visit when the falls are in full flow, you will get very wet! If you want to stay dry, you will need to wear a poncho.

If you’re going to take photos (and you really should), it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof camera. I ended up using my waterproof iPhone because it was so wet that I couldn’t get my camera out. The spray from the falls was so heavy that on some parts of the walk, (especially near the Main Falls viewpoint) it felt like we were walking through torrential rain.

Victoria Falls National Park is within walking distance of the town centre, approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. Alternatively, a short taxi ride should cost around US$5–10 per vehicle. Agree on the fare before getting in, or check whether your accommodation offers a complimentary shuttle.

How much is the entry to Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwean side?

Entrance to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side is US$58 for international visitors. Unfortunately, this is a single entry fee, so if you choose to leave the park and return later, you will have to pay again. So, if you want to visit in the morning and then return for sunset, you will pay two separate entrance fees. Yikes! We’d initially hoped to visit twice, but the cost of two tickets each was simply too much.

Opening hours : 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Some tips for the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls

The US dollar is widely accepted in Victoria Falls, although Zimbabwe also has its own currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

We recommend bringing some US dollars in small denominations, particularly for taxis, tips and smaller purchases. Many hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept credit cards, but it’s worth checking before booking activities.

ATMs are available in Victoria Falls town, although withdrawals using international cards can be unreliable. It’s best not to depend on them for all your cash needs.

Where to stay in Victoria Falls

The White House

If you are looking for friendly staff, comfort and a good breakfast at an affordable price, look no further. This beautiful house located in Victoria Falls is a great find. The staff are extremely helpful and will make sure your stay is much better than you’d expect. They organised everything for us, such as day tours, taxis and transfers from the airport and on to Zambia. They have a pool to cool off in after a busy day of exploring and they have great wifi. Find their latest prices here.

Nguni Lodge

If you fancy something a little bit more upmarket, we heard great things about the Nguni Lodge. They have friendly staff and a beautiful location. Find their latest prices here.

Other accommodation in Victoria Falls

Use the search box below to find other accommodation in Victoria Falls:

How do you visit Victoria Falls from the Zambian side?

As with the Zimbabwean side, it’s quite easy to visit the Zambian side. Once you enter the park (called the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park ) you simply follow a path leading you to the four viewpoints.

There is a footbridge called the Knife’s Edge bridge. This bridge spans a deep gorge to give you access to the western-most viewing point on the Zambian side. From this bridge (which gets really wet and a bit slippery – take care!), you can see the full view of the Eastern Cataract. We had some incredible views of the Victoria Falls from Livingstone Island. While there, we were also lucky to see some really nice looking rainbows.

Tip: Beware of the cheeky baboons! Do not carry food with you unless you want to lose it to them. As with the Zimbabwean side, bring a poncho to wear and a waterproof camera!

Livingstone is approximately 10 kilometres from Victoria Falls, so you’ll need transport to reach the Zambian entrance. A taxi costs around US$10–15 per vehicle each way and takes approximately 15 minutes. Agree on the fare before setting off, or check whether your accommodation offers a complimentary shuttle.

How much is the entry to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Zambian side?

The entrance fee for the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is $20 per international visitor. It’s open daily at 6 am and closes at 6 pm (all year round).

Where to stay in Livingstone?

Budget – Tabonina Guesthouse

For travellers on a budget, Tabonina Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation in a peaceful garden setting. There’s a swimming pool to cool off after exploring Victoria Falls, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a lovely, affordable base in Livingstone.

Mid-range – Protea Hotel Livingstone

For a little more comfort, Protea Hotel Livingstone offers spacious, modern rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. It’s conveniently located for exploring Livingstone and visiting Victoria Falls, making it a good choice for couples and families.

Luxury: Sussi & Chuma Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary

This is not your cheapest option for sure but wow, this place is incredible. It was the first resort of our 10 years wedding anniversary trip and we were certainly not disappointed.

The resort is located twelve kilometres upstream from the falls, on the shores of the Zambezi river. The rooms at Sussi and Chuma are stunning tree houses. Prices are inclusive of all meals, drinks, laundry and activities (sundowner cruises, game drives, village tours, walking safaris and fishing). Taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the river before a sunset game drive was absolute bliss!

How do you get from one side of Victoria Falls to the other?

It’s actually pretty easy to travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and plenty of visitors cross the border every day.

You can join an organised tour, arrange a taxi transfer or simply walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the Zambezi Gorge.

If crossing independently, you’ll need to clear immigration when leaving one country and entering the other. Remember to bring your passport and ensure your visa allows you to re-enter if you’re returning the same day.

The KAZA Univisa makes this particularly convenient, as it allows multiple crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia without purchasing a new visa each time. Allow extra time for border formalities, especially during busy periods.

Once you’ve cleared immigration on the Zambian side, the entrance to Victoria Falls is just a short walk away, so there’s no need to arrange a taxi unless you’re continuing into Livingstone town.

Important: Remember to take your passport with you!

What to do at Victoria Falls?

Looking for a thrill?

Vic Falls offers more than just a visit to the famous waterfall. If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, you’ve found the right place! There are plenty of options to get your heart racing such as white water rafting down the Zambezi, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge, zip lining, gorge swinging, and microlight flights (on the Zambian side).

Take a Boat ride on the Zambezi River

A boat ride down the Zambezi river is a must! You can choose to do it at sunrise, in the middle of the day or at sunset. We chose the sunset ride and we had an amazing time. This boat ride is a great way to experience the local wildlife and we saw crocodiles, elephants, hippos and many species of birds. The best part was when an elephant decided to swim across from the Zimbabwean side to the Zambian side. Who knew those guys were such great swimmers?!

Take a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls

Helicopter rides are never the cheapest activity, but in some places they’re 100% worth the cost. Victoria Falls is definitely one of those places!

Scenic flights are available from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. We took ours from Zambia because it was included in our accommodation package.

Our flight lasted around 15 minutes, during which we flew over both sides of the falls several times, admired some incredible rainbows and even spotted hippos and elephants swimming in the Zambezi River. It was an unforgettable experience!

The popular Flight of Angels lasts approximately 12–15 minutes, with longer flights of around 22–25 minutes also available. Expect to pay roughly US$190–215 per person for a shorter flight, depending on the operator and additional fees.

Our Helicopter Ride

Check out our video of our helicopter ride:

Take a dip in Devil’s Pool

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a dip in the famous Devil’s Pool? Located on Livingstone Island on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, this natural rock pool allows thrill-seekers to swim right up to the edge of the waterfall, with a breathtaking 108-metre drop just beyond!

Devil’s Pool is generally accessible between August and December, when water levels are low enough for guided visits. Access is strictly controlled, and you can only visit as part of an organised tour.

When water levels are too high for Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Pool may be available as an alternative, depending on conditions. It’s slightly further from the edge but still offers an incredible experience. Both pools are seasonal, so check availability before visiting.

Go on a safari

The Lower Zambezi National Park (Zambian side) or Upper Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwean side) are great places for game drives and both are easily accessible from both Livingstone and Victoria Falls. If you purchased the KAZA Visa, be sure to take a day trip to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe is our favourite park in Africa so far. The game drives there were incredible and you are almost guaranteed to see an elephant there. It’s an elephant haven!

SafariBookings is a great website for finding a reliable tour operator. We used it while researching our last trip to Africa and found it super useful.

Let’s talk animal welfare

While in Victoria Falls, we saw numerous billboards advertising experiences with wild animals. There were walks with lions, elephant rides etc.. Those places are advertised as sanctuaries but really those so-called sanctuaries are not doing anything in the interests of the animals themselves.

Save your money and invest it in a game drive instead. You might not get up as close and personal with the animals but they are in the wild where they belong and no-one is making money out of their misery. It’s always best to think of the animals first.

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to experience, as water levels change dramatically throughout the year.

High-water season (February to June)

Victoria Falls is at its most powerful during this period, with water levels generally peaking around April and May. The enormous volume of water creates spectacular clouds of mist, although the heavy spray can sometimes obscure the views.

This is the best time to witness the sheer power of the falls, but activities such as Devil’s Pool and white-water rafting are generally unavailable when river levels are too high.

Moderate-water season (July to September)

For many travellers, this is the ideal time to visit Victoria Falls. Water levels gradually decrease, revealing more of the dramatic gorge while still offering impressive waterfall views.

The weather is generally pleasant, and activities such as white-water rafting and Devil’s Pool may become available as water levels drop.

It’s also an excellent time to combine Victoria Falls with a wildlife safari in nearby Chobe National Park.

Low-water season (October to January)

During this period, Victoria Falls is at its lowest, particularly around October and November. Parts of the Zambian side may have very little water flowing, although the Zimbabwean side usually retains some impressive sections.

The advantage is that activities such as Devil’s Pool and white-water rafting are often available when conditions permit.

However, October and November can be extremely hot, so we wouldn’t recommend these months if your main priority is seeing the falls at their most spectacular.

Our recommendation: For a good balance of impressive waterfall views, comfortable weather and safari opportunities, we’d choose July or August.

How many days do you need at Victoria Falls?

We recommend spending 2–3 days at Victoria Falls to explore both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides, enjoy a few activities and soak up the incredible scenery. If you’re planning a day trip to nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana, consider adding an extra day.

What to pack for Victoria Falls

Bring comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. During high-water season, a waterproof jacket or poncho is essential, as the spray can leave you completely soaked! Don’t forget a waterproof bag to protect your camera and phone.

Frequently asked questions about Victoria Falls

Is Victoria Falls safe to visit?

Victoria Falls is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, particularly around the main attractions and established hotels. However, take the usual precautions, avoid walking alone after dark and use reputable taxis and tour operators.

Always stay behind safety barriers around the waterfall, as some viewpoints have steep, unprotected drops.

Can you visit Victoria Falls without a tour?

Absolutely! Both sides of Victoria Falls can be explored independently, and you can walk between Zimbabwe and Zambia via the Victoria Falls Bridge, provided you meet the visa requirements.

Which country has the best views of Victoria Falls?

Zimbabwe generally offers the best panoramic views, particularly during the low-water season. However, Zambia provides spectacular close-up viewpoints and access to activities such as Devil’s Pool.

Can you visit Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park on the same trip?

Definitely! Chobe National Park in Botswana is approximately a 1–1.5-hour drive from Victoria Falls, excluding border formalities. It’s a fantastic addition for wildlife lovers, particularly if you want to see elephants, hippos and crocodiles.

Is Victoria Falls worth visiting?

Absolutely! Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. Whether you admire it from the walking trails, take a helicopter flight or explore the Zambezi River, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Planning a longer African safari? Why not combine Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park with the incredible Okavango Delta in Botswana? It’s one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations and an unforgettable addition to any Southern Africa adventure.

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