Is it Better to Visit Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe?

We cannot mention the natural wonders of the world without including the Victoria Falls in Africa. It is one of the largest waterfalls and is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Since the falls are between two countries, many travellers have wondered which side is best for experiencing Victoria Falls in all its glory.

In this article, I will answer the question, “Is it better to visit Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe?” and provide information on what to expect from each side.

I will make the article as interactive and straightforward as possible to help you make the right choice while planning your safari tour.

Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of the countries with the most wildlife in Africa. This country is not only home to a large population of wild animals but also many natural wonders like Victoria Falls.

Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe is preferred by most travellers mainly because of some advantages.

Some of this is the fact that the Zimbabwean side has 75% of the Falls. This means more viewpoints for travellers.

When compared to the Zambian side, more vantage points are accessible all year round.

The Zimbabwean side of the falls also has a lush rainforest that is supported by the spray and mist from the falls. Travellers can walk through the pathways in the forest to explore different viewpoints.

Zimbabwe boasts national parks like Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park that are ideal to spot wildlife while still exploring the falls.

Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe is also close to the falls and is a great place to find hotels and lodges that are close.

Victoria Falls from Zambia

Zambia is another wildlife hotspot in Africa. The country has only a 25% view of the Falls.

Although the viewpoints are lesser than Zimbabwe’s, Zambia still has some great views, like Zambia’s Knife Edge Bridge.

The best part about the Zambian side of Victoria Falls is that you get to experience the thundering effects of the falls from a safe distance.

Unlike the Zimbabwean side, the Zambian side can receive little to no water during some times of the year. This is usually during the height of the dry season.

There is also a town known as Livingstone that is about 10 km from the entrance to the Falls. Here you can find lodges or hotels, although most travellers prefer to stay in the hotels close to the entrance of the Falls, the Royal Livingstone Hotel and the Avani Resort.

Another best part about the Zambian side is the Livingstone Island tours. These tours are filled with different activities, and you get to experience the Falls from the exact spot where David Livingstone saw it for the first time.

It is also important to note that the Devil’s Pool is located on the Zambian side of the Falls.

Is it Better to Visit Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Both Zambia and Zimbabwe have their unique qualities when it comes to Victoria Falls. If you are one of those travellers who prefer to see a wider view of the falls, then Zimbabwe is your choice.

Zimbabwe, along with various viewpoints, also has places with the Victoria Falls National Park to experience the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls.

Zambia also offers some stunning views of the falls, like the Knife Edge Bridge and the pathway leading to the Boiling Pot.

The best part about visiting Victoria Falls is that you can move between both countries to have an overall experience of the Falls. Travellers can move between Zambia and Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls Bridge.

You can walk through the bridge to either Zambia or Zimbabwe. At the point of entry, you will be required to provide your travel documents, like your passport.

If you are trying to move to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe, you might not need a visa if you are from countries like Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and some others.

For travellers trying to move from the Zambian side to Zimbabwe, you will be required to pay for an entry Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry.

Victoria Falls: Zambia vs Zimbabwe

Let us compare the experience in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, so you can make your choice.

The Viewpoints

The crown often goes to Zimbabwe when it comes to views. This is obviously due to about 75% of the falls being situated on the Zimbabwean side.

The Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe is full of paths that lead to 16 different viewpoints. Some of the great views include Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Horseshoe Falls.

On the Zambian side, the experience is more intimate. You have the opportunity to get so close to the falls.

There is also an amazing view of the Eastern Cataract through the Knife Edge Bridge. During the rainy season, you get to enjoy the Zambian side of the Falls in all its glory.

When it comes to views, Zimbabwe wins due to the many viewpoints, but Zambia is not far behind.

Activities and Adventures

Both sides are known for different fun activities that make visiting worth it. In Zimbabwe, you can enjoy a variety of activities like bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, and helicopter flights over the falls.

These activities are the same whether you choose to stay in Zimbabwe or Zambia.

Although Zambia offers some unique adventures that you will not find on the Zimbabwean side. This is swimming in the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool right on the edge of the falls.

While in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls town can be a fun place to explore local places like markets, cafes, and culture.

In Zambia, you can also take a tour to Livingstone Island and experience the falls from a close distance.

Accommodation and Accessibility

The small town on the Zimbabwean side of the falls offers a range of accommodations from budget lodges to luxury hotels. You will find anything you need in this town.

Livingstone, the town on the Zambian side, is larger and more spread out. You also get a variety of accommodations depending on your budget.

Since the town in Zambia is larger, getting around can be a bit more challenging. But you get more opportunities to move around if you prefer the outdoors.

Cost Considerations

Zimbabwe tends to be more affordable than Zambia. Due to lower taxes and levies, the amount you pay for accommodation, food, and activities is cheaper.

Although Zimbabwe can be cheaper, you might need a visa to enter. You are required to pay visa fees at the port of entry to Zimbabwe.

Most countries do not need visas to travel to Zambia, so it is quite a bit cheaper to enter Zambia than it is Zimbabwe.

Wildlife

If you are also travelling for wildlife, then it can be hard to make a choice. This is because both Zimbabwe and Zambia are known for their high wildlife population.

Zimbabwe is known for various national parks, such as the Zambezi National Park, located close to the falls. You can spot elephants, lions, and different bird species.

In Zambia, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated around the falls. In this national park, you will find white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.

Conclusion

At this point, you now have all the information to help you make a choice between visiting Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe. In this article, I have provided insight, comparisons, and also reasons why each side is unique in its own way.

To sum it up, if you are looking for a place with the best views, Zimbabwe might be your best bet. But for a more unique and up-close experience, Zambia could be the perfect choice.

Either way, you can move through each part of the Falls for an overall experience.

FAQs

Can I visit both sides of Victoria Falls in one trip?

Yes, you can visit both sides of Victoria Falls in one trip. You can cross into Zimbabwe from Zambia and vice versa. Just be prepared to pay an entry fee at the point of entry.

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to July, when the falls are at their most spectacular. During this time, you can experience the falls from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.

During the low water season from August to January, Zimbabwe offers a more spectacular view compared to Zambia, but this is also a good time to swim in the Devil’s Pool.

Is it safe to visit Victoria Falls?

It is safe to visit the Victoria Falls either from Zambia or Zimbabwe. You should take standard precautions while engaging in activities and moving around.

How many days is enough for Victoria Falls?

To get the best out of your visit to the Victoria Falls, I recommend staying for three or four days. This time is enough to explore surrounding areas and other promising places.

What currency should I use when visiting Victoria Falls?

In Zimbabwe, the US dollar is widely accepted, while in Zambia, the local currency is the Zambian kwacha.