Laura Pattara | 18 July 2024
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe Victoria Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on earth and one of southern Africa's most unmissable highlights. Choosing which side to visit can be somewhat confusing, as Zimbabwe and Zambia offer unique perspectives and experiences. Trying to pin down THE 'best' side is not all that straightforward.
Victoria Falls will leave you awe struck no matter which side you visit
Nevertheless, there are plenty of pros and just a couple of cons to outline for each side and the importance of each will primarily depend on your personal preferences. Want the best views and a wide choice of activities or prefer a quieter experience even if it comes with fewer 'extras’? Once you’ve answered those questions, your preferred side should be pretty clear.
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But first, let’s discover more about this extraordinary natural wonder.
Victoria Falls is on the Zambezi River, spanning the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south. The Zambezi River, the longest east-flowing river in Africa, is over two kilometres (one mile) wide at this section, where it
plunges abruptly into a series of gorges, creating a curtain of water that spans approximately 1,708 m (5,604 ft) in width and drops about 108 m (354 ft) into the gorge below.
Considered one of the world's largest and most spectacular waterfall systems, Victoria Falls is renowned for its mind-boggling scale and immensely breathtaking surroundings. At the height of the rainy season, Victoria Falls drops an eye-popping 500 million litres of water per minute into the gorge. In the dry season, that amount shrinks to one-fiftieth of that!
View of Victoria Falls from the Zambian side at sunset
At face value, you might assume that visiting at the 'height' of the rainy season is a no-brainer – surely, this is the best time to visit?! Sure, for many reasons, it is. If you want to have your soul stirred and shaken, high-water season is definitely the best time to visit. Yet it’s also worth noting that this overwhelming volume of cascading water produces a thick mist that makes seeing the falls a bit of a challenge.
The rising mist resembles ‘smoke,’ giving the falls its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘The Smoke That Thunders.’
Victoria Falls in full flood mode seen from the Zambian side
You’ll find more info about the best time to visit Victoria Falls, below.
Both sides of Victoria Falls boast a ‘base’ town from where visits are easily made. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls Town, and you'll find Livingstone in Zambia.
Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) is more developed, with various restaurants, shops, and accommodation options. Zambia’s Livingstone on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere, appealing to travellers seeking a quieter experience.
Some say the choice between Victoria Falls Town and Livingstone largely depends on personal preferences. Yet, we say these towns aren't the reason you're visiting the falls anyhow – choose which side you'd prefer to visit first and trust that both towns will more than cover your travel needs. Both have stunning lodges worth visiting in their own right!
Victoria Falls International Airport the busiest transport hub in the region
The falls are accessible on both sides via international airports. Zimbabwe has Victoria Falls International Airport just 18 km (11 miles) from the falls, while the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia is only 6 km (3.5m) from Livingstone.
Additionally, the falls are easily visited by road from nearby regions in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and neighbouring countries. If you’re on an overland journey or have a day to spare, you can also simply visit both sides.
Do many travellers visit both sides of Victoria Falls?
Not really, which is surprising. Crossing the border requires you to have a multiple-entry visa for the country you're crossing from or buy a single-entry visa twice. This isn't a big hassle, and the expense isn't that great either, yet most independent travellers simply choose not to go to the trouble. Mind you, organising a side trip for the day from one side to the other is not all that difficult – our Africa Specialists here at Viva are well-versed in planning visits to both sides – don’t forget to contact them when you’re ready to plan your trip.
Best Views of the Falls: The overwhelming majority of Victoria Falls (around 75%) lies on the Zimbabwean side, offering the most comprehensive and panoramic views of the cascading water. Four of the five major falls that comprise the whole system are on this side. The iconic Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls are all visible from various vantage points within Zimbabwe.
A Wider Range of Adventure Activities: From guided walks along the edge of the falls to spectacular helicopter flights and adrenaline-pumping experiences like a 111 m (364ft) bungee jump, a jet boat ride and white-water rafting on the Zambezi River – Zimbabwe is where the crazy fun is at! Other less adrenalin-fuelled but equally enticing options include game drives, African tiger fishing, sunset cruises and cultural village visit.
Zambezi National Park: This side boasts the Zambezi National Park, where you can spot elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species in a stunning natural setting. If you’re flying into the area for just a few days, there’s a LOT to be experienced on the Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls.
The Zambezi River feeds a vast area of protected wildlife reserve in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Include a safari alongside a visit to Victoria Falls for an all encompassing experience in Africa.
Overcrowding in Peak Season: Given all the pros listed above, the Zimbabwean side tends to attract more visitors, especially during the peak tourist season (May to September), which might affect the overall experience for those seeking a quieter, more secluded environment.
Infrastructure Challenges: Zimbabwe has faced economic challenges in recent years, leading to occasional issues with infrastructure and services. While you should be prepared for potential inconveniences, there’s usually nothing that can’t be sorted in a jiffy.
Knife-Edge Bridge and Boiling Pot Views: Zambia offers unique perspectives, including stunning views from the Knife-Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot. While they may not be the ‘largest’ viewpoints, the Zambian hot spots bring you closer to the falls than the Zimbabwean side.
Devil’s Pool: The single most famous 'corner' of Victoria Falls is Devil's Pool, a little pool on the edge of the falls. It is only accessible on boat tours (from June to December) on the Zambian side and the only option if you wish to take a daredevil dip on the edge of Victoria Falls. It's exhilarating to the max and certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Fancy a dip Jumping into Devils Pool is only allowed in low water season and under strict guidance from local experts.
Livingstone Island Tours: Visitors on the Zambian side can partake in Livingstone Island tours, offering the thrilling opportunity to swim in the famous Devil's Pool, mentioned above.
Sunset Cruises: Zambia offers picturesque sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, a delightfully laid-back way to soak up views of the falls from a different perspective and enjoy the tranquillity of the water. There's usually lots of hippo-spotting from the boat!
Smaller crowds, more relaxed: Overall, the Zambian side offers a more relaxing and, yes, even more enjoyable experience for some - no need to rush from viewpoint to viewpoint, hoping to beat the crowds or elbowing your way to a front-row spot. In Zambia, fewer vistas mean fewer tourists, too.
Limited Views of the Falls: While Zambia provides spectacular close-up views, it doesn't offer the same extensive panoramas as the Zimbabwean side. You’ll also miss out on the most iconic stretch of the falls. In dry season, the falls can dry up completely on the Zambian side and you’ll see no water at all.
Fewer Adventurous Activities: Zambia has fewer adrenaline-pumping activities than Zimbabwe, making it a better choice for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
A quick recap of all there is to see and do in and around Victoria Falls, and which side you can do them in:
If you want to experience the falls at their peak, April or May is the time to visit. In April, you will find water at its highest level of the year and views that are out-of-this-world spectacular.
During the dry season (especially October and November), you will have a more muted but still breathtaking experience, and witness the geological formations of the falls in their purest form. Note that in dry season, there may not be any water at all visible from the Zambian side, so we recommend to visit the Zimbabwean side. Low water season is also idea for helicopter or microflight rides, as you’re able to gain an all-encompassing view of the impressive scale of the falls from above.
February and March are perhaps the most idyllic months, as tourist crowds will not be substantial yet and water levels are rising, offering the best of both worlds.
The river’s water level also impacts all the activities on offer on both sides, so if you have your heart set on doing that one thing, there is also ‘the best time’ to do that.
High-water season is a fantastic time to enjoy those jaw-dropping scenic helicopter flights, as it’s arguably the only way to look past (above) the mist and see the vast spectacle of the falls in all their glory. This is one of the most unforgettable activities you can do anywhere in the world.
A scenic flight over Victoria Falls is magical at any time of year in high water season however it is jaw dropping
However, when it comes to bungee or white-water rafting, you'll want to visit when the river is calmer and water levels are lower. From May, each year, the volume of the falls starts to decrease exponentially.
There's no doubt that Victoria Falls Town, in Zimbabwe, boasts the most developed tourist infrastructure and choice of accommodation, restaurants, and souvenir shops. There are options for luxury and more affordable stays, and the overall 'feel' of the town is quite buzzy and touristy. It is lovely, but you can also stay in gorgeous lodges just outside the town.
For a luxurious and comfortable stay, check out The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls Hotel, Old Drift Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
While Livingstone isn’t nearly as commercialised, it is home to sensational lodges set right on the banks of the Zambezi. Enjoy a refreshing mist spray from the falls right from the terrace of The Royal Livingstone Hotel or Thorntree River Lodge. If you'd like to squeeze in two iconic experiences on your trip to Africa, opt for the Tongabezi Lodge – it’s an upmarket glamping safari lodge with easy access to Victoria Falls and daily river visits from elephants, crocodiles and hippos.
The million dollar view from Tongabezi Lodge Zambia
Choosing between the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Whether you seek panoramic views, adrenaline-fueled adventures, or serene river cruises, both sides offer a truly magical experience. What we do know is that whichever side you choose will undoubtedly leave a permanent mark on your memory – the sheer power and beauty of Victoria Falls tend to have that effect on visitors.
Learn more about our Africa tours and contact our Africa Destination Specialists for expert, personalised travel advice.
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