Victoria Falls: Zambia vs Zimbabwe – Which Side is Better?
Visiting Victoria Falls but not sure which side to go to, Zambia or Zimbabwe? It is one of the most common questions people ask when planning this trip.
Both sides have their advantages, and the right choice really depends on what you want to do and when you are going. The season matters more than you realise, and it can completely change what you see and experience.
We visited both sides, and I will walk you through exactly what each one offers so you can decide what works best for you.
1. The View of the Falls
Zimbabwe side
If seeing the falls is your main reason for visiting, the Zimbabwe side is the better choice. Around 75% of the falls are seen from here, which makes a big difference.
We visited during the dry season in October, and the view was still spectacular. At some points, we got a light shower from the falls just from the power of the water.
Some sections were completely dry, so we could see the rocky wall behind them, which has its own kind of beauty. During the high water season, you will need a raincoat as you will get very wet.
The dry season runs from May to October or November. The rainy season is from November to April.
The peak of the high water season is March to June, when the water is at its most powerful, the paths can be slippery, and visibility can actually be quite limited. The best time to see the falls is July and August.
Zambia Side
The Zambia side is best visited during the wet season. During the dry season, there is very little water on this side, and you will mostly see a rocky wall.
If you are coming in the dry season, I would skip the Zambia side and focus on Zimbabwe instead.
During the wet season, the view from Zambia is good, but keep in mind that during peak high water, visibility can still be limited, and the paths are slippery.
2. Activities
Zimbabwe side
Zimbabwe is the better side for wildlife. You can go on a horseback safari, visit Zambezi National Park, or take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. The best time for safaris is May to September.
For views of the area, a helicopter flight is worth it if it fits your budget. We took a Zambezi river cruise at sunset, which was lovely, with food and drinks included. I highly recommend it.
If you are into adrenaline activities, there is plenty to choose from: white water rafting, high-speed jetboat, Zambezi canoeing, gorge swing, flying fox, zip line, and bungee jumping. Just keep in mind that water activities are not available during the high water season.
Zambia side
Most activities available on the Zimbabwe side can also be done from Zambia, but not all. Bungee jumping, zip line, flying fox, gorge swing, and the high-speed jetboat are only available on the Zimbabwe side.
However, Zambia has a few things you cannot do anywhere else. The most popular is Livingstone Island, the island where David Livingstone first saw Victoria Falls. The views from there are incredible.
We were lucky to have sunshine and a rainbow above the falls when we visited. You can choose a tour with breakfast or lunch on the island.
For the more adventurous, Devil’s Pool is something very special. You can sit or lie at the very edge of the falls with the water dropping below you. This is only possible during the low water season.
Other activities on the Zambia side include the Lunar Rainbow tour, microlight flights, white water rafting, and Zambezi canoeing.
For wildlife, I recommend the Rhino Walk. It was fascinating to be so close to such wild and giant animals. We also did a walk with cheetahs and lions, which was one of the best things we did on the whole trip. You can book both or just one.
For activities on either side, I recommend Victoria Falls Guide, a local agency that we used. From the first message to Stacey, our contact there, the communication was excellent, and everything was well organised.
You can also use Viator, which I recommend for tours all over the world.
3. Accommodation
Zimbabwe Side
Victoria Falls Town is a small, walkable tourist town close to Victoria Falls National Park. Staying here means you can walk to the falls, and there are good restaurants and cafes nearby too.
Accommodation here is also cheaper than on the Zambia side. We stayed in the N1 Hotel, and it was about a 10-minute walk to the falls.
➡️Where to stay on the Zimbabwe side
The Victoria Falls Hotel – a 5* luxury hotel close to Victoria Falls National Park
Ilala Lodge – Lovely 4* hotel with a pool, close to Victoria Falls National Park
Shearwater Explorers Village – is a 3* more budget-friendly hotel close to restaurants and Victoria Falls National Park
For food, I recommend 3 Monkeys Restaurant, where we had a really nice lunch.
For shopping, Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village have clothes, sculptures, jewellery, and more, all at fixed prices. Next to it is a market with a wide range of souvenirs.
Zambia Side
Livingstone Town on the Zambia side is a bit larger than Victoria Falls Town. It has a museum, church, supermarket, restaurants, and cafes, and it is easy to walk around.
However, the distance from town to Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, where the falls are located, is longer, and you will need a taxi to get there.
The only hotels within walking distance of the falls are the Royal Livingstone Hotel and the Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Guests at these hotels have free entry to the park whenever they want, which is a real advantage.
We stayed at Maramba River Lodge, a nice African-style lodge with a short taxi ride to town.
➡️Where to stay on the Zambia side
The Royal Livingstone Hotel – a 5* luxury hotel inside the National Park next to the Zambezi River with an outside pool
Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort – 4* hotel with an outside pool next to the Zambezi River
The Victoria Falls Waterfront – 3* budget hotel next to the Zambezi River
4. Good to know
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe require a visa each time you enter the country. The most practical solution is to get a KAZA Visa, which allows you to enter both countries multiple times within one month.
The two countries are connected by the Victoria Falls Bridge. You can take a taxi to the border on each side and walk across the bridge, which takes about 20 minutes.
The views from the bridge are really worth it, so I recommend doing this walk if the weather is good.
Victoria Falls: Zambia vs Zimbabwe: FAQs
Which side of Victoria Falls is better?
It depends on what you want to do and when you are visiting. Zimbabwe gives you the best view of the falls and is better for wildlife and most adrenaline activities.
Zambia is worth visiting for Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool, and walking with cheetahs and lions. If you can, visit both.
Can you visit both sides in one day?
Technically, yes, as the two sides are connected by the Victoria Falls Bridge, and it is a short walk or a 2-minute drive between them. However, trying to see both sides on your own in one day can feel rushed.
I would recommend booking an organised tour that covers both sides, so you do not have to worry about logistics and can make the most of your time.
Also, make sure you have your KAZA Visa sorted in advance, as you will need it to cross between the two countries.
What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
July and August are the best months if you want to see the falls clearly while still having good water levels. The dry season (May to November) is best for activities.
The high-water season (March to June) offers the most powerful, but visibility can be poor, and some activities are unavailable.
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