Discover Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Learn where to stay, the best time to visit, things to do, border crossing tips and how to plan your trip.
Introduction
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders”, is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions. The waterfall lies on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with Livingstone serving as the main gateway on the Zambian side and Victoria Falls town serving as the gateway on the Zimbabwean side.
The waterfall stretches for about 1.7 kilometres and drops approximately 108 metres, creating an impressive combination of rushing water, spray, rainforest and deep gorges.
One of the best things about visiting Victoria Falls is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Travellers who meet the applicable immigration requirements can visit both sides during the same trip.
🇿🇲 Victoria Falls – Zambia Side
The Zambian side is accessed through Livingstone, a popular tourist destination in southern Zambia.
The Zambian side offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Falls from close viewpoints and enjoy several activities associated with the Zambezi River.
Things to do on the Zambia side
- Visit Victoria Falls and its viewpoints
- Explore Livingstone Island
- Experience Devil’s Pool when water conditions allow
- Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Go on a scenic flight over the Falls
- Enjoy white-water rafting when conditions are suitable
- Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Explore Livingstone town and its cultural attractions
Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island are seasonal experiences, and access depends on river levels and operating conditions.
🇿🇼 Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe Side
The Zimbabwean side is accessed through Victoria Falls town.
View the price on the map below
Zimbabwe provides a different perspective of the waterfall, with extensive viewpoints along the rainforest trail. The Zimbabwean side is particularly well known for its broad, front-facing views of the Falls.
Things to do on the Zimbabwe side
- Visit Victoria Falls National Park
- Walk along the Falls’ viewpoints
- Explore Victoria Falls town
- Take a Zambezi sunset cruise
- Enjoy a helicopter or scenic flight
- Visit local craft markets
- Take a safari excursion
- Combine your trip with wildlife experiences
Zambia or Zimbabwe: Which Side Should You Visit?
Rather than saying one side is universally better, it is useful to consider what you want to experience.
| Zambia | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Livingstone is the main gateway | Victoria Falls town is the main gateway |
| Close-up waterfall experiences | Extensive panoramic viewpoints |
| Livingstone Island | Victoria Falls National Park |
| Devil’s Pool when conditions permit | Excellent rainforest viewpoints |
| Zambezi River activities | Strong tourism infrastructure |
| Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby | Wildlife and safari excursions |
The Zimbabwean side provides many of the classic panoramic views, while Zambia provides distinctive close-up experiences and access to activities such as Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool when conditions permit.
If your itinerary allows, consider experiencing both countries.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
The appearance of Victoria Falls changes considerably during the year.
February to June: High-water period
The Zambezi is generally at higher levels, producing enormous volumes of water and spectacular spray. This can be an excellent period for experiencing the power of the Falls, although some viewpoints can become very wet.
July to October: Lower-water period
Water levels gradually fall, and visibility can improve because there is less spray. This period can also provide opportunities for certain seasonal activities on the Zambian side, depending on current conditions.
November to January
Water levels can be relatively low, particularly later in the dry season, before increasing again with the rains. The appearance of the Zambian side can therefore be quite different from the high-water months.
Important: Exact conditions vary from year to year, so travellers should check current waterfall and activity conditions before booking seasonal experiences.
Can You Visit Both Zambia and Zimbabwe?
Yes. Victoria Falls is a cross-border destination, and travellers can visit both sides during the same trip, subject to the current immigration and visa requirements for their nationality.
The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries and is an important crossing point in the area.
Before travelling, you need to check:
- Passport requirements
- Visa requirements
- Whether you qualify for a multi-country visa
- Border operating requirements
- Re-entry requirements
- Current park entrance fees
How Many Days Do You Need?
For a basic Victoria Falls holiday, 2 to 3 full days can provide enough time to see the Falls and enjoy one or two additional activities. A longer stay gives you more opportunity to experience both countries and add wildlife or adventure activities.
Example 3-day itinerary
Day number 1 – Zambia
Arrive in Livingstone, check into your accommodation and visit Victoria Falls from the Zambian side.
Day number 2 – Zimbabwe
You can cross into Zimbabwe and explore the Zimbabwean viewpoints before enjoying Victoria Falls town.
Day number 3 – Zambezi adventure
Choose an activity such as a sunset cruise, scenic flight, wildlife excursion or another available experience.
Where to Stay
Visitors can choose accommodation in either Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe.
When choosing accommodation, consider:
- Distance from the Falls
- Airport transfers
- Your planned activities
- Whether you want to visit both countries
- Your budget
- Access to restaurants and shops
- Whether the property can arrange tours and transfers
Both destinations offer hotels, lodges, guesthouses, boutique accommodation and luxury properties.
Getting to Victoria Falls
From Zambia
Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, then travel to your accommodation and the Falls. Livingstone is the principal tourism centre on the Zambian side.
From Zimbabwe
Fly into Victoria Falls Airport and continue to Victoria Falls town.
Travellers can then arrange transportation and, where permitted, cross the border to experience the other side.
Travel Tips
Carry appropriate clothing. Waterproof clothing or a rain jacket can be useful during periods of high water because the spray around the Falls can be substantial.
Keep your passport accessible. You may need it if you are crossing between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Check seasonal activities before booking. Activities such as Devil’s Pool depend on river conditions.
Allow extra time for border crossings. Border formalities can take longer during busy periods.
Carry some suitable payment options. Payment methods and currency acceptance can differ between Zambia and Zimbabwe, particularly for smaller purchases.
Victoria Falls: One Destination, Two Countries
Victoria Falls offers something different depending on which side of the Zambezi you visit. Zambia’s Livingstone provides close-up waterfall experiences and access to activities such as Livingstone Island, while Zimbabwe provides extensive viewpoints and the classic panoramic experience.
For travellers with enough time, combining Zambia and Zimbabwe can turn a Victoria Falls visit into a more complete experience of this remarkable destination.