Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Travelationship
Victoria Falls, do I go to Zambia or Zimbabwe? One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO site, Victoria Falls is attributed as the world’s most enormous sheet of falling water. Known by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders), the Zambezi River creates it and lies between Zambia and Zimbabwe. I think the best way to answer this question is to ask yourself: do you want to have great views of the falls, or do you want to interact with them?
Victoria Falls – See or Touch
I Want to View Victoria Falls:
Zimbabwe will provide the best views of the falls (a commanding 75%). No matter what time of year you visit and how much or little water is going over the falls, you will always be able to see it from Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls National Park will give you the perfect setting for viewing the falls at your leisure. A great bonus to the park is the entrance fee, and Rangers keep all of the hawkers at bay, leaving you to enjoy the scenery in peace.
As with anything, there are better times of day to view the falls than others; look to be closer to sunset than sunrise. At sunset, the light will shine on the falls themselves. Also, in the afternoon, the mist clears, providing sharper views.
I Want to Interact with Victoria Falls:
Zambia has two official ways in which you can interact with the falls. The most famous, without a doubt, is going on a tour of Livingstone Island and taking a dip in one of the pools, the most renowned being the Devil’s Pool. The other option is to go into Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya Park and take the path heading upstream; this will allow you to reach out and touch the Zambezi just seconds before it hurls itself over the edge.
While Zimbabwe’s best visibility relies on a time of day, Zambia’s is more about the season you visit. If you arrive at the end of the dry season in October and November, you can find the falls completely non-existent. On the converse, visit during the rainy season or just after it, and there will be too much water to safely get to Livingstone Island, let alone enter one of the pools. Livingstone Island is generally only open from early July to the beginning of March. The famous Devil’s Pool has an even smaller window and is only available typically from late August to early January.
Travel Basics
Visas: We entered both countries via land borders and had no trouble getting visas. We even walked from Zimbabwe across the bridge over the Zambezi to Zambia, and we had our visas and were on our way in less than 20 minutes. The visas were not cheap, and your only break could come because Zambia has a one-day tourist visa, but you must enter and exit through the same border to qualify.
Getting There: We were stationed in Botswana, and while Botswana has great public transportation, we couldn’t find any options in either Zambia or Zimbabwe. To travel between the falls and Botswana, we had to employ taxis. Our driver in Zimbabwe was outstanding, and I would recommend him in a heartbeat. His name is Blessed Tshuma, and you can contact him at +26-377-643-6601 or tshuma.blessed@yahoo.com.
Photo Tips: We all know water and cameras are not friends. That said, severe moisture is coming off Victoria Falls, particularly on the Zimbabwe side. While walking through the park, it rains down on you in some places. While you can dodge some of the mist on the Zimbabwe side, think GoPro or another waterproof camera if you trek to Livingstone Island in Zambia.
Money Matters
We found both locations to be rather pricey. Zimbabwe lacks a national currency, so walking into a store is a little crazy. There are signs talking about what neighboring money will get you. U.S. Dollars and South African Rand were the two most popular; we used Botswana Pula because that is what we had. Do Not count on ATMs, as any of the five we tried worked for us. As for Zambia, everything we tried worked, including credit cards and ATMs. Don’t expect low prices.
Zimbabwe’s Evolving Currency Issues
Zimbabwe’s currency situation is complicated. Although the official currency is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL or “Zollar”), the US dollar is widely accepted and often preferred, especially in tourism. Travelers are advised to carry US dollars in cash because credit cards and ATMs may not be reliable.
The recent introduction of the new Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL or “ZiG”) has added to the complexity. Some businesses may not accept it or have limited change, so it’s best to check before purchasing. Additionally, exchange rates can fluctuate, so travelers should stay informed about the latest official and unofficial rates to avoid being overcharged.
Helpful Links:
Travelationship Rating:
4 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. I give this rating to my time directly with Victoria Falls. Our time in Zambia and Zimbabwe did not stand out to me, and the only word that comes to mind is expensive. Type of traveler rating – adventure, romance, bucket lister.
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Fantastic tips here on visiting the falls! It’s great to know how important the planning is to get the right experience at the falls!
Well you’ve just made me want to go! It’s not somewhere that’s ever been on my list, but now I have to. I’m quite excited!
We loved it and wish we would have spent more time on both sides.
It is huge! Spanning in two countries??? It is really beautiful as well. May I ask, what camera did you guys use for the video? The quality is impeccable!
We used our Canon 5Ds just be for it shut down because it got too wet.
Awesome write-up. I love waterfalls! It makes me think that I need to get to some out here in Taiwan soon.
Thank you. Let’s us know about what you see.
I never realized that Victoria Falls spans two countries! It’s great that you provided this guide because I’m sure a lot of people either didn’t know or don’t understand the difference. I would definitely choose Zimbabwe!
It’s interesting to hear which side people would choose.
Great information!! I have never been to Africa, but we love waterfalls! So we will certainly have to put this on our list of places to go and see.
Glad to hear Zimbabwe and Zambia have made your Africa list.
The falls are awe-inspiringly beautiful. I love waterfalls and getting up close to them is a great experience, of course as long as it is safe. All waterfalls in spite of their massive power and roaring sound have a soothing quality that I love.
They are soothing.
This is a part of the world we haven’t thought about visiting yet, and I will remember that it is “expensive”, however, Victoria falls are really magnificent, (love your photos) and it sounds like well worth a visit.
We loved the area. Worth the trip.
This is nuts I want to go! Makes me think I was in Iguaza Falls airport for a long layover and just didn’t have enough time to visit, so pissed!!
That’s fascinating about the money. I guess that’s why the Euro is such a novel concept. Perhaps someday Africa will move that way.
Wow, this looks like an epic adventure. Devil Pools is on our bucket list… hoping to cross it off sooner than later.
During high water season Devils pool is closed and Angels pool is used.
Those waterfalls look majestic in the video!! Good article about where to visit them. I think I would like to have a good view as well as interact with the falls. So I probably would also do a border cross. Thank you for your honesty about the prices!
Before you go check prices. Who knows what the future will hold.
Been only to Zambian side as I didnt want to spend additional money on visas. Loved the Falls, actually they were better than i expected. Also Livingstone island was great and angels pools.
Was the water freezing cold for you?
Wow, I’m sure the pictures dont even do it justice! Great tips on visiting!
Thanks.
Interesting that such a place could not score a 5/5!
Reminds me of the similar debate with the Iguazu Falls (Argentina or Brazil) 😉
The prices are expensive on either side and on the Zambia side the time is too limited on Livingstone island. Iguaza Falls is next on our list.
I want once in my life to see a waterfall like this. Oh my gosh it looks amazing. I cannot even imagine the beauty of it.
It was bigger and better than we had imagined.
That Devils Pool though …Always creeps me out. Seriously just looking at that picture, I can’t even imagine! One day, one day soon I will go – But maybe Ill admire from afar!
During high water season Devils pool is closed and Angels pool is used. They are basically next to each other. The edge was crazy especially when the wind kicked up.