Victoria Falls: Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Last Updated on February 12, 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), it is created by the Zambezi River 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.

Heather moving in for a better shot of the falls.
Heather is moving in for a better shot of the falls.

As with anything, there are better times of day to view the falls than others; look to be closer to sunset than sunrise. With sunset, the light will be shining on the falls themselves. Also, in the afternoon, the mist clears, providing sharper views.

The mist can be so intense at times it blocks out the falls.
The mist can be so intense at times it blocks out the falls.

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 Devil’s Pool. The other option is to go into Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya Park and take the path heading upstream; this will give you a chance to reach out and touch the Zambezi just seconds before it hurls itself over the edge.

Victoria Falls Zambia or Zimbabwe.

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.

Looking out on Livingstone Island from Zambia.
Looking out on Livingstone Island from Zambia.

Travelasics

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.

Money Matters: First, I found both locations to be rather pricey. Zimbabwe is without a national currency, so just 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.

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 either +26-377-643-6601 or tshuma.blessed@yahoo.com.

Photo Tips: We all know water and cameras are not friends. That said, a severe amount of 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, if you trek to Livingstone Island in Zambia, think GoPro or another waterproof camera.

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.

Victoria Falls selfie from Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls selfie from Zimbabwe.

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31 thoughts on “Victoria Falls: Zambia or Zimbabwe?”

  1. 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!

    Reply
  2. 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.

    Reply
  3. 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.

    Reply
  4. Wow, this looks like an epic adventure. Devil Pools is on our bucket list… hoping to cross it off sooner than later.

    Reply
  5. 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!

    Reply

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