Welcome to Victoria Falls Tours: Zambia vs Zimbabwe

The mighty Victoria Falls, locally known as the Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls, means “the Smoke that Thunders.” It is one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders. In fact, it sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, on the mighty Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and proudly recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Standing before this spectacle is an experience unlike any other. Picture the roar this volume of water creates as it cascades into the narrow Batoka Gorge. Huge spray rises high into the sky, visible from kilometres away. Whether you visit during the peak flood season or the drier months, Victoria Falls is guaranteed to leave you speechless.

But one question we are asked time and time again is:

Which Side of Victoria Falls Is Right for You? Zambia or Zimbabwe

The simple answer is both. Each side of the Falls offers a unique perspective and a different set of experiences. However, neither side is universally “right.” Instead, the best side depends on the time of year you travel, the type of views you want, and the experiences on your bucket list.

Experiences Available on Both Sides

No matter which country you choose to visit, you will have easy access to some of Africa’s most exciting adventures. Some of the popular excursions include the following:

Helicopter Flight, known as the Flight of Angels: a 12-13 minute short route or a 25-minute long route.
Microlight Flights over the Falls which carries one passenger per flight next to the pilot.
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
Jet Boat Adventures
111 metre Bungee Jump from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge
Royal Livingstone Express, a luxury steam train experience including a gourmet five-course dinner on the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Many more other adrenalin-filled and wildlife experiences.

Why Choose the Zambian Side of Victoria Falls

The Zambian side offers a more intimate and immersive experience, where you can get remarkably close to the Falls.

Here you can experience and feel the Mosi-oa-Tunya up close. This side also offers easy access to Livingstone Island and the daring, seasonal Devil’s Pool.

Zambian Side Highlights

Devil’s Pool access where you can swim safely on the edge of Victoria Falls during the dry season. This is a seasonal excursion that is run between Mid-August to Mid-January.
Livingstone Island Tours – here you get to visit the spot where David Livingstone first viewed Victoria Falls. This can be combined with the Devil’s Pool experience.
Knife-Edge Bridge for close-up views, surrounded by the refreshing spray of the Falls.
Cheaper National Park entry fees into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which are significantly lower than on the Zimbabwean side.
Easy walk on the knife edge bridge for close-up views, mist-drenched views directly facing the water sheets.
Dry walking where you can explore the uniquely exposed bedrock of the falls.
Hotels with direct access to the Victoria Falls right on the banks of the Zambezi River.

The Zambian side is perfect for travellers who want to experience the Falls up close. It also suits those who want to enjoy unique adventures like Devil’s Pool.

Why Choose the Zimbabwean Side of Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is known for offering the most complete panoramic views of Victoria Falls.

Highlights Include:

The best overall Panoramic viewpoints of the cascading Victoria Falls.
Year-round spectacular scenery, with strong water volume that continues to flow impressively during the dry season.
Victoria Falls town proximity to the main park gates from most hotels and restaurants in the nearby town of Victoria Falls
Permanent rainforest, where you can walk through lush indigenous rainforest sustained by the continuous spray from the Falls.
Iconic frontal shots: Capture classic, unobstructed landscape photos of the massive main gorges from straight-on angles
Convenient Location to most hotels, restaurants, shops and activity operators who are just minutes from the park entrance in Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe is ideal for travellers whose priority is seeing the Falls in their full grandeur, and capturing excellent photography.

Victoria Falls Key Facts and Size

Width – 1780 metres wide

Height – 108 metres drop

Peak Water Volume – 8 000 to 10 000 tons of water plunge over the edge every second at peak flood, into Batoka Gorge.

Which River Is Victoria Falls On, and When Should You Go?

A common question we hear is: Victoria Falls on which river? The answer is the Zambezi River, one of Africa’s great waterways. Knowing the best time to visit Victoria Falls also shapes your trip. Peak flood season runs February to April, when the roar and spray are at their most dramatic. Meanwhile, the drier months from August to January bring calmer water and better visibility, along with access to seasonal experiences like Devil’s Pool. As a result, it’s easy to see why Victoria Falls is considered the largest falls in Africa, and one of the largest on Earth.

So, Which Side Should You Choose?

If your dream is to swim in Devil’s Pool and stand on Livingstone Island, Zambia is the perfect choice. It offers close-up encounters with the Falls that Zimbabwe cannot match.

If you are looking for breathtaking panoramic views and world-famous photography locations, Zimbabwe is your place to visit. It also offers the classic Victoria Falls tour experience.

Victoria Falls Tours: Zambia Packages

Ready to book? Our Tours Victoria Falls itineraries on the Zambian side pair Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island with the wider region. For example, combine your visit with Victoria Falls Zambia wildlife experiences in the Lower Zambezi. Alternatively, extend your trip with one of our Zambia tour packages through South Luangwa. Ask your Safari Specialist to build the itinerary around your travel dates.

Victoria Falls Tours: Zimbabwe Packages

On the Zimbabwean side, our Victoria Falls Tours combine panoramic rainforest walks with the wider Hwange and Mana Pools circuits. In addition, we offer luxury Zimbabwe safari packages for travellers who want the complete picture. We also tailor Zimbabwe Holiday Packages that pair the Falls with the waterfalls in Africa experience at its most spectacular. Contact us to start planning your side of the Falls.

Our Recommendation

If your itinerary allows, experience both sides. Crossing between Zambia and Zimbabwe is easy with the KAZA Univisa, which lets you enjoy the very best each country has to offer. Victoria Falls isn’t a destination; it’s an experience you should encounter from every angle.

Whether you are planning your first African safari adventure, a Victoria Falls tour, a honeymoon safari, or a family safari, Victoria Falls promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Sources.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Zambia Tourism
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Kaza Univisa

Additional Information.
Africa Explore Safaris – Victoria Falls & Okavango Delta Safaria
Africa Explore Safaris – Luxury Safari -Cape Town, Sabi Sands & Victoria Falls