Victoria Falls: Zambia vs. Zimbabwe (Which Side Should You Choose?)

If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls, you might be wondering whether it’s better to visit from Zambia or Zimbabwe.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to choose. Each side offers a different view of Victoria Falls, and crossing between the two countries is pretty straightforward. If you have enough time, I recommend visiting both sides.

But if you only have one day, are trying to keep costs down, or would rather avoid an international border crossing, choosing one side makes more sense.

In this guide, I’ll compare Zambia and Zimbabwe based on waterfall views, costs, activities, and convenience to help you decide which side is right for your trip.

Victoria Falls Zambia vs Zimbabwe: The Quick Answer

Choose Zambia if you want lower costs, fewer crowds, or want to do activities like the rhino safari and Devil’s Pool.
Choose Zimbabwe if you want more impressive views of the falls and a convenient tourist town.
Choose both if you have at least two days and want to experience the falls from two different perspectives.

Victoria Falls Zambia vs. Zimbabwe: At a Glance

While both sides give you access to Victoria Falls, the experience isn’t exactly the same. The biggest differences come down to views, cost, activities, and where you’ll be staying. Here’s how the two sides compare at a glance:

Feature	Zambia (Livingstone)	Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls)
Waterfall View	More close-up views (~25% of falls)	Panoramic, sweeping views (~75% of falls)
Dry Season Flow (Oct–Dec)	Can dry up to exposed rock wall	Continuous flow year-round
Park Entry Fee	US$20	US$58
Town Proximity to Park	~10 km (requires taxi/shuttle)	~1 km (walkable from town center)
Exclusive Highlights	Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, rhino safari	Batoka Gorge swing, high-wire ziplines

Visiting Victoria Falls from Zambia: Pros and Cons

The Zambia side of Victoria Falls is accessed from Livingstone, a town located several kilometers from the waterfall. This side has fewer viewpoints than the Zimbabwe side, but it offers several opportunities to get up close to the falls. My favorite one is the Knife Edge Bridge, a narrow footbridge where you can really feel the spray (just make sure to bring a rain jacket).

Visitors in raincoats crossing the Knife-Edge Bridge on the Zambia side, with Victoria Falls pouring into the gorge beside them

Pros of Visiting Victoria Falls from Zambia

Lower costs: Livingstone tends to be cheaper than Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, making it a good option if you’re traveling on a budget.
Fewer crowds: When I visited in August, I found the Zambia side to be considerably less crowded than the Zimbabwe side. This made it easier to take my time at the viewpoints without constantly navigating around other visitors.
Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Pool: Zambia is home to Devil’s Pool, the famous natural pool at the edge of Victoria Falls. Angel’s Pool offers a similar experience and is often available when Devil’s Pool is closed.
Boiling Pot hike: The Boiling Pot is a steep hike down into the gorge below the falls, where you can see the Zambezi River churning through the narrow gorge. You can also spot groups of baboons along the way.

Cons of Visiting Victoria Falls from Zambia

Fewer waterfall views: The Zambia side offers fewer viewpoints than the Zimbabwe side (and in my opinion, less impressive). If your priority is seeing as much of Victoria Falls as possible, the Zimbabwe side wins.
Seasonal dry-out: During the dry season, particularly from October through December, some sections of the waterfall can dry up almost completely, leaving exposed basalt rock. If you’re visiting during these months, I’d choose Zimbabwe for a more consistent waterfall experience.
Farther from the falls: Livingstone is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Victoria Falls entrance, so you’ll need a taxi, tour, or lodge shuttle to get to the falls.

Zambezi River rapids rushing over rocks toward the edge of Victoria Falls, with spray rising from the gorge and Victoria Falls Bridge in the distance

Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe: Pros and Cons

The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls is accessed from Victoria Falls town, a small tourist town located right next to the waterfall. This side has more viewpoints than Zambia, allowing you to take in more of the waterfall from different angles. The town is also a convenient base, with hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and the falls all within easy reach.

Pros of Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Excellent views: Around 75% of Victoria Falls is visible from the Zimbabwe side. You can see different sections of the waterfall, including some of the most dramatic areas where the Zambezi River crashes into the gorge below.
Convenient location: Victoria Falls town is a much more convenient base than Livingstone. You only have to walk 15–20 minutes from the town center to the entrance of the falls.
Batoka Gorge adrenaline activities: The Zimbabwe side gives you easy access to adrenaline-pumping activities in Batoka Gorge, including ziplining and gorge swings. These activities are a good option if you want to add some adventure beyond sightseeing at the falls.

Dat leaping off the gorge swing platform over a rocky gorge at Victoria Falls

Cons of Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

More expensive: Accommodation, food, and entrance fees are pricier on the Zimbabwe side. For example, the 2026 entrance fee to visit the falls is US$58 in Zimbabwe, compared to US$20 in Zambia.
More crowded: When I visited in August, the popular viewpoints were crowded enough that I had to wait my turn for a clear view of the falls. There were also a lot of school groups during my visit, which made some areas feel particularly congested.

Wide curtain of water pouring over the cliff at Victoria Falls, framed by green trees in the foreground

My Recommendation: Visit Both Sides of Victoria Falls

If you have at least two days, I recommend experiencing Victoria Falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides. Rather than basing yourself in one country and crossing the border multiple times, consider splitting your stay between the two. This is the route I took:

Arrive in Zambia.
Explore the Zambia side and stay one night in Livingstone.
Cross the land border into Zimbabwe.
Explore the Zimbabwe side and stay one night in Victoria Falls.
Continue your trip from Zimbabwe.

Why This Split Route Works

No unnecessary backtracking: You arrive in Livingstone, explore the Zambia side, cross the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zimbabwe, and continue your trip from there. You only have to cross the border once, which saves time and keeps the itinerary simple.
The best of both worlds: You start with Zambia’s close-up views and unique experiences, then cross into Zimbabwe to explore more viewpoints and take in the wider panorama of the falls.
The experience builds as you go: Personally, I found the falls to be more impressive from the Zimbabwe side than the Zambia side. If I had visited Zimbabwe first, I think the views from Zambia might have felt underwhelming by comparison.

Where to Stay: Livingstone vs. Victoria Falls Town

Both Livingstone and Victoria Falls town have plenty of accommodation options, but the layout and proximity to the falls are quite different. For my top picks, see Victoria Falls Places to Stay 2026: Best Hotels & Lodges.

Livingstone, Zambia

Livingstone is farther from the falls, so you’ll need to take a taxi or shuttle to reach the entrance. The city is also more spread out, so choosing the right area can make a difference.

For the easiest access to restaurants, shops, and transportation, stay in or near the town center. If you want views of the Zambezi River, stay near the waterfront.

I enjoyed staying at the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Being right by the river felt relaxing, and I loved watching the sunset over the water.

Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe

If convenience is your priority, stay in or near the center of Victoria Falls town. The town is located just a short distance from the falls, and many hotels and lodges are close enough to walk to the entrance.

Staying near the center also puts you within easy reach of restaurants, bars, tour operators, and shops. This makes Zimbabwe the better choice if you want to spend less time arranging transportation and more time exploring.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Livingstone if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation. Choose Victoria Falls town if you prioritize convenience and walkability.

How to Cross the Zambia-Zimbabwe Border

To travel between the two countries, you’ll cross the Victoria Falls Bridge. The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things that aren’t obvious when you arrive at the border.

I’ve put together a separate step-by-step guide covering where to go, what happens at immigration, and what you need to know before crossing.

Victoria Falls Zambia or Zimbabwe: The Bottom Line

There’s no universally better side of Victoria Falls. Zambia is the better choice for lower costs and fewer crowds, while Zimbabwe offers more viewpoints and a more convenient base for exploring the falls.

For me, the ideal Victoria Falls itinerary includes time on both sides. Seeing the falls from different perspectives gives you a much more complete experience.

Orange sunset over the Zambezi River with boats docked along the shore near Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Zambia or Zimbabwe: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk across the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe?

Yes, you can easily walk across the border via the Victoria Falls Bridge. The distance between the two border posts is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles). You clear immigration on one side, walk across the bridge over, and clear immigration on the other side.

What Is the KAZA UniVisa and Should I Get It?

The KAZA UniVisa is a multiple-entry tourist visa that allows eligible travelers to visit Zambia and Zimbabwe with a single visa.

If you’re planning to visit both sides of Victoria Falls, the KAZA UniVisa is generally the most straightforward option. It saves you from having to arrange separate visas for Zambia and Zimbabwe and makes crossing the border between the two countries much simpler.

The KAZA UniVisa costs US$50 USD and is valid for 30 days. However, it may not be the cheapest option for everyone, depending on your nationality and how many times you plan to cross the border. Visa requirements and availability can change, so check the latest requirements for your nationality before traveling.

How much does it cost to enter Victoria Falls on each side?

As of 2026, the national park entry fee for international visitors on the Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls National Park) is US$58. The national park entry fee on the Zambia side (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park) is US$20.

Which side of Victoria Falls has Devil’s Pool?

Zambia. It’s reached from Livingstone Island and is open from about mid-August to mid-January, depending on water level. If Devil’s Pool is closed, you can visit Angel’s Pool instead.

Which side is better in October and November?

Zimbabwe. The Eastern Cataract on the Zambia side gets very little water in low-water months, while the Zimbabwe side keeps flowing.

Can you see both sides of Victoria Falls in one day?

Yes, but it’s tight. If you want to do both sides in one day, I recommend starting in one country and leaving from the other. For example: start in Zambia, explore the Zambia side, cross over to Zimbabwe, explore the Zimbabwe side, and then leave from Zimbabwe. This way, you won’t have to backtrack.