So you're asking which is the best side of Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe or Zambia? Well, before I answer that, I’ve got a question for you: what is it you’re looking for? Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of obsessively chasing waterfalls (and ignoring TLC), it’s that Victoria Falls isn’t a one-side-fits-all experience. It’s two countries. Two perspectives. And two wildly different ways to soak up one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Victoria Falls is where gravity gets gutsy and the mist wins
The Smoke That Thunders
Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”), and when you’re standing near the edge with your clothes clinging to your skin and your hair doing strange things in the mist, the name makes perfect sense. The Falls hurl around 33,000 cubic feet of water over the edge every second, which is less “gentle cascade” and more “hydrological mic drop".
Back in 1855, Scottish explorer David Livingstone laid eyes on Victoria Falls for the first time, and promptly ran out of adjectives. His take?
“No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Whether or not the angels are still regulars, the place hasn’t lost its touch. Now: Zim or Zam? Choose wisely. Or don’t. But I've done both. You should, too.
When the best view needs rotor blades and altitude, Image Credit: Flight of the Angels
So, Where Is Victoria Falls, Exactly?
Right on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, fed by the mighty Zambezi River, and falling hard enough to make your eyeballs vibrate. At roughly 1.7 kilometres wide and over 100 metres high, Victoria Falls is one of the largest sheets of falling water on the planet. During peak flow, it hurls out up to 500 million litres per minute, which is about as subtle as it sounds.
A natural boundary line with no off switch, Image Credit: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Which Side of Victoria Falls Is Best? Quick Answer
Zimbabwe gives you the widest views, with around 75% of the Falls, year-round visibility, and easy walking access from most hotels in the town. The vibe is lively, and it pairs beautifully with classic safaris in Hwange or Mana Pools.
On the other hand, Zambia trades width for wildness, with fewer crowds and bolder perspectives. It puts you on the waterfall, with seasonal access to Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island. Livingstone town is quieter, more local, and ideal if you’re heading to South Luangwa or the Lower Zambezi for world-class walking safaris.
Want both? You should. It’s one of the few places where border-hopping makes the experience better. But let’s not pretend this is a one-paragraph decision. There’s nuance. So let’s unpack the juicy bits.
When travel advice comes with thunder in stereo, Image Credit: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe Side
This is the iconic, “thundering mist and rainbows” side of Victoria Falls. With more viewpoints, year-round water flow, and easy access from Victoria Falls Town. Zimbabwe is where you go for that postcard shot: clear views, reliable flow, no seasonal diva behaviour.
What to Expect
- 16 Viewpoints inside Victoria Falls National Park, with well-maintained footpaths through lush rainforest
- Epic views of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls
- Best side for photography – misty mornings, golden hours, and double rainbows
- The lively town of Victoria Falls has markets, bars, and brilliant restaurants
Where rainbows form and camera rolls fill up fast
Adventure? Oh Yes...
- White-water rafting on the Zambezi (not for the faint-hearted)
- Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge (111m of pure "why did I say yes to this?")
- Canopy tours, ziplining, gorge swinging, helicopter flips and microlight flights (the list goes on!)
When to Go
- For the best views, May to November (dry season, low mist = clear panoramas)
- Still good in the rainy season, December to April, but expect mist and slick footpaths
Safaris and Add-ons
- Combine with Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, or a detour to Lake Kariba
When the Zambezi decides to test your commitment, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
Victoria Falls on the Zambia Side
If the Zimbabwe side is about scale and spectacle, the Zambia side is about proximity and perspective. You’re not just looking at the Falls, you’re on the edge of them.
What to Expect
- That infamous Devil's Pool on the very edge of the Falls, open seasonally (open August to December, dry season only), and not something you stumble into by accident
- Go on a seasonal boat ride that takes you to the small Livingstone Island perched in the Falls themselves – one of the few ways to say you've quite literally stood inside a Natural Wonder
- Fewer viewpoints, more immersion. Zambia’s angles are limited, but when the water’s low, this side of Victoria puts you in the splash zone, not just admiring it from across the gorge
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby (good for a sneaky half-day game drive)
Proof that "on the edge" can be literal, Image Credit: Livingstone Island
Vibe Check
- Quieter, more romantic, a little wild around the edges
- Lodges often feel more remote – expect Zambezi riverside retreats and that “away from it all” feeling
When to Go
- Best time for Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island: August to December (low water)
- High-water months, February to May, can limit visibility and shut down access to the edge experiences
Safaris and Add-ons
- Pair with South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Park for some of Africa’s best walking safaris
This is what flirting with gravity looks like
When to Visit: Month-by-Month Breakdown
Victoria Falls is a performer that changes with the seasons – roaring into life in high water, then revealing hidden rockfaces and private pools as it retreats. Here’s how each side shapes up across the year.
Month | Zimbabwe | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
Jan – Feb | Full flood season; iconic mist, some viewpoints drenched but open | High water; Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool closed; views often obscured |
Mar – Apr | Falls at full volume; intense mist; best for sensation, not photos | Access still limited; edge experiences remain closed |
May | Water begins to recede; clearer views return | Livingstone Island may reopen mid to late May, depending on flow |
Jun – Jul | Excellent visibility; dry season begins; peak safari season is underway | Devil’s Pool still closed, but island tours may resume |
Aug | Minimal spray, crisp vistas – prime photography window. | Devil’s Pool opens (depending on flow); best combo of visibility + access |
Sep – Oct | Lowest flow exposes gorge and rock features; great birding and heli-flights | Best time for edge experiences; river is low, views are clearest |
Nov | Water begins rising; a mix of visibility and spray | Last chance for Devil’s Pool and Island tours before they close late November |
Dec | Rain returns; water levels rise quickly; greenery everywhere | Most seasonal activities closed; higher water limits access |
A wide-angle look at full-throttle majesty
FAQ: You Asked, We Answered
I’ve heard it all. From “Will I get wet?” (yes) to “Can I swim on the edge of the waterfall?” (also yes, but with a guide, nerves of steel, and excellent timing). Below are the most FAQs travellers ask before heading to Victoria Falls.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Is it better to stay in Zimbabwe or Zambia for Victoria Falls? | Zimbabwe offers wider views and year-round access. Zambia is better for Devil’s Pool and a quieter setting. If you can, do both. |
Where is the best view of Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe or Zambia? | Zimbabwe. You’ll see more of the Falls, more of the time. |
Is Devil’s Pool safe? | Yes, in season and with a licensed guide. It looks scarier than it is. |
How many days should I spend at Victoria Falls? | Two to three nights is perfect. Add an extra day or two if you’re including a safari or both countries. |
Can I cross the border easily? | Yes. With a KAZA UniVisa, it’s straightforward – ideal for staying on one side but exploring both. |
Because even the journey to the Falls turns heads
Ready to Choose Your Side (Or Both)?
Our Travel Experts can help you plan the perfect itinerary, whether you want wide-angle views, edge-of-the-earth drama, or the bragging rights of doing both sides of the story. Let’s make it happen.
Interested in Combining the Best of Zimbabwe and Zambia?
- Check out our 11-day Walk with the Elephants on Safari Adventure Tour.
