Victoria Falls - A Tale of Two Perspectives

Victoria Falls stands proudly as one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and as the largest falling curtain of water in the world, it’s not hard to see why. 

Originally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“smoke that thunders”), the mighty 1.7km wide and 108m tall waterfall straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offering two distinct perspectives to all that visit. 

The question really isn’t if you should go, but which gateway country you should choose for the experience. 

So let us help you with some important considerations:

Views Views Views

Zimbabwe: 

For unparalleled panoramic views, the Zimbabwe side truly shines. 

Sustained by year-round spray, a popular rainforest footpath connects a series of 19 viewpoints, offering the most famous and photogenic sightings of the Falls. 

Iconic viewpoints such as the Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls allow you to marvel at the sheer scale and beauty from afar. 

You’ll also be spoiled with rainbow viewings (especially in the early morning), painting a kaleidoscope of colours in the sky. 

Zambia: 

For a close-up, immersive experience, the Zambian side is unmatched. 

With untamed and intimate views, the raw power of the Falls is within arm’s reach. 

Don’t miss the Knife-Edge Bridge to view the Eastern Cataract or the trail down to the ‘Boiling Pot’ - a must-see cauldron of white water set immediately below the falls at the head of the Batoka Gorge. 

Rainbows are also within sight, although perhaps not as many as on the Zimbabwe side.

Activities Galore

Zimbabwe: 

Adrenaline, adventure and action are all at your fingertips. 

Highlights include bungee jumping from Victoria Falls bridge, ziplining, white-water rafting, and sunset cruising to see the Zambezi in the most majestic light. 

But our favourite way to appreciate the true splendour of the Falls is from the air - take a microlight or scenic helicopter ride for the birds-eye views that you’ll never forget.

Zambia: 

The Zambian side offers all of the same adventurous activities as the Zimbabwe side. 

However, the popular activity that’s exclusive to the Zambian side is the 'Devil’s Pool'. 

Available in the dry season, this adrenaline-fuelled adventure invites thrill-seekers to take a dip in the naturally formed pool right at the precipice of the Falls. 

With a 108m vertical drop mere centimetres from you, it doesn’t get much more exhilarating! 

For the best chance to see rainbows, try to book the morning slot for the experience.

Costs and Access

Zimbabwe: 

Entry to the Falls is from the Victoria Falls National Park, and if you’re staying in the popular Victoria Falls town, it’s convenient and easy to reach by a short walk at no extra cost. 

To access the park, it will set you back USD 50 (international visitors). The town caters mainly for tourists, with some great cafes and markets to browse for handicraft gifts.

Zambia: 

Entry to the Falls is from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about a 10km drive from the closest town: Livingstone. 

Access will cost international visitors only USD 20, excluding a transfer. 

Whilst Livingstone Town may be slightly further away, the drive is easy and it feels much less ‘touristy’ than Victoria Falls Town, which is why we often recommend staying there. 

Livingstone (and the surrounding area) has plenty of amazing museums, markets, cafes, activities, and of course, some great lodges to pair perfectly with a Victoria Falls experience!

Time of the Year  

The Zambezi’s annual flood season is between February and May, so you can expect:

• Peak water flow in March (with an average of 500 million litres of water per minute!)

• High to medium water flow in January - February and June - August 

• Lowest flow rate in November (with an average of 10 million litres of water per minute)

Zimbabwe: 

With 75% of the Falls within its park, you’re almost guaranteed to see the water flowing from this side, no matter which season you visit.

Zambia: 

If Devil’s Pool is top of your bucket list, wait until the water levels are lower and safer, as this activity closes during the peak flow period. 

Both Sides: 

If rafting is high on your priority list, river conditions are best during high to medium water flow months. 

If you are adding Victoria Falls onto a safari trip (which we would highly recommend!), wildlife viewing in Southern Africa tends to be best from May - October. 

If bird-watching is your niche, avian activity peaks from November to April, when migrants are present and most resident species adopt a colourful breeding plumage. 

So Which Side Should You Choose?

As David Livingstone said, Victoria Falls offers up “scenes so lovely, it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”, so we would highly recommend visiting both sides to have the full experience. 

However, if you are limited on time then the choice ultimately depends on your viewing and activity preferences, and the time of the year you’re visiting.

Ready to plan your next unforgettable trip?