Is Victoria Falls more in Zambia or Zimbabwe?

A larger part of the falls are in Zimbabwe but to appreciate the falls fully you should visit both sides. This is very easy, especially if you stay in Zimbabwe (and not in Livingstone town in Zambia). You just walk accross, pay for the visas (Zambia day visa is 20 USD), no guide or vehicle needed.



Victoria Falls is shared almost equally by Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the majority of the viewpoints (about 75%) are located on the Zimbabwean side. The border between the two countries runs through the center of the Zambezi River and across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. In Zimbabwe, the town of Victoria Falls offers a "front-on" view of the main falls, providing the classic panoramic vistas and the most consistent year-round water flow. In Zambia, the town of Livingstone provides a "side-on" and "top-down" perspective, allowing visitors to get incredibly close to the edge, including the famous Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island during the dry season. While Zimbabwe has more viewing points within its national park, Zambia is often considered more adventurous for its close-up interaction with the water. In 2026, many tourists choose to visit both sides using a KAZA Univisa, which allows for easy border crossings. Ultimately, while both countries share the natural wonder, Zimbabwe is often the preferred choice for those seeking the most iconic "postcard" photographs of the world's largest curtain of falling water.

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The mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River The Zambezi river is the border between the two countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia, so the Victoria Falls is therefore shared by both countries. Two-thirds of the viewing of the Victoria Falls in on the Zimbabwean side, and the other third in on the Zambian side.

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Best Time of the Year: Zimbabwe vs Zambia Side At other times of the year, Zimbabwe will be more impressive than Zambia. And Zimbabwe is definitely first choice over the months of October and November, when the Zambezi is at its lowest and Zambia's Eastern Cataract sometimes dries up almost completely.

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The border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is located at the Victoria Falls Bridge border crossing, approximately 10 km south of Livingstone (15 minutes by taxi). Your hotel can arrange a taxi, and the driver will usually usher you through immigration, helping with any paperwork.

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If you are only visiting Zambia then you do not need to get a visa or the KAZA UNIVISA. If you are entering Zimbabwe multiple times during your journey it may be a less expensive option to obtain the KAZA UNIVISA.

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The closest city to Victoria Falls is, fittingly, Victoria Falls Town. Located in Zimbabwe, travellers will likely have to travel to the second-closest city, Livingstone (located in Zambia), to view the falls from the ground or to explore the surrounding rainforest.

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Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean.

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Most hotels in Victoria Falls are booked on a bed-and-breakfast basis. We would recommend a minimum stay of two nights and an ideal stay of three nights. If you want to experience everything this location has to offer and take part in various activities, you may even want to stay four nights or longer.

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Zambia is rated Level 1 for security (exercise normal precautions) and has few major security concerns. Visitors can avoid criminal activity by utilizing common sense measures provided below. Political activity, especially during national and local elections, can lead to civil unrest and low-level violence.

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In order to obtain visa on arrival, the visitor must have full information of his/her host and be in a provide physical address where he/she will be staying for the duration of their stay.

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Zambia and Zimbabwe have a visa agreement for tourists who want to visit both countries and visiting the two countries, therefore, is easy. It's called Kaza Visa costs 50 USD and allows me to travel to Zimbabwe and back to Zambia as often as desired for one month.

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Travel in major cities, as well as the major game parks is generally safe during daylight hours. However, serious crimes can and do occur. It is important to remain vigilant at all times and take sensible precautions.

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On the whole, Zambia is a safe country, and locals are generally very welcoming and friendly toward visitors. That said, it's still very poor, and there's a moderate risk of pick-pocketing and opportunistic theft in busy urban areas.

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Approximately two thirds of the Victoria Falls lies in Zimbabwe – so for the most comprehensive view of the falls Zimbabwe wins with its various viewpoints within the Victoria Falls National Park including the Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and well-named Rainbow Falls.

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It is possible to swim in the rock pools right underneath the waterfalls at certain times of the year ('low water'). This is an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth!

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