In recent years, Zambia has entrenched itself as one of the safest and most stable countries in sub-Saharan Africa, whereas Zimbabwe has become synonymous with tyrannical rule and economic mismanagement. Despite this, both sides of Victoria Falls are popular with tourists and as safe to visit as anywhere in the region.

In 2026, Zambia is generally considered the safer of the two for international tourists. It consistently ranks higher on the Global Peace Index and has a long history of political stability and peaceful transitions of power. Crime rates in Zambia, particularly in safari hubs like South Luangwa, are low, though petty theft exists in cities like Lusaka. Zimbabwe is also widely considered safe for tourists, especially in well-policed areas like Victoria Falls, but it has historically dealt with more economic volatility and political tension which can lead to spontaneous protests or infrastructure issues. Most travelers in 2026 find the local people in both countries to be exceptionally welcoming. For a "hassle-free" experience, Zambia is the top recommendation, but Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure is often more developed around the Falls. In both countries, the primary safety concerns are usually health-related (malaria) or wildlife-related rather than violent crime.