Should I go to Zambia or Zimbabwe?

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.



Choosing between Zambia and Zimbabwe for a safari or a visit to Victoria Falls depends on whether you prefer panoramic views or immersive adventures. Zimbabwe is widely considered the best side for photography, as it contains about 75% of the waterfall's frontage and offers 16 different viewpoints for sweeping, iconic vistas of the "Main Falls." It also has a more developed tourism infrastructure in the town of Victoria Falls, with legendary hotels and easy access to Zambezi National Park. Zambia, on the other hand, is the "adventure-seeker's" choice; it offers the famous "Knife-Edge Bridge" for a drenching close-up experience and is the only side where you can swim in the "Devil’s Pool" at the very edge of the falls during the dry season. Zambia's town of Livingstone provides a more authentic, laid-back African feel and is the gateway to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which is excellent for walking safaris and seeing white rhinos. Many travelers in 2026 choose to get a KAZA Univisa, which allows for easy border crossing so they can experience the panoramic grandeur of Zimbabwe and the thrilling intimacy of the Zambian side in a single trip.

People Also Ask

For that iconic and classic view of the Main Falls, your destination should be Zimbabwe. Zambia provides a more untamed and adventurous experience. Here, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park provides a more affordable entrance fee of US$ 20 per person and brings you astonishingly close to the rushing waters.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls has 75% more viewing points, and gives an overall better perspective of the falls. In all seasons it is a great view, but if you are travelling at the end of Dry season then the Zimbabwean side is the side to pick since Zambia's views are particularly minimal.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

To make the most of your time here, you will want to visit for at least two days. Even if your time is limited, you can make your trip to the falls an exciting memory that will last a lifetime. To enjoy Victoria Falls to the fullest, plan for three or four days.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The natural landscapes of Victoria Falls make the city worth listing on your destination list. The Victoria Falls is one of the grandest waterfalls in the world, pouring from the heart of the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River is ranked the fourth largest river in the African continent, spanning 2700 km.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

While there are some areas that may be unsafe for women to travel alone, overall the country is generally safe for female travelers. It's important to do your research before traveling and take necessary precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night or in isolated areas.

MORE DETAILS

Zambia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions If you decide to travel to Zambia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the U.S. Embassy in Zambia on Facebook and Twitter.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS