Which Side of Victoria Falls is Better: Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Here’s a hefty dose of honesty. While Zimbabwe struggled under political and economical turmoil we all tried to tell you Zambia was just as good as Zimbabwe when viewing the Victoria Falls. In truth there is no comparison. Zimbabwe is better by a long way.

Don’t be misled by that statement though: the Zambian side is truly spectacular in the high water season with great close-ups, interesting angles, the footbridge and knife-edge, Rainbow Falls and a chance to swim above the falls in Devils Pools.

But for all that, the Zimbabwean side trumps the Zambian side of Victoria Falls all year round. Look at our map of Victoria Falls and you will see about two thirds of the Victoria Falls frontage is on the Zimbabwean side. On top of that most of the water plunges down this two thirds with the Main Falls and Devils Cataract being the deepest channels in the Zambezi River.

And with so much frontage on the Zimbabwean side, the views are that much more picturesque and the rain forest opposite is dense from the constant spray. Indeed most of the pictures you see of Vic Falls are taken from the Zimbabwean side.

Finally, the town of Victoria Falls and many of the hotels on the Zimbabwean side are a short walk from the entrance to the falls. On the Zambian side, the Zambezi Sun and the Royal Livingstone are about as close as you can to the Falls without actually being in the water. But the rest of the lodges and hotels are a long way upstream and, though they offer shuttle buses, are all too far to walk.

So for convenience and the best views, we recommend staying on the Zimbabwean side. If you’re concerned about safety - though there is no reason to be - you can just as easily stay on the Zambian side and day-pass through to the Zimbabwean side. Of course, you must then have a look from the Zambian side for some great angles, close-up shots and interesting perspectives.

One important consideration is the time of year. The dry months from about October to December leave the Zambian side of Victoria Falls completely dry while the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls reduces to a relatively demure and picturesque cascade.

But don’t just take our word for it. Search your travel forums and see what other travellers who have been there make of the debate. Chances are you’ll find die-hards for both sides and end up back at square one.

So here is our super-hot tip of the century when deciding which side of Victoria Falls is more picturesque:

Look at as many pictures of Victoria Falls as you can. In most cases, if the water is to the left of the picture and land to the right, you’re looking at Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe. The reverse is true of Zambia: water on the right, land to the left.

If the quality and value of your accommodation is a consideration we believe both sides offer equal numbers of luxury and affordable options and the same activities are available. Both sides of Victoria Falls are easily incorporated into your itinerary whether you are coming from South Africa South Africa
South Africa is a world in one country: snow-topped mountains, dusty deserts, modern cities, beautiful beaches and of course world-class game reserves.
More... , Botswana Botswana
Botswana is all about wildlife safaris. From the Okavango Delta to Chobe River the action never stops.
More... or one of the other regional destinations such as Namibia Namibia
Namibia is a unique and fascinating country. Attractions range from prime wildlife safaris to fascinating desert landscapes and a whole lot of unpopulated places between.
More... , Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
Mountains, wildlife, rivers, lakes and ancient ruins. Zimbabwe is your all-in-one African safari destination.
More... or Zambia Zambia
Zambia is the wild heart of southern Africa and the ultimate away-from-it-all safari destination.
More... .

Our final recommendation is always: it doesn’t really matter what side you choose to stay just make sure you visit the falls from both sides and, mandatory in our opinion, from the air with the amazing, incredible, mind-bogglingly beautiful Flight of Angels.

The best time of year to visit Victoria Falls is between May and September. However a lot depends on the rest of your holiday. Are you coming to Africa on a safari? A beach and bush honeymoon? A friend’s wedding? To see the dunes in Sossusvlei or go white water rafting on the Zambezi? These and many other factors will affect your travel plans so we’ve prepared a handy graph of Victoria Falls water levels to help you make your Africa holiday plans.

Do you want visit Victoria Falls? We arrange all accommodation, transfers, activities and your full holiday itinerary along with add-on safaris, beach holidays and more. Whatever you want to do, we can arrange it for you at the most competitive rates and reliable travel advice. Contact us right now for a free quote.