The Best Side of Victoria Falls?

So you’re asking which is the best side of Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe or Zambia? Well, before I answer that, I’ve got a question for you: what is it you’re looking for? Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of obsessively chasing waterfalls (and ignoring TLC), it’s that Victoria Falls isn’t a one-side-fits-all experience. It’s two countries. Two perspectives. And two wildly different ways to soak up one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

The Smoke That Thunders

Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”), and when you’re standing near the edge with your clothes clinging to your skin and your hair doing strange things in the mist, the name makes perfect sense. The Falls hurl around 33,000 cubic feet of water over the edge every second, which is less “gentle cascade” and more “hydrological mic drop”.

Back in 1855, Scottish explorer David Livingstone laid eyes on Victoria Falls for the first time, and promptly ran out of adjectives. His take?

“No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Whether or not the angels are still regulars, the place hasn’t lost its touch. Now: Zim or Zam? Choose wisely. Or don’t. But I’ve done both. You should, too.

So, Where Is Victoria Falls, Exactly?

Right on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, fed by the mighty Zambezi River, and falling hard enough to make your eyeballs vibrate. At roughly 1.7 kilometres wide and over 100 metres high, Victoria Falls is one of the largest sheets of falling water on the planet. During peak flow, it hurls out up to 500 million litres per minute, which is about as subtle as it sounds.

Which Side of Victoria Falls Is Best? Quick Answer 

Zimbabwe gives you the widest views, with around 75% of the Falls, year-round visibility, and easy walking access from most hotels in the town. The vibe is lively, and it pairs beautifully with classic safaris in Hwange or Mana Pools.

On the other hand, Zambia trades width for wildness, with fewer crowds and bolder perspectives. It puts you on the waterfall, with seasonal access to Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island. Livingstone town is quieter, more local, and ideal if you’re heading to South Luangwa or the Lower Zambezi for world-class walking safaris.

Want both? You should. It’s one of the few places where border-hopping makes the experience better. But let’s not pretend this is a one-paragraph decision. There’s nuance. So let’s unpack the juicy bits.

Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe Side

This is the iconic, “thundering mist and rainbows” side of Victoria Falls. With more viewpoints, year-round water flow, and easy access from Victoria Falls Town. Zimbabwe is where you go for that postcard shot: clear views, reliable flow, no seasonal diva behaviour.

What to Expect

• 16 Viewpoints inside Victoria Falls National Park, with well-maintained footpaths through lush rainforest
• Epic views of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls
• Best side for photography – misty mornings, golden hours, and double rainbows
• The lively town of Victoria Falls has markets, bars, and brilliant restaurants

Adventure? Oh Yes…

• White-water rafting on the Zambezi (not for the faint-hearted)
• Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge (111m of pure “why did I say yes to this?”)
• Canopy tours, ziplining, gorge swinging, helicopter flips and microlight flights (the list goes on!)

When to Go

• For the best views, May to November (dry season, low mist = clear panoramas)
• Still good in the rainy season, December to April, but expect mist and slick footpaths

Safaris and Add-ons

Victoria Falls on the Zambia Side

If the Zimbabwe side is about scale and spectacle, the Zambia side is about proximity and perspective. You’re not just looking at the Falls, you’re on the edge of them.

What to Expect

• That infamous Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the Falls, open seasonally (open August to December, dry season only), and not something you stumble into by accident 
• Go on a seasonal boat ride that takes you to the small Livingstone Island perched in the Falls themselves – one of the few ways to say you’ve quite literally stood inside a Natural Wonder
• Fewer viewpoints, more immersion. Zambia’s angles are limited, but when the water’s low, this side of Victoria puts you in the splash zone, not just admiring it from across the gorge
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby (good for a sneaky half-day game drive)

Vibe Check

• Quieter, more romantic, a little wild around the edges
• Lodges often feel more remote – expect Zambezi riverside retreats and that “away from it all” feeling

When to Go

• Best time for Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island: August to December (low water)
• High-water months, February to May, can limit visibility and shut down access to the edge experiences

Safaris and Add-ons

When to Visit: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Victoria Falls is a performer that changes with the seasons – roaring into life in high water, then revealing hidden rockfaces and private pools as it retreats. Here’s how each side shapes up across the year.

FAQ: You Asked, We Answered

I’ve heard it all. From “Will I get wet?” (yes) to “Can I swim on the edge of the waterfall?” (also yes, but with a guide, nerves of steel, and excellent timing). Below are the most FAQs travellers ask before heading to Victoria Falls.

Ready to Choose Your Side (Or Both)?

Our Travel Experts can help you plan the perfect itinerary, whether you want wide-angle views, edge-of-the-earth drama, or the bragging rights of doing both sides of the story. Let’s make it happen.

Interested in Combining the Best of Zimbabwe and Zambia?