One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, attracts people from all over the world to behold this natural wonder. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, these falls give a visitor an extraordinary chance to behold the power of the natural world. As for the travelers’ relevance: Who has a better side, Zambia or Zimbabwe, when it comes to Victoria Falls? Before making a final conclusion on which side is better for each visitor, there are several factors that one must take into consideration when choosing the side best fitted for their personality.
In this article, Exodus Safaris will analyze the Victoria Falls Zambia vs Zimbabwe, which side is better by focusing on such aspects as key attractions and activities, accessibility, accommodation, and general experience on both sides of the waterfall. Discover the best side of Victoria Falls with our detailed comparison of Zambia vs Zimbabwe. Explore unique views, thrilling activities, accommodation options, and more to decide which side offers the ultimate experience
Location and Overview of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls lies on the Zambezi River and is shared between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is commonly referred to as “The Smoke that Thunders”. The falls measure about 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) in width and have a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and plunge down the Batoka Gorge. They are one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world and are also listed as a UNESCO World heritage site. Every year millions of people visit the falls for remarkable view, adventure activities or to experience the cultural relation with nature.
Given that they are shared by two countries then there are two approaches to visit Victoria Falls which include; the Zimbabwean side which is known as Victoria Falls town and the Zambia side referred to as Livingstone. Both sides have their own peculiarities, so let us consider the opportunities provided by each country in detail.
Zambia vs Zimbabwe: which side of the Victoria Falls is better?
Choosing the best view of the falls, Victoria Falls Zambia Vs Zimbabwe entirely depends on the specifications that one is interested in. Both countries provide great views but the experience is very unique from the other.
This table provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of which side of the Victoria Falls is better? Zambia vs Zimbabwe
| Category | Zimbabwe Side | Zambia Side |
|---|---|---|
| Best View of Victoria Falls | The Most Iconic View: The side of Zimbabwe is frequently discussed as the most conventional outlook of the Victoria Falls. On the Zimbabwean side of the falls visitors can get much wider view of the places because of the long stretched flat rocks for viewing the far end of the falls from close. The views from the Zimbabwean side are panoramic, allowing for vistas across the full 1,1770-feet-long expanse of the waterfall. This platform is precisely situated for visitors to take photographs with the Victoria Falls and the Rainforest in full view. The entire path is very scenic and the many vantage points make it easy to get a good photo. Especially during the rainy season when the flow of water is at its greatest, the Zimbabwean side affords a spectacular view of the falls. Nonetheless, there is a lot of mist and spray around the falls during this period, which may hinder your view, and visitors may have to take their chances of getting wet. The other advantage of going on the Zimbabwe side in the dry season is that you are able to have better view and take better photographs because the water will be relatively few. | Close-Up Views and the Devil’s Pool: The Zambian side, although less expansive in terms of views, offers visitors a more intimate experience with the falls. Herd breakdown of experience The Zambian perspective is more centered at the main flow of the falls that is it is relatively easy to get closer to the falls. The Zambian side has the Livingstone Island where tourists can stand on the edge of the falls with the Devil’s Pool experience. The Devil’s Pool refers to the natural pool on the rock at the precipice of the falls. Tourists can swim in the pool, especially during the dry season, when there is little water in the pool and it is possible to get into the pool. This gives an adrenaline rush as one can do a closer view of the falls with only a small rock wall separating him/her from the falls. Although the Zambia side is much more tailored for tourists, the Zimbabwe side does not offer amazing view as on top of the hanging bridge. Still, having a chance to take a walk along the border of those falls and experiencing the Devil’s pool is an amazing option for those tourists who are eager to get extra adrenalin shot and feel the atmosphere of the Zambian falls. |
| Unique Features of the View | Offers views from flat rocks, panoramic vistas, and opportunities to capture full views of the waterfall. | Closer view to the falls, Livingstone Island, and the Devil’s Pool experience. |
| Activities | Victoria Falls is a famous tourist destination in Zimbabwe with several activities for tourists to indulge in. Some of the activities that receive a lot of attention on the Zimbabwean side include: Game Viewing in Zambezi National Park: This park is situated in the nearby area of the falls and is regarded as one of the best places to witness wildlife. Tourists can use cars to take a game drive to view the elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes and other wild animals of Africa. Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi River: Take a boat cruise on the Zambezi River for great view of the sun over the falls and the surrounding area. Other adventure activities include: Bungee Jumping, this is done off the Victoria Falls Bridge and Zip lining across the gorge. These are adventurous activities that take place astride the border line of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is one of the most popular activities on the Zimbabwe side and allows tourists to get a ‘birds-eye view’ of Victoria Falls and other interesting places in the area. The Zimbabwean side of the deal provides not only for the adrenaline junkies but also for those interested in visiting the craft markets or having a restaurant dinner. | On the Zambian side there are also many attractions to see and do, however, it is considered by some as slightly less touristy and more adventurous. Devil’s Pool: This is another of the most famous feature in the Zambian side of the Victoria falls apart from the Mosi- Oa-Tunya ridge. One of the most amazing features of the park that attracts several visitors is that you can swim on the edge of the waterfalls. Livingstone Island: Livingstone Island is situated at the top of the falls and it has been proved to be a perfect destination to visit as visitors are allowed to swim in the Devil’s Pool. White-Water Rafting: The breathtaking experience of white-water rafting takes place on the Zambezi River below the falls. Batoka Gorge is home of some of the best rapids for an adventurous rafting experience. Quad Biking: Another exciting activity that one can engage in while in Zambia is quad biking, whereby, like in car racing, one is able to tour the surrounding terrain in a unique manner. While Zambia is more oriented towards more private adventures and adrenalin rush, Zimbabwe offers those who want to have more attractions and options for tourists. |
| Adventurous Options | Bungee Jumping, Zip Lining, Game Viewing, and Sunset Cruises. | Devil’s Pool swimming, White-Water Rafting, Quad Biking. |
| Tourism Infrastructure | More established with good roads, multiple accommodations, and a range of activities. | Less touristy, but more focused on private, adventurous experiences. |
| Notable Accommodation | – Victoria Falls Hotel – The Kingdom at Victoria Falls – Ilala Lodge | – Tongabezi Lodge – The Royal Livingstone Hotel – Environmental-friendly lodges |
| Town and Accessibility | Well-connected with major roads and a good number of accommodations in Victoria Falls town. | Livingstone is quieter and smaller but offers a more secluded experience. |
| Seasonal Considerations | During the rainy season, mist and spray may limit visibility, but during the dry season, the views are clearer. | Best during the dry season for activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool. |
| Suitability for Safari Adventure | Best for conventional viewpoints, wildlife experiences, and easy access to various activities. | Best for those seeking thrilling, personal experiences and adventurous activities. |
| Overall Experience | More variety and infrastructure for a full range of activities. | More personalized, with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping experiences like the Devil’s Pool. |
Victoria Falls Zambia or Victoria Falls Zimbabwe: Which Side is More Suitable for Your Safari Adventure?
Deciding on whether to watch Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe solely depends on the kind of safari you prefer. For the conventional viewpoints of the falls, easy accessibility and variety of activities, the Zimbabwean side should suit your kind. The good infrastructure and several other wildlife experiences makes it a good option for those who want it all.
However, if the goal is a more thrilling and personal experience, which includes tours to the falls and other extraordinary things like the Devil’s pool, Zambian side provides a more personalized and tourist tracer experience.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, who is right when it comes to Victoria Falls Zambia vs Zimbabwe which side is better depends on one’s whims. The rewarding side boasts magnificent views, numerous activities, and marvelous experiences, while the challenging side promises the same plus some more thrilling experiences. To some degree this is echoed in that the Zim side is generally regarded as the larger and more developed option in terms of tourism with Zambia presenting a more intimate, adventurous, and exclusive offering. If you decide to go on the Zambian side or the Zimbabwean side, seeing Victoria Falls is one of those things that will make your jaw drop and stay open in wonder.
