A guide to victoria falls in zambia and zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is considered the largest waterfall on Earth based on its lengthy curtain of water that provides a habitat for various species of plants and animals.

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It’s truly one of those typical UNESCO World Heritage sites that you can’t truly appreciate what all the hype is about until you experience it for yourself– and then you won’t be able to shut up about it.

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I’m a firm believer that the best waterfalls should be experienced and not just viewed from afar, and Victoria Falls has certainly got you covered there.

A quick google search on Victoria Falls will probably leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure whether Zambia or Zimbabwe offers the best views and activities.

The bottom line is that there are several ways to “experience” the falls and surrounding areas, but I recommend you try the best of both sides. It’s pretty simple logistically to include both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side of the falls in just a few days, but I would recommend adding a few extra days for a visit to Chobe National Park in Botswana (discussed more below).

Getting to Victoria Falls

Fly into Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) and then walk across the bridge to cross the border on the other side.

Depending on where you are coming from, it may also be cheaper to fly into Lusaka (Zambia) and then take a bus to Livingstone and the Falls. This is what I did. However, this option is only for those who are truly ready to rough it on the bus ride.

If you are feeling extra adventurous and have more time to spare, there is also an overnight train that takes you from Tanzania to Zambia (however a several-hour bus ride would still be required from the train stop to Livingstone).

Visas

U.S. citizens can get visas on arrival at airports in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. There are also immigration offices near the entrance to the falls so you can purchase a visa to whichever country you didn’t fly into.

There is a $50 KAZA Uni-Visa which allows you to cross the border from Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you’d like for 30 days. It also grants day passes for Botswana and Chobe. For more information on the KAZA Uni-Visa, click here.

Please note that visa prices and requirements vary for other nationalities, and visas are always subject to change. So I would advise checking on the Zimbabwe and Zambia websites to confirm before your trip.

How to experience Victoria Falls on the Zambian side

Fly over the falls in a Microlight

Feel the wind on your face in a Microlight over the falls with Batoka Sky. There’s not much in this world that can compare to the 360 birds-eye views as you glide back and forth over Zambia and Zimbabwe soaking in the mist of the falls and the traditional African animals bathing in the Zambezi River. You can book online or through your hostel.

Flights start at $179 USD/person for a 15-minute ride, but it is extremely worth it (in my opinion) since it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Batoka Sky also offers helicopter rides starting at $189, but in my opinion, the experience in the microlight is much more unique and exhilarating.

Microflight over Victoria Falls

Swim in the Angel’s or Devil’s Pool

The Angel’s and Devil’s Pools are a short boat ride down the Zambezi river from the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Each “pool” is open seasonally, but don’t fret, when one is closed the other one is open. So you never have to miss out on the epic opportunity to swim on the edge of Victoria Falls!

Girl Sitting In Angel's Pool Above Victoria Falls

Accommodation in Livingstone, Zambia

Stay at the JollyBoys Backpackers where you are sure to make friends lounging by the pool.

I always book my hostels through HostelWorld.

How to experience Victoria Falls On the Zimbabwe side

View of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Walk around Victoria Falls Park

Entering the Victoria Falls Park on the Zimbabwe side is well worth it, even if you already visited the park on the Zambian side!

Make sure you hit all the viewpoints (especially the first 2, which can be easily missed because they are on your left when you enter the park and everything else is on the right)!

Accommodation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Stay in the Victoria Falls Backpackers voted the best hostel by Hostelworld 3 years in a row, and given 2 thumbs up by me!

The hostel is eclectically decorated with a life-size chess set, fountains, hammocks and other appealing relaxation areas in addition to a quaint cafe and on-staff masseuse (in case you need a massage). It is the perfect retreat if you need a little break from the more party-oriented hostels.

Go on safari in Chobe National Park

Finally, if you’re already planning a trip to this region, I highly recommend going on a safari in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. You can easily organize a Chobe safari through your hostel in Zimbabwe. They can arrange the transportation and other border crossing logistics so you can focus on enjoying the whole viewing lions, zebras, and leopards in their natural habitat thing.

I did a 2 Day/1 Night Chobe National Park safari in Botswana, which I recommend, but if you don’t have time, a one-day safari would still be worth it.

Please note that you’ll most likely need a separate Botswana visa if you go for an overnight trip and these can typically be purchased at the border crossing.

If you’re planning a big trip around the African continent, I’d highly recommend the guide book below.

Logistical Tips for Booking Your Trip
Booking Flights
I typically use Skyscanner to book my flights because it allows you to search through websites and airlines worldwide all in one convenient search engine. You can also get price alerts for flights you’re interested in.
Booking Accommodation
I always book my hostels through Hostelworld. If I’m not staying in a hostel, then I often book an AirBnB.
Using a VPN for Online Bookings
I also use a VPN (a powerful virtual tool that provides you with a private, anonymous, and secure internet connection) when searching for flights, accommodation, and rental cars. Since websites track your online activity and location, then use these factors to make the rates you are given dramatically higher than their true value, a VPN ensures that you get the best rates, by eliminating artificially high prices based on your country and internet search history. I recommend an affordable VPN like Surfshark to make sure you are getting the best travel deals online!
Travel Insurance
I always travel with insurance, because I know all too well how many things can go wrong while traveling (and sometimes even beforehand). Travel insurance can protect you against certain cancellations, theft, lost luggage, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and more. I use and highly recommend InsureMyTrip to find, compare and buy the plan that makes the most sense for each trip.
Other Travel Resources
Check out my Travel Resources Page to see the best companies, apps, jobs and other resources I use when traveling on a tight budget.

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About Author

Anna is an optimist with pessimistic tendencies who enjoys making a short story long, listening to soundtracks from musicals, and watching anything in the post-apocalyptic sci-fi genre. These days you can catch her learning about off-grid living and gardening the hard way, wandering with her partner and dogs through forest roads in a camper, or hiking to waterfalls or glacial lakes. You can also find her on YouTube at Anna and Ryan.

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