Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe vs. Zambia

Victoria Falls is the largest and arguably the most impressive waterfall in the world. Witnessing this thundering marvel of nature up close is nothing short of spectacular! However, there are many more reasons to visit the Falls than just viewing the stunning cascade.

After feeling the refreshing spray of “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, visitors can engage in a range of pleasurable and thrilling activities and embark on adventurous safaris. In addition, there are numerous places of accommodation located near to Victoria Falls that offer breathtaking views and luxury amenities.

Bottom line, Victoria Falls is a fantastic holiday destination. The only question remaining is which side of the Zambezi River you will stay on. “The Smoke that Thunders” is bordered by two countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each side offers its own advantages.

Which country is best for Victoria Falls?

Here’s a look at what each side offers to help you make that decision…

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe vs. Zambia

Victoria Falls  Tours & Activities

Victoria Falls is the largest and arguably the most impressive waterfall in the world. Witnessing this thundering marvel of nature up close is nothing short of spectacular! However, there are many more reasons to visit the Falls than just viewing the stunning cascade.

After feeling the refreshing spray of “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, visitors can engage in a range of pleasurable and thrilling activities and embark on adventurous safaris. In addition, there are numerous places of accommodation located near to Victoria Falls that offer breathtaking views and luxury amenities.

Bottom line, Victoria Falls is a fantastic holiday destination. The only question remaining is which side of the Zambezi River you will stay on. “The Smoke that Thunders” is bordered by two countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each side offers its own advantages. Which one is best for you?

Here’s a look at what each side offers to help you make that decision…

Hotels & Accommodation

When it comes to Victoria Falls accommodation in Zimbabwe and Zambia, there are myriad alternatives. Both countries offer places to stay that cater to most budgets, tastes and expectations. They’ve got it all – upmarket luxury hotels, affordable safari lodges, budget backpacker hostels, etc.

If you’re planning to stay on the Zimbabwean side and don’t mind splurging for your trip, luxury accommodations like The Victoria Falls Hotel and The Stanley and Livingstone are excellent five-star options. There are less costly hotels and lodges, though, that also offer top comforts, service and hospitality, such as Elephant Hills Hotel and Azambezi River Lodge. The N1 Hotel and the Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge are great for those on a budget.

Popular places of accommodation in Zambia include The Royal Livingstone Hotel, Avani Victoria Falls Resort and Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge. There are also lodges such as the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa and Tongabezi. Only Avani and Royal Livingstone are within walking distance of Victoria Falls, however. Livingstone Backpackers and Zinga Backpackers are good choices for young travellers with little money to spend.

From a quality perspective, accommodations in Zimbabwe and Zambia are very much alike, but staying in Zambia is typically more expensive.

Safaris

Up for a wildlife safari adventure? Victoria Falls will not disappoint, and there’s a lot to see on both sides of the border.

In Zimbabwe, visitors can experience night-time game drives, go on elephant-back safaris and walk side by side with lions in Victoria Falls National Park and other private game reserves nearby. There’s also Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve, which offers the opportunity to enjoy a personal interaction with painted (wild) dogs and spot an astonishing array of African wildlife on foot and in open-back safari vehicles.

Zimbabwean Victoria Falls tours are often combined with a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. This park is about an hour’s drive away (Botswana shares a border with Zimbabwe and Zambia) and excels in both location and its animal experiences.

Safariing in Zambia offers similar experiences to Zimbabwe – lion walks, elephant-back rides and big game drives that offer plenty of raw beauty and adventure. Visitors who book the Mukuni Big 5 Safaris experience can get up close with cheetahs and caracals. Zambia’s national parks and private game reserves are a little further away, though. Also, the animals are less accustomed to people and cars, although many tourists appreciate the ‘wilder’ environment.

Zimbabwe vs. Zambia – Tips & Considerations

While both Zimbabwe and Zambia offer incredible Victoria Falls experiences, the activities and hotels in Zim are closer to the Falls. This means that you will incur fewer costs on transfers if you stay on the Zimbabwean side. You can walk to many activities. Often, transfer fees are included in activity prices.

For holidaymakers planning on travelling between Zimbabwe and Zambia, getting a KAZA UniVisa can save time and money. Whereas one would normally have to apply for separate Visas to enter each country, with a KAZA UniVisa travellers only need to obtain a single Visa to do the same. It is valid for 30 days and allows for hassle-free crossing into Zimbabwe and Zambia within that period. Travellers can also visit Botswana for day trips.

Ready to experience the splendour of Victoria Falls? Tamuka Travel specialises in Victoria Falls tours. Browse our website to learn more or book one of our Victoria Falls Tours or Activities today. Alternatively, you can contact us here for more information.