Victoria Falls: Zambia vs Zimbabwe

Zambia vs Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls stands as an awe-inspiring natural wonder formed by the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its grandeur surpasses that of Niagara Falls, boasting twice the height and more than double the width. Cascading over a 108m/354ft cliff, the falls span an impressive 1.7km/1.06mi from east to west. The local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the ‘Smoke That Thunders,’ aptly captures its deafening and captivating essence. Its powerful rush creates a spectacular display, hurling a misty plume up to 500m/1,640ft into the air, adorned with vibrant rainbows.

Acknowledged among the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Victoria Falls promises an unforgettable addition to any southern African safari. For prospective visitors, the quandary often centers not on whether to visit, but rather on choosing between the two access points: Zambia or Zimbabwe. Each option boasts unique advantages and drawbacks, deserving careful consideration.

Zambia offers a closer, more immersive experience with the falls. The majority of viewpoints are located here, allowing visitors to appreciate the falls’ raw splendor up close. However, during the dry season, the water flow diminishes substantially on the Zambian side, impacting the spectacle’s grandeur.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe provides a more panoramic view, presenting a broader perspective of the falls. The famous “Devil’s Pool” and “Knife-edge Bridge” are accessible from this side, offering thrilling and iconic vantage points. Additionally, the Zimbabwean side tends to maintain a more consistent water flow throughout the year, ensuring a captivating display regardless of the season.

Ultimately, the choice between Zambia and Zimbabwe as the gateway to Victoria Falls hinges on personal preferences. Both offer remarkable experiences, with Zambia providing proximity and Zimbabwe offering expansive vistas. Visitors must consider their priorities and the desired perspective of this natural marvel when making this captivating travel decision.

Best Views: Zimbabwe vs Zambia Side

Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park offers the most iconic and picturesque frontal view of the falls, accessible via a short footpath winding through a rainforest sustained by the perennial spray. This path leads to various viewpoints showcasing the Main Falls and Devil’s Cataract, presenting these majestic spectacles in their most stunning form.

However, Zambia boasts its own remarkable viewpoints with a distinct charm. Particularly when the water levels surge, Zambia’s Knife Edge Bridge offers an unparalleled experience, immersing visitors in the midst of the thundering cascade of the Eastern Cataract. Additionally, Zambia serves as the starting point for the exclusive pathway leading to the Boiling Pot—an intense swirl of frothy waters situated directly beneath the falls, marking the beginning of the Batoka Gorge.

Regardless of which side of the falls visitors choose to explore, allocating at least half a day to visit the opposite side is well worth it. Not only does this offer a different perspective, but it also allows for a cross-border experience via the Victoria Falls Bridge, the sole direct point of entry between the two countries. This vantage point itself boasts a breathtaking panorama that stands as a marvel to behold.

In essence, both Zimbabwe and Zambia provide unique and captivating views of Victoria Falls, each offering its own distinct highlights and perspectives. Taking the time to explore both sides ensures a comprehensive appreciation of this natural wonder from various angles and viewpoints.

Best Time of the Year: Zimbabwe vs Zambia Side

The period from April to September marks the peak of the Zambezi River’s water levels, rendering Victoria Falls at its most breathtaking with an impressive display of spray and sheer magnificence. This timeframe presents an opportune moment to experience the falls from either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side. Conversely, during other parts of the year, Zimbabwe typically offers a more spectacular view compared to Zambia. Specifically, from October to November when the Zambezi River dwindles to its lowest levels, Zambia’s Eastern Cataract may significantly diminish, sometimes drying up almost entirely.

Various seasonal considerations affect the ideal time to visit Victoria Falls. For enthusiasts of rafting and canoeing, optimal river conditions prevail between August and January. If your primary focus in Southern Africa is safari-related, the prime wildlife viewing period generally spans from May to September or October. Bird-watchers, on the other hand, will find November to April particularly rewarding, as this period sees the presence of migratory species and resident birds adorned in vibrant breeding plumage.

While these seasonal factors might not directly impact the decision between visiting Zimbabwe or Zambia, they play a pivotal role in determining the timing of your visit. Ultimately, this timing may indirectly influence your choice of country to explore the falls, aligning with your preferred activities and wildlife experiences during your Southern African adventure.

Things to do: Zimbabwe vs Zambia Side

Victoria Falls isn’t solely about witnessing the majestic waterfall; it’s also an adventure haven. The towns acting as gateways – Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls township in Zimbabwe – stand as vibrant hubs for adrenaline-pumping experiences in Southern Africa. These destinations offer an array of thrilling activities, such as navigating the Zambezi River upstream, evading hippos on canoe trips, tackling the river’s white-water rafting adventure in Batoka Gorge, and embracing the exhilaration of bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge. Accessibility to these activities remains relatively consistent whether you opt to stay in Zimbabwe or Zambia.

However, Zambia exclusively hosts a highly sought-after activity: swimming in Devil’s Pool. This natural pool sits precariously at the edge of the falls, separated from the cascading water by a narrow rock lip, providing an unparalleled and daring experience available only on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.