By africansafarisltd, December 2, 2018 Posted in: Travel Advice and Tips

A visit to the mighty Victoria Falls is a must-do when visiting Southern Africa. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  At 1,708 metres wide, these falls have been promoted by the Seven Natural Wonders Organization as the greatest falling curtain of water on this planet, making it one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World”.

We are often asked the question “What is the difference between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia; and which side is better?  There is no definite answer to this question as both sides have their advantages. It all depends on the time of year, your budget and your interests.  Whether you stay on the Zambia or Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls we recommend you see both sides of the falls.  This is now much easier with the introduction of the KAZA Univisa; that includes Zambia, Zimbabwe and day trips to Chobe National Park (in Botswana). The KAZA Univisa costs US$ 50 per person.

WHY CHOOSE VICTORIA FALLS ON THE ZIMBABWE SIDE?

  • The views of Victoria Falls are much better on the Zimbabwe where the water flows year-round.  On the Zambian side, the falls mostly dry up around October/November.
  • On the Zimbabwe side, you are also able to see more of the total length of the Falls and there are more viewpoints, including the Main Falls.
  • The National Park around the Falls is more visitor-friendly and informative than Livingstone
  • Some activities and attractions are only available on the Zimbabwe side such as the Treetop Canopy Tour and the Lookout Café
  • Victoria Falls Town is within walking distance of the falls, and has better options for shopping and eating out.  Whereas Livingstone is further from the falls and so you will need transport to get to/from the falls.
  • You can fly directly to Victoria Falls from Nairobi, Kenya and from Cape Town, South Africa.
  • There is a great choice of accommodation close to the falls.

WHY CHOOSE LIVINGSTONE ON THE ZAMBIAN SIDE?

  • In April and May, when the Zambezi River full it is often the more popular side to view the Victoria Falls. You can get much closer to the Falls when you feel your way over the drenching crossing of Knife Edge bridge
  • In the dry season you can walk down the steep path to the Boiling Pot, a whirlpool at the foot of the falls
  • You can look right down the length of the falls, compare to a front on view from the Zimbabwe side
  • A highlight of the Zambian side is the Knife-Edge Bridge
  • You can fly directly to Livingstone from Kruger National Park and Cape Town;  and from Nairobi in Kenya.
  • Zambia has some incredible riverfront lodges along the Zambezi River.
  • Culturally Livingstone offers a little more. There is a museum focused on the history of David Livingstone and Chief Mukuni’s village.