In short
- Zimbabwe has 75% of the viewpoints and flows year-round.
- Zambia features Devil's Pool and the Knife-Edge Bridge.
- You can see both sides in one day using the $50 KAZA Univisa.
In this article
Zimbabwe provides the classic, sweeping views of the main water curtain. Zambia offers closer, wetter paths and access to Livingstone Island. Since they sit just across the bridge from each other, many travelers choose to see both sides.
Which side has better viewpoints?
Zimbabwe provides the most comprehensive views of the waterfall.
Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe holds about 75% of the waterfall viewpoints. You can see the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract here. The Zimbabwean side flows year-round.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia has fewer viewpoints. However, it gets you incredibly close to the rushing water via the Knife-Edge Bridge.
What is the cost difference in 2026?
Zimbabwe charges US$58, while Zambia charges US$20 for international visitors.
These park fees are payable at the gates. Park gates on both sides operate daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
If you want to cross the border to see both sides, you will need a visa. The KAZA Univisa costs US$50 and covers entry to both countries.
When is the best time for each side?
Zimbabwe is great year-round, while Zambia is best in the wet season or late dry season.
Peak water flow occurs in April and May, making both sides incredibly wet. Over 500 million liters of water plummet over the edge every minute.
By October or November, the Zambian side can dry up completely. However, this dry period is the only time Devil's Pool is open.
Can you do both sides in one day?
Yes, walking between the two parks takes just 15 to 30 minutes.
You can walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge to cross the border. The walk is highly scenic and free, but you must carry a valid passport.
Guided cross-border tours are also available to handle the logistics and provide historical context.
Where should you stay?
You can stay in Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia).
Victoria Falls town sits immediately next to the park entrance on the Zimbabwe side. You can easily walk to the gates.
Livingstone is a short drive from the Zambian park gates. Local taxis between hotels and the gates cost $5 to $15 USD. Taxis are unmetered, so agree on the fare first.
Which side offers Devil's Pool?
Devil's Pool is strictly on the Zambian side.
This natural infinity pool sits right on the lip of the falls. You access it via guided boat tours from Livingstone Island.
It requires advance booking and only operates from mid-August to December. Swimming in the river outside of this guided activity is forbidden.
Questions travellers ask
Is Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe?
It spans the border of both countries. The Zambezi River divides them, creating the waterfall directly between the two nations.
Do you need a visa to see both sides of Victoria Falls?
Yes, if you cross the border. The easiest option is the KAZA Univisa, which costs US$50 and allows movement between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a single trip.
Does Victoria Falls ever completely dry up?
The Zimbabwe side flows year-round. Sections on the Zambian side can dry up during the late dry season, typically between October and December.
