Zambia · Southern Africa
Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls gives the closest, wettest views, and Livingstone is the town that serves it.
Photo Tanner Marquis / Unsplash
Knife-Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot put you directly in the spray when the river is high; when it drops, Devil's Pool on the lip of the falls becomes possible, which is not something the Zimbabwean side offers.
The trade-off is that the Zambian side can run dry in a low-water year while the Zimbabwean panorama still holds water. Serious visitors often see both — the border crossing is short.
How big is Victoria Falls?
About 1,700 metres wide and just over 100 metres high, which makes it the largest single sheet of falling water in the world. Its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, means the smoke that thunders, and the spray can be seen from many kilometres away when the river is high. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
How do you get to Victoria Falls from Zambia?
Livingstone's airport has regional flights, most often from Johannesburg, and it is a short drive from both the town and the falls. Victoria Falls Airport on the Zimbabwean side is also close, across the border, and the two sides are a few minutes apart over the Victoria Falls Bridge.
What is Devil's Pool?
A natural rock pool right on the lip of the falls, reached from Livingstone Island with a guide. It is only safe, and only open, when the river is low enough, so it runs for part of the year. The Zimbabwean side has no equivalent.
How long should you spend at Victoria Falls?
Two nights covers the falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, and three allows for rafting, a helicopter flight or a day trip to Chobe. Entry rules differ between Zambia and Zimbabwe, so check both before planning to cross.
What is there to see in Victoria Falls and Livingstone?
Sample journeys that stop here
- Timeless Luxury Zambia →Experience Zambia's wild beauty through unforgettable safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and warm African hospitality. From the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich plains of South Luangwa and the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River, Timeless Zambia offers an authentic safari experience where adventure, luxury, and nature come together to create memories that last a lifetime.
What does Victoria Falls and Livingstone pair well with?
- Victoria Falls, ZimbabweThe Zimbabwean side holds most of the panoramic frontage, and the town is the region's adventure capital.
- Lower ZambeziThe Lower Zambezi is a river park where canoeing and fishing sit alongside game drives, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools.
- South LuangwaSouth Luangwa is the home of the walking safari and one of the most concentrated wildlife areas in Africa.
- Chobe and the Linyanti, BotswanaChobe holds one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, concentrated along its river frontage in the dry months.
Planning
- Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe →
- Entry requirements for Zambia →
- When to travel, month by month →
- The full Zambia guide →
Elsewhere in Zambia
- Kafue and the Busanga PlainsKafue is one of the largest national parks in Africa and among the least visited for its size.
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