Zambia Vs Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is shared by two countries that is Zambia and Zimbabwe, both of these countries offer a full range of wonderful accommodation and experience. Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, it is a breathtaking marvel that will justify why it is recognized as a natural wonder. Witnessing the awe-inspiring cascade of water “the Smoke that Thunders” as referred to by the locals is one of the greatest adventures on earth. In a Tour Expert opinion, there is really no right or wrong side of the Victoria Falls. That is why we suggest combining visits to both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides for the most comprehensive experience. However, there are a few things to know

Entrance Fees 

To access both sides of Victoria Falls, you have to pay entrance fees for both sides separately. There are day trips that you can book where both sides of the falls area included, however you have to pay both entrance fees.

• Entrance fees in Zimbabwe 50 USD per person (single entry)
• Entrance fee in Zambia: 20 USD per person (single entry)

Passport 

You need to have a valid passport to cross Victoria Falls Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe, if you plan to visit on the bridge and not cross into the other country, still you should bring your passport. But you don’t need a visa as the bridge itself is considered No-Man’s Land.

Visa Requirements 

If you plan to have a visit to both sides of Victoria Falls make sure to get a multi-entry Visa that is if you plan to go back and forth during your Victoria Falls Trip. Another option is to get a KAZA Univisa at your first point of entry, this visa allows you to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe for a period of 30 days. KAZA Univisa costs 50 USD. Both sides of Victoria Falls are equally impressive, but also quite different, while the Zimbabwean side offers great viewpoints of the length of the canyon and the main falls. You can filly immerse yourself in the spray of the falls on the Zambian Side.  

Zambian side:

• Wet, wet, wet most especially in the rainy season 
• Here you can walk several bridges that are engulfed in the spray of the falls
• Before you enter the final stretch of the Victoria Falls walk you should definitely rent rain ponchos and pack your camera(or hold it under the poncho)
• Wear clothes that dry quickly and shoes that can’t get wet or easy to dry
• In the dry season, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls can dry up

Zimbabwean side:

• 80% of Victoria Falls are located on the Zimbabwean side
• No need for umbrellas or rain ponchos here
• It is a more causal walk with a few stunning viewpoints

We suggests to start your journey on the Zambian side, where you can immerse yourself in the thundering majesty of the falls up close, traversing the Knife-Edge Bridge and indulging in exhilarating activities like helicopter flight to bird’s eye-view. After soaking in the awe-inspiring sights and sounds, cross over to the Zimbabwean side for a more panoramic perspective, where the falls reveal themselves gradually amidst lush rainforest surroundings.

Where to Stay on a Zambia Side of Victoria Falls 

Tongabezi Lodge by Green Safaris

With only 10 houses and cottages, beautifully furnished rooms with private decks, Tongabezi Lodge by Green Safaris offers the ultimate luxury experience. The lodge is located 12 kilometers upstream of Victoria Falls. If you are opting for an even more luxurious consider staying at sister property Sindabezi Island Camp.

Sindabezi Island Camp

With just 5 rooms, Sindabezi Island Camp by Green Safaris offers a luxurious experience. The camp is located on a private Island on the Zambezi River, this lodge is currently one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa according to Fodor’s. Sindabezi has only five open – sided thatched cottages, allowing guests to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting and magical views across the flood plains of the Zambezi.

Chundukwa River Lodge, Zambia

Chudndukwa River Lodge is an eco-conscious Boutique lodge nestled alongside the Zambezi River, the lodge also has its own horse ranch and it is owned by Doug & Grail a lovely couple with a strong conservation ethos.

Tintswalo at Siankaba, Zambia

Tintswalo is situated on a private island adjacent to the Siankaba Community, approximately 30 kilometers from Victoria Falls. The lodge has 7 tree house river tents built on stilts, named Chishimba Falls, Lumangwe Falls, Livingstone Falls, Victoria Falls, Epupa Falls, Blue Nile Falls and Murchison Falls.

The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls Hotel is an Edwardian-style hotel built in 1904, the hotel is said to be Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest luxury hotel, with 149 rooms spread out in different buildings on the large grounds offering unparalleled views of “The Smoke that Thunders”. The hotel offers a very traditional high tea service in the afternoon on the terrace.