We are frequently asked the question “What is the difference between Victoria Falls and Livingstone?”

It is quite confusing for many travellers who then book flights out of Livingstone (Zambia side) even though the tour they are doing will end at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side); or the other way around for that matter.

Which side of the falls to visit (Zambia or Zimbabwe) and the best time to see Victoria Falls depends on what a traveller wants to see and experience.

There are 3 factors at play regarding the difference between the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls:

1.  Which side offers the best view of the actual waterfall?
2.  The political/social situation in each area
3. The flight and airport options

1. Which country offers the best view of “Victoria Falls”?

This will depend on the time of year you are travelling, but in my personal opinion the best view of the falls under most circumstances is from the Zimbabwe side – ie the Victoria Falls.

It is only during peak flow (February to June) when the mist obscures the actual waterfall so much that viewing from the Zambia side/ Livingstone is most beneficial.

Seasons of the falls

The Zambezi basin above the falls experiences a rainy season from late November to early April, and a dry season the rest of the year. The river’s annual flood season is February to May with a peak in April.

But if you have enough time, it will even be better (in my opinion) to visit both Victoria Falls and Livingstone. The Zimbabwean side is considered by many to be the more beautiful with direct viewing of the ‘Devil’s Cataract’ and ‘Rainbow Falls’. Towards the end of a normal rainy season, the flow of water over the fall reaches 500 000 cu m per minute and the thunder of the falling water is something unique to experience, it will take your breath away.

The best time of year to view the falls from both sides 

July/August and January/February offer the best compromise between a flow rate which impresses with its power, and the falls not being completely obscured by spray.

The best time to see the falls 

July through September is perhaps the most popular time frame to visit the falls (good views and the best weather). Gradually in transition from a flooded state to a low flow state with an acceptable volume of water and fewer problems with mist. This is probably the best time to go in terms of getting the best of both worlds taking in the impressive visual impact of the falls and partake in the most activities.

Victoria Falls High Water Season: 

The highest flow each year is recorded at the end of April. The river’s high water, however, can be considered from February to June.  During this period, the spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 400 metres (1,300 feet), and sometimes even twice as high, and is visible from up to 50 km (30 miles) away. You could then expect the falls to span the entire 1.7km width of the Zambezi River as it plunges over its 108m wall. Unfortunately, during this time most of the viewpoints are too wet to photograph effectively and raincoats are advantageous.

This would be the perfect time to view the falls from the air.

During this time at full moon, a ‘lunar-rainbow’ can be seen in the spray instead of the usual daylight rainbow. During the flood season, however, it is impossible to see the foot of the falls and most of its face, and the walks along the cliff opposite it (Zimbabwe side) are in a constant shower and shrouded in mist. Close to the edge of the cliff, spray shoots upward like inverted rain, especially at Zambia’s Knife-Edge Bridge.

The Falls Dry Season:

The lowest flow each year is recorded at the beginning of November meaning the rocky face of the falls is more predominant than the actual waterfall. At this time it becomes possible (though not necessarily safe) to walk across some stretches of the river at the crest on the Zambia side – like for instance the Devil’s Pool.

At lowest flow, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls is higher than the Zimbabwean side, the water goes toward Zimbabwe and the Zambian side becomes dry rock wall.

Budget Tours to Victoria Falls

2. Political/social situation:

Thankfully the political situation in Zimbabwe has been stable for numerous years thus allowing massive investment and travellers into Victoria Falls making it a must-see and major tourist destination again. The town of Victoria Falls is within easy walking distance of the falls (one high street) and there are still many places providing safe, comfortable and luxurious accommodation. Personal safety is not an issue; instead, beware of scam artists.

Zambia has not had any political/social disturbances and the plight of the Zimbabweans is even more evident visiting both sides.

3. Flights and Airports:

First and foremost, both Victoria Falls and Livingstone have got International Airports. Victoria Falls Airport (aptly named Victoria Falls Airport) uses the code VFA, and Livingstone Airport (aptly named Livingstone Airport) uses the code LVI.

Secondly, there are new direct flights from Victoria Falls Airport and to Livingstone Airport to any international destination. Most flights fly via Johannesburg but there is a wonderful connection between Nairobi and Livingstone.

Ask your African Overland Tours consultant for any additional help.