We are frequently asked the question “What is the difference between Victoria Falls and Livingstone?”
Explore the unique charms of Victoria Falls and Livingstone, two of Africa’s most famous safari spots. Located on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, each offers a different experience filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Whether you’re awestruck by the majestic Victoria Falls or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Livingstone, this guide will help you understand the differences and plan your African adventure effectively. Deciding which side of the falls to visit—Zambia or Zimbabwe—and the best time to go depends on what you want 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
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Tour Length 24 days Group Size Max 16 Starts & Ends Starts: Cape Town Ends: Johannesburg Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Overview Beginning in Cape Town, sometimes known as "The Mother City," near the southernmost tip of Africa, this journey is the master of tours, offering breathtaking scenery and well-known landmarks. As we move up the west coast, we pass through some of the largest sand dunes on the earth, into Namibia's expansive panoramas, and up to the Okavango Delta, which is a true wilderness. We proceed to the remote Makgadikgadi salt pans and then head north through Kasane to the magnificent Victoria Falls. As we descend, we stop in Hwange, home to sizable herds of elephants, then follow the rhino in Matobo. The voyage comes to a close in Johannesburg, the Gold City, when you finally pass back into Botswana. We go a considerable distance on some isolated and unpaved roads, but the natural wonders we come across more than make up for any hardship for those who genuinely desire adventure. Price from
R95,295
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Tour Length 21 days Group Size Max 12 Starts & Ends Starts: Cape Town Ends: Victoria Falls Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Overview This thrilling Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour is one of Africa's most exciting overland routes. Adventure through the wilderness of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Go where few have gone before as you explore the remote regions of the mighty Fish River Canyon, the beautiful Etosha National Park and the impressive Okavango Delta. Discover ancient rock art and gaze over wildlife basking in the sunlight before finally facing the most breathtaking, Victoria Falls! Price from
R54,105
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Tour Length 20 days Group Size Max 20 Starts & Ends Starts: Cape Town Ends: Victoria Falls Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe Overview This 20 day expedition reads like a synopsis for the Amazing Race: scenic flights over the Okavango, white water rafting on the Zambezi, desert hikes, campouts under a sprawling blanket of stars — and that’s just the start! We’ve also included wildlife safari drives in Etosha, Moremi Game Reserve, and a relaxing sunset river cruise on the Chobe River to give you the best chance of experiencing the diversity of Southern Africa. Price from
Original price was: R57,900.R46,320Current price is: R46,320.
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.
Victoria Falls and Livingstone each offer unique and unforgettable experiences for travelers. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of adventure, the beauty of natural wonders, or the warmth of local culture, these destinations are must-visits on any African travel itinerary. Understanding their differences helps in crafting a journey that perfectly suits your travel aspirations.
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