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For most visitors, the Zimbabwe side gives the best views of Victoria Falls. Its rainforest walk faces Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls and Rainbow Falls across the gorge, and these sections keep water even in the dry months. The Zambia side gives you a closer, more physical experience: you walk right up to the edge at the Knife Edge Bridge and, from about August to December, you can swim at Devil’s Pool on the lip of the falls. If you have time, see both. It’s an easy walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against ZimParks, Zambia’s Department of Immigration, UNESCO and the Livingstone Island operator. Prices change. Check before you go.

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Side by side

UNESCO notes that “a direct frontage viewing of the falls is possible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe”. The falls are shared by both countries as one World Heritage Site.

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The Zimbabwe side

The rainforest walk runs along the edge of the gorge opposite the falls, with a series of viewpoints from Devil’s Cataract (61 m drop) to Main Falls (83 m) and Rainbow Falls (99 m), the highest point.
  • Entrance fee 2026: US$58 for international visitors, US$35 for SADC visitors, US$7 for Zimbabweans (ZimParks).
  • Lunar rainbow viewing: around the full moon, when water levels are high. US$116 international, US$81 SADC, US$15 local.
  • Allow: two to three hours for the full walk.
  • Get wet: at high water, from about February to May, the spray soaks everything. Rent a raincoat at the entrance and protect your phone.
See our Victoria Falls guide for hotels, activities and the town.

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The Zambia side

  • Falls entrance: the Zambian viewing site is run by Zambia’s National Heritage Conservation Commission. The Livingstone Island operator still quotes a US$20** heritage fee. Zambia announced in October 2025 that the international fee would rise to **US$30 from January 2026. We couldn’t confirm the new fee is being charged, so budget US$20–30.
  • Knife Edge Bridge: a footbridge across the gorge to a point facing the Eastern Cataract and the Boiling Pot. It’s drenched at high water.
  • The Boiling Pot trail: a steep path down to the Zambezi below the falls.
  • Livingstone town: museums and restaurants, about 10 km from the falls.

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Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island

Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool on the very edge of the falls, reached by boat to Livingstone Island. It is only open when the river is low enough, usually from late August to late December.
  • Prices (2026, per person): boat tours from US$149 in green season and US$159 in peak season. Tours with lunch or high tea cost more.
  • Ages: children from 8 can visit the island, but only those 12 and over can swim.
  • Book ahead: places are limited and sell out in peak season. Swimming can be cancelled at short notice if the water is unsafe.
  • Operator: Livingstone Island (Green Safaris).

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Crossing between the two sides

  • Victoria Falls Bridge: the border posts sit at each end of the bridge, and you can walk across. Zambia announced in November 2025 that its border post here is now open 24 hours. Carry your passport, even just to go onto the bridge.
  • Bungee: the 111 m bungee jump from the bridge costs US$194 (Shearwater, 2026).

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Visas for crossing

  • KAZA UniVisa (US$50): covers Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days as long as you stay in the two countries, plus day trips to Botswana through Kazungula. The simplest option for most visitors who need visas. See visas and entry.
  • Zambia visa-free entry: since January 2025, Zambia has waived visas for citizens of 167 countries, including the UK, US and EU countries. If you’re one of them, you only need a Zimbabwe visa that allows you to re-enter Zimbabwe: a double-entry visa or the UniVisa.
  • Check your re-entry: if you have a single-entry Zimbabwe visa, crossing into Zambia uses it up. Plan the visa before you cross.

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Which side should you choose?

  • One visit, limited time: the Zimbabwe side, which looks onto the sections that hold water all year.
  • February to May (high water): the Zimbabwe side for the full spectacle. The Zambia side is dramatic but you’ll see mostly spray.
  • September to December (low water): the Zimbabwe side for water, and the Zambia side for Devil’s Pool.
  • Two days or more: both. Stay on one side and cross the bridge for a half day.
See Zimbabwe weather by month for how water levels change through the year. Choosing between countries for a whole safari? See Zimbabwe vs Zambia vs Botswana.

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026