Where Is Victoria Falls Located? Zimbabwe, Zambia & Travel Guide 2026

Quick Location Guide

Which Country Is Victoria Falls In?

Victoria Falls is shared between two countries: Zimbabwe and Zambia. The waterfall itself lies on the Zambezi River, which separates the two countries at this point.

Zimbabwe Side

The Zimbabwe side is the most popular for first-time visitors because it offers the widest and most iconic views of the Falls. Victoria Falls Town is also very convenient for hotels, restaurants, activities, airport transfers and Chobe safari day trips.

• Best panoramic waterfall views
• Easy access to Victoria Falls Town
• Strong choice for first-time visitors
• Good base for Chobe safari day trips
• Convenient for guided Falls tours and helicopter flights

Zambia Side

The Zambia side offers closer seasonal access and a more immersive view of certain sections of the Falls. It is especially popular for Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool when water levels allow.

• Best for close-up seasonal experiences
• Access to Devil’s Pool during suitable water levels
• Good for Livingstone-based stays
• Different viewpoints from the Zimbabwe side

Where Is Victoria Falls on the Map?

Victoria Falls sits in the western part of Zimbabwe and southern Zambia, along the Zambezi River. It is close to Botswana, which makes it one of the best destinations for combining waterfall sightseeing with safari.

The most important nearby travel points are:

• Victoria Falls Town: Zimbabwe side base for the Falls.
• Livingstone: Zambia side base for the Falls.
• Kasane: Botswana town used for Chobe National Park access.
• Chobe National Park: Popular safari extension from Victoria Falls.

How Do You Get to Victoria Falls?

Most international travellers reach Victoria Falls by flying through major regional hubs such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi or Addis Ababa depending on airline routing.

Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Airport is the most convenient airport for travellers staying on the Zimbabwe side. It is close to Victoria Falls Town and works well for classic Victoria Falls tours, helicopter flights and Chobe safari combinations.

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone

Livingstone Airport serves the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. It is convenient for travellers staying in Livingstone or planning activities such as Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island.

Kasane Airport, Botswana

Kasane Airport is useful for travellers combining Victoria Falls with Chobe National Park or Botswana safari lodges.

👉 Explore Victoria Falls tours and packages

Zimbabwe vs Zambia: Which Side Should You Visit?

If it is your first time visiting Victoria Falls, the Zimbabwe side is usually the best choice because of its panoramic viewpoints and easy tourism infrastructure. However, if you have enough time and the right visa access, visiting both sides gives a more complete experience.

• Choose Zimbabwe for classic views, easy touring and first-time travel.
• Choose Zambia for Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island and close-up seasonal experiences.
• Choose both if you want the most complete Victoria Falls experience.

Why Is Victoria Falls So Famous?

Victoria Falls is famous because of its scale, beauty and dramatic setting. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, the Falls create a huge spray cloud during high water season.

The destination is also famous because it offers much more than waterfall viewing. Travellers can enjoy safari day trips, river cruises, helicopter flights, white-water rafting, cultural experiences and luxury lodges.

Best Things to Do Near Victoria Falls

• Guided tour of Victoria Falls
• Helicopter flight over the Falls
• Zambezi sunset cruise
• Chobe National Park day trip
• Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island
• White-water rafting
• Boma dinner experience
• Zambezi National Park game drive

👉 Read: Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

The best time to visit depends on whether you prefer powerful water flow or clearer views.

• February to May: High water, dramatic spray and powerful waterfall views.
• June to August: Good balance of water flow and visibility.
• September to January: Lower water, clearer views and better seasonal access to Devil’s Pool.

For a deeper planning guide, read: Victoria Falls FAQ.

Can You Combine Victoria Falls with Safari?

Yes. Victoria Falls is one of the best places in Africa to combine a natural wonder with safari. Its location near Botswana, Zimbabwe safari areas and regional flight routes makes it very practical for multi-destination travel.

Victoria Falls + Chobe National Park

This is one of the easiest and most popular combinations. Chobe National Park in Botswana is known for elephants, river safaris and excellent wildlife viewing.

👉 Explore Chobe safari options

Victoria Falls + Kruger National Park

This combination works well for travellers wanting Big Five safari in South Africa plus Victoria Falls as a dramatic natural wonder extension.

👉 View Kruger and Victoria Falls safari package

Victoria Falls + Botswana Safari

Luxury travellers often combine Victoria Falls with Botswana safari regions such as Chobe and the Okavango Delta.

👉 Explore Botswana safari tours

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, making it one of Africa’s most exciting cross-border travel destinations. Its location also makes it perfect for combining waterfall sightseeing with safaris in Botswana, Zimbabwe or South Africa.

For first-time visitors, the Zimbabwe side is usually the easiest and most scenic base. For a fuller experience, travellers can add the Zambia side, Chobe National Park or a wider Southern Africa safari itinerary.

👉 Explore Victoria Falls tours and safari packages