Victoria Falls Tour: Zimbabwe and Zambia From Both Sides

If you’re dreaming of witnessing one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, a tour of Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwean and Zambian sides offers an unforgettable experience. While we haven’t personally joined this exact excursion, reviews and tour details paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. It’s a well-rounded, value-for-money option for travelers eager to see the falls from multiple perspectives without dedicating an entire day.

What we love about this tour? First, the chance to see the falls from both countries, providing a more complete picture of this colossal waterfall. Second, the knowledgeable guides who help navigate border formalities and enrich your visit with insights. Third, the scenic walk through rainforests and across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge makes the journey feel more adventurous.

A possible consideration is the additional costs for park fees and visas, which can add up if you’re not prepared. But overall, this tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience Victoria Falls without the need for full-day excursions or complex planning.

This experience suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and convenience — perfect if you’re short on time but crave a memorable glimpse of one of the world’s most breathtaking sights.

Key Points

• Dual perspectives – See Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia for a more complete experience.
• Expert guidance – Guides assist with border crossings and share rich information about the falls and local history.
• Inclusions – Hotel pickup, drop-off, and crossing border formalities simplify the journey.
• Cost considerations – Expect additional fees for park entry, visas, and border formalities.
• Short but impactful – A half-day tour that offers scenic views, cultural insights, and photo opportunities.
• Authentic experience – Walking through rainforests and crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge adds a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What To Expect During Your Victoria Falls Tour

This tour is designed as a half-day adventure, perfect for travelers who want a taste of Victoria Falls without dedicating an entire day. Your journey begins with hotel pickup, where a friendly local guide takes care of transportation, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. The tour starts in Zimbabwe, from where you’ll head through lush rainforests that thrive due to the spray of the falls, to get an up-close view of Mosi-oa-Tunya, the “Smoke that Thunders.”

Zimbabwe Side Highlights: You’ll walk along designated viewpoints, where the spray, the roar of the water, and the sheer volume of the falls create a sensory overload. Reviewers mention feeling soaked and exhilarated—you’ll definitely need waterproof gear. One guest, Julie, appreciated her guide Moreblessing, who “did an absolutely wonderful job at showing us the falls and educating us on Victoria Falls,” indicating the guides’ role in enriching the experience.

Crossing to Zambia: The tour includes crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular structure spanning the gorge. The guide assists with border formalities, which can be daunting independently, especially since you’ll pay cash for visas and park fees—something Ian pointed out about the costs adding up, including multiple park entries and visa fees. Once in Zambia, you’ll explore vantage points offering different perspectives of the falls and Batoka Gorges, with guides helping you navigate customs and border procedures, saving you time and hassle.

Additional Highlights: Many reviews mention the thrill of walking on the bridge itself—the crossing acts as both a physical and symbolic connection between the two countries. From the Zambian side, you’ll also get a panoramic view of the falls and surrounding landscapes, which many find more expansive and less crowded.

Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts about 4 hours, with a small group setting ensuring personalized attention. The guides are praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to adapt to questions or small changes in plans—Ian appreciated the “full flexibility.”

The Practicalities: Transport, Fees, and Border Formalities

The tour includes return transfers, which means you won’t need to stress about navigation or transportation logistics. However, keep in mind that the cost of visiting both sides is higher than just one, mainly due to park fees ($70 total) and visa costs (single entry $55, multiple $70 for UK citizens, plus additional entry fees at the park).

Guests from Zambia or Botswana should expect additional costs for return transport, as the tour departs from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Most reviewers found the border crossing straightforward with the guides’ assistance—they help with customs, visas, and paperwork, making what could be a confusing process much simpler. Julie noted, “The guides helped us through customs on both sides which we never would have known how to do without them.”

If you’re concerned about cash, be prepared: credit cards aren’t widely accepted, and the fees are paid in cash—roughly $115 per person in total. Isabella, who loved the experience, pointed out the importance of having cash ready for visas and park fees.

The Views and Experience

What truly makes this tour special are the spectacular views of Victoria Falls from two different countries. From the Zimbabwean side, the waterfalls are impressive for their thunderous spray and sheer width, often drenching visitors who stand near viewpoints. Reviewers like Lisa appreciated having assistance with border crossings but also enjoyed the scenic views—”Although a guide isn’t necessary for the falls themselves, it was nice to have help with border formalities.”

From Zambia, the vantage points are broader, and some guests find the view more panoramic. Ian mentioned that “due to the drought, water levels were low, but the tour of this side was still worthwhile,” highlighting that even in dry times, the Zambian perspective remains captivating.

Walking on the Victoria Falls Bridge is a highlight for many. Jack called it “cool,” and the experience of standing on a structure linking two nations, with the gorge below and the falls around you, is genuinely unique.

The rainforest walk at the Zimbabwe side is also notable. The constant spray turns the environment lush and green, and the sound of the water pounding down is deafening—an experience that sticks with visitors. Many, like Kathy, loved that guides helped with the logistics, allowing her to focus on enjoying the scenery.

Guides and Personal Service

One of the most praised aspects is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Multiple reviews mention guides like Tendekai, Saviour, and Moreblessing, who were described as “excellent,” “thoughtful,” and “very knowledgeable.” They help with border formalities, explain the falls’ geology, and ensure the group feels comfortable throughout.

Ian called his guide “well worth the money,” and Kathy expressed wishing she could tip more, “because they were so great.” The guides don’t rush and are willing to adapt the tour based on weather or personal preferences—Julie appreciated the flexibility.

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Pricing and Value for Money

At $60 per person, this tour seems quite reasonable considering the included border crossing assistance, guided walks, and the chance to see both sides of the falls. When you factor in the extra costs—park fees, visas, and tips—the overall expense increases, but many reviewers feel the convenience and expertise justify the additional spend.

Is it worth it? Absolutely, especially if you want a curated experience that combines scenic beauty with cultural insights. The tour strikes a good balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage, making it accessible for most travelers.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for short-term visitors who want a quick but immersive look at Victoria Falls. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided assistance, want to avoid border hassle, and love getting multiple viewpoints in a single morning.

Travelers with an interest in photography will appreciate the different perspectives from Zimbabwe and Zambia, while those wanting an educational element will enjoy the insights from the guides. Keep in mind: you’ll need your passport and cash for extra fees, so come prepared.

The Sum Up

This Victoria Falls tour from both Zimbabwe and Zambia offers a balanced, hassle-free way to see one of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls. The combination of scenic views, expert guides, and border crossings makes it an attractive choice for travelers short on time but eager for a memorable experience.

The tour’s value is highlighted by its personalized service, the ability to see the falls from two countries, and the opportunity to cross the iconic bridge. While additional costs for fees and visas are worth considering, most guests find the overall experience well worth the investment.

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided visit that offers both beauty and convenience, this tour will serve you well. It’s the perfect pick for curious travelers who want to maximize their time at Victoria Falls without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to participate in this tour?
Yes, you’ll need your passport to cross the border—visa requirements depend on your nationality. The guide assists with border formalities, but you need to ensure you have the correct visa type (single or multiple entry) before traveling.

Are park fees included in the tour price?
No, the $70 park fee is paid separately in cash on the day of the tour. This fee covers access to the viewpoints and walking areas at Victoria Falls.

How do I pay for the visas and park fees?
Most guests pay in cash, as credit card acceptance is limited. Be prepared with around $115 in cash per person for visas and park entry.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t want to walk much?
The tour involves walking on designated paths and a walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge. It’s not strenuous but does require some walking, often through rainforests and along viewpoints.

Can I do this tour if I stay in Zambia or Botswana?
Yes, but be aware there’s an extra charge for return transport from those locations. The tour departs from Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, and guests staying outside Zimbabwe might need to arrange additional transportation.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport, cash for fees, and waterproof gear, as you’ll get soaked near the falls. Wearing comfortable shoes and a hat is also advised for the walk and sunny weather.

This guided experience offers a compelling way to see Victoria Falls, combining scenic beauty with the convenience of expert assistance. For travelers wanting an authentic, informative, and memorable visit, it’s a solid choice that covers all the essentials.

You can check availability for your dates here: