Plan your stay
Mutsviri Game Lodge · Travel Guide
Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?
THE VICTORIA FALLS DECISION MOST TRAVELLERS DELAY TOO LONG

Zimbabwe or Zambia Side of Victoria Falls? An Honest Comparison

Zimbabwe side or Zambia side is the first real decision in any Victoria Falls trip, and it shapes everything that follows — your airport, your visa, your views and your base. This guide compares both sides honestly, then explains why Mutsviri Game Lodge is built on the Zimbabwe side as one base for both.

The short answer

The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls holds roughly 75% of the Falls and offers the widest, most reliable year-round viewpoints, plus the natural gateway into Zambezi National Park, Chobe and Hwange. The Zambia side sits closer to the water for experiences like Devil's Pool and Angel's Pool, but access is seasonal and depends on water levels. Most travellers don't need to choose only one — a Zimbabwe-side base like Mutsviri Game Lodge lets you cover the classic views and safari access daily, then add Zambia-side highlights as a guided day trip when conditions allow.
~75% OF THE FALLS

Zimbabwe side

The widest year-round panorama, multiple viewpoints along the rainforest trail, and the natural gateway into Zambezi National Park, Chobe and Hwange. Victoria Falls Airport is on this side, so arrival is a direct transfer with no border crossing.
Best for: the classic wide view, safari access and a smooth arrival. Trade-off: Devil's Pool is not accessible from this side.
CLOSER TO THE WATER

Zambia side

Closer proximity to the water for Devil's Pool and Angel's Pool, and rhino tracking in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park completes the Big Five honestly alongside a Chobe day trip. Access depends on water levels and seasonal conditions, and requires a border crossing.
Best for: Devil's Pool and rhino tracking as an add-on. Trade-off: seasonal water-level dependency, no dedicated lodge base here for Mutsviri guests.

CHOOSE BY PRIORITY

Which side fits your trip?

Match your priority to the side that actually delivers it — or combine both from one lodge base.
THE CLASSIC VIEW

Falls-focused travellers

Base on the Zimbabwe side for the widest, most reliable Falls panorama and the shortest route from the airport.
WILDLIFE FIRST

Safari-focused travellers

Zimbabwe side puts you inside Zambezi National Park with game drives from the lodge and the Chobe day trip a short transfer away.
RECOMMENDED
ONE BASE, BOTH SIDES COVERED

Combine both sides

Stay on the Zimbabwe side for the views and safari, then add Devil's Pool, Angel's Pool or rhino tracking on the Zambia side as a guided day trip when conditions allow.
Mutsviri Game Lodge is based on the Zimbabwe side, around 15 minutes from the Falls, inside Zambezi National Park. Guests fly into Victoria Falls Airport and transfer directly to the lodge without crossing a border on arrival day.
The Zambia side still has its place. Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool at Mosi-oa-Tunya can be arranged when water levels and access allow, and rhino tracking on the Zambia side completes the Big Five honestly. Where eligible, the KAZA UniVisa — currently US$50 — makes visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia easier; we advise you on the best option for your passport, route and current border rules.
The simple answer: base yourself on the Zimbabwe side for the iconic views and the smoother arrival, then add selected Zambia-side highlights when they fit your journey — one lodge, one base, both sides covered.
Here's what to explore next:
Read the Devil's Pool Guide →
Read the Big Five Guide →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Zimbabwe or Zambia side, answered honestly

1

Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zimbabwe or Zambia?

2

Can I visit both sides of Victoria Falls in one trip?

3

Which side has better views of Victoria Falls?

4

Do I need a different visa for the Zambia side?

5

Why is Mutsviri Game Lodge on the Zimbabwe side?

Zimbabwe side sounds like the right base?

Tell us your dates and nationality — we'll confirm the best route, visa option and how to fit Zambia-side highlights into your stay.
Plan Your Victoria Falls Stay
Mutsviri Game Lodge
© 2026 Mutsviri Game Lodge. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · Cookie Policy
Mutsviri Game Lodge is owned and run by Tendayi and Abigail and is a product of Africa Premier Safaris, registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.