Victoria Falls Towns: Victoria Falls (Zim) & Livingstone (Zam)

The Victoria Falls waterfall straddles the border, so two towns serve it—one in each country.

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)

• Location: South bank, adjacent to falls entrance
• Population: ~35,000
• Airport: Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) — 20 km south, international
• Key Sites: Victoria Falls Bridge (border), Victoria Falls Hotel (1904), craft markets, crocodile farm
• Accommodation: Luxury (Victoria Falls Hotel, Ilala Lodge) to budget (hostels, campsites)
• Vibe: Tourism-centric, walkable to falls, more developed infrastructure

Livingstone (Zambia)

• Location: North bank, 10 km upstream from falls
• Population: ~175,000 (larger, more residential)
• Airport: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula (LVI) — 6 km, international
• Key Sites: Livingstone Museum (oldest in Zambia), Railway Museum, Maramba Cultural Village, Mukuni Village
• Accommodation: Riverside lodges (Royal Livingstone, Tongabezi), backpackers, mid-range
• Vibe: Historic colonial charm, quieter, better cultural access

Crossing the Border

• Victoria Falls Bridge: Foot (visa on arrival for most), vehicle, train (rare). Kazungula Bridge (70 km west) for heavy traffic.
• Univisa (KAZA): $50, 30 days, Zambia+Zimbabwe+day trip Botswana.

Which to Choose?

• First-timers, short stay, falls-focused: Victoria Falls (Zim)
• Longer stay, culture, river activities, budget: Livingstone (Zam)
• Best of both: Split stay (2 nights each)