Exploring Victoria Falls from Every Angle: My Epic Adventure in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Zambia: Up Close, Personal... and Soaking Wet

My adventure kicked off on the Zambian side of the falls, where you get up close and personal with the power of Victoria Falls. I came prepared with an umbrella, but let me tell you, it was no match for the relentless spray. In a matter of minutes, I was drenched, and the umbrella might as well have been a soggy prop in some comedy skit. But you know what? It was fun. I felt like a kid again, playing in the rain, except this time, the rain was a 100 meter waterfall crashing down beside me.



Navigating the viewpoints on the Zambian side, however, wasn’t as straightforward as I expected. I ended up hiring a guide to help me out, and that was a game changer. The guide not only showed me the best spots but also saved me from wandering aimlessly like a lost tourist. Pro tip: If you visit, don’t be afraid to ask for a guide—totally worth it!

The Zambian side may not give you the wide-angle views, but if you’re looking for a raw, adrenaline-pumping encounter with the falls, this is where it’s at. You’re so close that the force of the water takes over your senses, and honestly, I was living for the thrill.

Zimbabwe: Views, Views, Views!

Next up was Zimbabwe, where I found myself marvelling at panoramic vistas that seem straight out of a postcard. The Zimbabwean side offers 75% of the falls' full view, and it’s hard not to stand in awe as the water cascades into what looks like a never-ending abyss. The viewpoints are clearly marked and easy to access, which makes it a breeze to take in the beauty without needing a guide (although they’re still helpful for extra tips).



The beauty of the falls from the Zimbabwean side? You get to see the whole picture. This is where the sheer scale of Victoria Falls truly hits you—watching the water create a misty plume that rises like smoke into the sky. It’s magical. If I had to pick, I’d say Zimbabwe offers the better view, hands down. But why choose just one when you can have both?

The Jet Boat: Thrills and Spills on the Zambezi

Now, let’s talk about the jet boat. After a bit of a gruelling hike down to the river—cue dramatic sigh—it was all worth it once I was zipping through the rapids. Being on the Zambezi River, looking up at the falls from below, was a whole new experience. I saw the falls from a totally different perspective, and let me tell you, getting sprayed with water from below is an adventure in itself.



There were moments when the water was so intense, I could barely open my eyes! It felt like a torrential downpour hitting my face, but the captain was kind enough to stop now and then for us to snap some photos and actually see the falls (once we wiped the water out of our eyes, of course). This thrill ride is not for the faint-hearted, but for anyone seeking adventure, it’s an absolute must.

The Sunrise Tram: A Serene Experience

After all that adrenaline, I needed something a bit more tranquil, and the sunrise tram from Zimbabwe to Zambia was just the thing. Watching the sun rise over the Batoka Gorge while perched on the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge? Pure bliss. The light filtering through the mist was like something out of a dream, and the gentle chug of the tram as we crossed from Zimbabwe to Zambia was the perfect way to soak it all in—pun intended.

We also got to stop at the rail and bridge museum on the Zambian side, which added a nice touch of history and context to the experience. But honestly, it was the sunrise that stole the show. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to experience the falls, this is the way to go.

Helicopter Ride: The Ultimate Perspective

Okay, so I saved the best for last. If you want to see the full majesty of Victoria Falls, there’s nothing quite like a helicopter ride. I did it twice because once wasn’t enough to process the sheer beauty from up there. Seeing the falls from above gave me a whole new appreciation for their size and power. I was literally speechless (which is rare for me). The views were so breathtaking, I couldn’t stop grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.