Zambezi River ToursVictoria Falls Guided Tour of Both Sides: Zimbabwe and Zambia
This Victoria Falls guided tour covers both sides of the falls in six hours, with guides on the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, the bridge crossing and hotel pickup in either town. The listing price from Cuckoo Safaris on GetYourGuide starts at $63 per person, and entry fees are paid separately on the day. This page breaks down what the price covers, what the two sides of the border each offer and what the border crossing involves. If you would rather add water time to your falls time, compare it against the the Zambezi River tours comparison on the homepage, from sunset cruises to a full day of rafting in the Batoka Gorge.
About This Activity
Cuckoo Safaris runs this day on the ground in Victoria Falls town and Livingstone, selling it through GetYourGuide with a live English-speaking guide and an audio guide in English. It is a walking day on rainforest paths in both national parks, so it does not suit anyone who cannot manage a few hours on foot, and one reviewer notes the Zambia side gets hot in the afternoon. Bring your passport, any visa you need, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Raincoats are provided, which matters in high-water season when the spray from the falls falls like rain on the Zimbabwe-side trails.
From $63 per person on GetYourGuide. Entry fees are extra: $58 on the Zimbabwe side and $20 on the Zambia side, paid on the day.
4.7 out of 5 from 474 GetYourGuide reviews. Reviewers score the guides 4.8 and the transportation 4.8.
6 hours door to door, about 3 hours on the Zimbabwe side and 2 hours on the Zambia side plus travel and the border crossing.
Small group, limited to 15 participants.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is available.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Victoria Falls or Livingstone, address confirmed at checkout. A passport is required.
Check Dates and Prices Live
Live dates, starting times and the current price for this both-sides day are shown on the booking panel.
Quick answer Price, duration, what is included
This Victoria Falls guided tour costs from $63 per person and lasts 6 hours, covering the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides with guides on each side, the bridge crossing, raincoats and hotel pickup. Entry fees are extra: $58 in Zimbabwe and $20 in Zambia, plus a US$50 KAZA UniVisa if your nationality needs one, making a realistic day total of about $141 to $191.
Key takeaways
- See how the two sides differ in the Zimbabwe and Zambia comparison.
- Undecided between countries? Read Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe or Zambia.
- Compare this with every Zambezi River tour on one table.
- Pair the morning with the evening dinner cruise on the same river.
The Zimbabwe side faces the main curtain.
Zimbabwe Side and Zambia Side, Compared
The two countries show you two different waterfalls. The listing splits its six hours unevenly between them, and the entry fees differ just as much.
How the Day Splits
The listing gives about 3 hours to the Zimbabwe side and 2 hours to the Zambia side, with the rest of the 6 hours taken by hotel transfers, the border formalities and the souvenir market stop. The Zimbabwe side is the longer walk, through rainforest paths with viewpoint after viewpoint, and one reviewer found it the more powerful and misty of the two. The Zambia side is shorter and brings you close to the Eastern Cataract by way of Knife Edge Bridge, a footbridge about 70 meters long suspended roughly 100 meters above the gorge. At high water you will get soaked on both sides, which is why the operator provides raincoats.
The entry fees below are the figures the listing itself states. Published fee schedules elsewhere differ: an official Zambia Tourism schedule lists Mosi-oa-Tunya entry at US$10 for a non-resident adult, and Zimbabwe-side figures of US$50 and US$58 both circulate from secondary sources. The full rundown is in Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe or Zambia.
| Compared | Zimbabwe side | Zambia side |
|---|---|---|
| Time on the tour | About 3 hours | About 2 hours |
| Entry fee on the listing | $58 | $20 |
| What you see | Rainforest trails with a long series of viewpoints, the widest and mistiest stretch of the falls | The Eastern Cataract up close from Knife Edge Bridge, about 100 meters above the gorge |
| Park | Victoria Falls National Park | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park |
| Walking | The longer walk, on rainforest paths | Shorter walk, reviewers note it is hot here in the afternoon |
Which Side Is Better
There is no single answer, which is exactly why this listing crosses the border. The falls are 1,708 meters wide, and the Zimbabwe side fronts the longest stretch of that curtain, so you walk alongside it. The Zambia side faces the Eastern Cataract and, in low water, gives access to Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool when levels allow.
One reviewer on this tour preferred the Zambian side visually and found the Zimbabwe side more powerful and misty. If you only have time or budget for one side, the trade-offs are set out in the guide to Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe or Zambia. Doing both in one day, as this tour does, is the version most reviewers call worthwhile.
Crossing the Border on Foot and by Road
The day involves one international border crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Here is what that means for your documents.
Passports and Visas
Bring a passport valid for at least six months. The listing is explicit that a passport is required and that a visa depends on your nationality. Many nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU states and Japan, can buy the KAZA UniVisa for US$50 on arrival.
It covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days within a 12-month period with multiple entries between the two countries, which is exactly what a both-sides day needs. It is issued at Victoria Falls Airport, Livingstone Airport and the border posts, among other points. If you already hold valid visas for both countries, you pay nothing extra at the border.
- Passport valid for at least six months, required
- KAZA UniVisa at US$50 covers Zimbabwe and Zambia, multiple entries, up to 30 days
- Holders of existing visas for both countries need no additional visa
- Nationalities outside the roughly 50 eligible countries need standard single-country visas for each side
The Bridge Crossing
The tour crosses the Victoria Falls Bridge as part of the day. The bridge was completed in 1905 and spans the Second Gorge, and the listing highlights the panoramic views from it. Travellers who cross it independently on foot cover roughly 2 kilometers between the two immigration posts, including a short stretch of no man's land between them.
On this tour the operator handles the routing and reviewers describe the border processing as smooth and well organised. If you want to come back and walk the bridge yourself, or try the 111-meter bungee jump from it, the guide to the Victoria Falls Bridge covers the details.
Who This Day Suits
Six hours, two countries and a lot of walking on foot. That shape suits some trips far better than others.
The Right Traveller for This Tour
This day suits first-time visitors who want both perspectives without organising two border crossings themselves, and the listing's review summary praises the helpful border support. It is a walking day, so it does not suit anyone with limited mobility, and the listing states no minimum age and no wheelchair information. Heat is the main complaint. One reviewer suggests doing each side on separate days because the Zambia side was so hot in the afternoon.
Season matters here. The dry winter months bring the most comfortable walking weather, with daytime highs around 26°C in July, while October reaches about 36°C. The full seasonal picture, including water levels and spray, is in the guide to the best time to visit Victoria Falls. Because the tour is off the water entirely, many travellers pair it with an evening cruise. The Pure Africa dinner cruise runs 3 hours on the upper Zambezi with a four-course dinner, boarding in the late afternoon, typically around 16:00 in winter and 16:30 in summer according to general operator guidance. That pairing fills a full day: falls in the morning, river at sunset. For every alternative on the water, compare the cruises and rafting trips side by side.
Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambia side.
The Day, Stop by Stop
The listing does not publish clock times, only the order and length of each stage. The sequence below follows the listing, with general operator guidance on cruise boarding times noted where relevant.
-
Morning
Hotel pickup in Victoria Falls or Livingstone
A hotel transfer vehicle collects you from your accommodation in either town, with the address confirmed at checkout. The tour runs in both directions, so the country you start in depends on where you sleep.
-
Morning to midday
Guided walk on the first side, about 3 hours
Guided tour, sightseeing and a walk through the first national park, with scenic views on the way. On the Zimbabwe side this is the long rainforest walk past a chain of viewpoints, with raincoats provided against the spray. The guide covers the history, geology and culture of the falls, which the Lozi name Mosi-oa-Tunya calls the smoke that thunders.
-
Midday
Border crossing at the Victoria Falls Bridge
The group crosses the 1905 bridge over the Second Gorge with passport and visa formalities at both posts. Reviewers describe this as smooth and well organised, with enough time for photos.
-
Afternoon
Guided walk on the second side, about 2 hours
The shorter guided visit on the opposite bank, taking in the Eastern Cataract and Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambia side. A reviewer notes this side gets hot in the afternoon, so carry the bottled water that is included.
-
Afternoon
Local market stop and drop-off
A stop at a local market for souvenirs, then a comfortable ride back to your accommodation. Food is not included, so plan lunch around the day or eat before pickup. If you are adding the dinner cruise afterwards, it boards in the late afternoon, around 16:00 in winter and 16:30 in summer per general operator guidance.
What the Price Covers and What You Pay on the Day
The listed $63 is only part of the day. The real cost adds two park entry fees and possibly a visa, and the figures below come from the listing and published fee sources.
What the Tour Price Includes
The $63 covers live guides on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, an audio guide in English, hotel pickup and drop-off, raincoats, bottled water, and the transport across the border. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later.
- Live guides on both sides plus an English audio guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Victoria Falls or Livingstone
- Raincoats, ideal during high spray season
- Bottled water
- Border transport and support at the crossing
What You Pay on the Day
The entrance fees are not in the tour price. The listing states $58 for the Zimbabwe side and $20 for the Zambia side, collected from guests on the day. Published fee schedules differ from the listing on both figures: an official Zambia Tourism schedule puts Mosi-oa-Tunya non-resident entry at US$10, and secondary sources quote anything from US$50 to US$58 for the Zimbabwe rainforest entry following a 2026 fee increase tied to VAT.
Food and drinks are also extra, and visas depend on nationality. The table shows the realistic full cost for one adult using the listing's own figures.
| Cost item | Amount | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Tour price, from, per person | $63 | At booking on GetYourGuide |
| Zimbabwe side entrance, per the listing | $58 | On the day |
| Zambia side entrance, per the listing | $20 | On the day |
| KAZA UniVisa, if required for your nationality | US$50 | On arrival at the airport or border |
| Realistic total with visa | $191 | Booking plus day payments |
| Realistic total without visa | $141 | Booking plus day payments |
What to Bring
The listing's know-before-you-go section is short but strict. Bring your passport and your visa if your nationality needs one, and check that the passport is valid for at least six months. Beyond documents, this is a walking day in two national parks, so wear shoes that cope with wet paths and bring sun protection for the exposed Zambia side.
Raincoats are provided, and bottled water is included, but food is not, so carry cash or card for lunch, the market stop and the entry fees.
- Passport valid at least six months, required
- Visa or KAZA UniVisa if your nationality requires one
- Comfortable walking shoes that can get wet
- Sun protection, especially for the afternoon on the Zambia side
- Money for entry fees, food and souvenirs
Watch Before You Go
A third-party video, embedded from YouTube. We have no relationship with its creator.
Falls Tour Questions
How much does the both-sides Victoria Falls guided tour cost in total?
The listing starts at $63 per person, and the entry fees are extra at $58 for Zimbabwe and $20 for Zambia, so budget at least $141 for the day, or $191 if you need the US$50 KAZA UniVisa. The full breakdown is in the costs table above.
Do I need a visa for this tour if I am already staying in Victoria Falls or Livingstone?
Yes, unless you already hold valid visas for both countries, because the day crosses an international border. Most eligible nationalities can buy the KAZA UniVisa for US$50, which covers Zimbabwe and Zambia with multiple entries for up to 30 days.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zimbabwe or Zambia?
The Zimbabwe side offers the longer rainforest walk along the widest stretch of the 1,708-meter curtain, while the Zambia side gives close views of the Eastern Cataract from Knife Edge Bridge. This tour does both in one day, and the point-by-point comparison is in the Zimbabwe or Zambia guide.
How much walking is involved on this guided tour?
About 3 hours on foot on the Zimbabwe side and 2 hours on the Zambia side, on rainforest paths, within a 6-hour day. Reviewers mention lots of walking and the heat on the Zambia side in the afternoon, and the best time to visit guide explains which months keep temperatures down.
Is the entry fee included in the tour price?
No. The listing states the entrance fees are not included: $58 on the Zimbabwe side and $20 on the Zambia side, paid on the day. Note that published fee schedules differ from the listing on both figures, as set out in the price section.
Can I combine this falls tour with a cruise on the Zambezi?
Yes, and many travellers do, since the tour is off the water entirely. The Pure Africa dinner cruise adds 3 hours on the river with a four-course dinner and drinks in the evening, and you can compare it with every other option in the tour comparison table.
What Recent Guests Say
What an incredible day! Mike and Sunshine were absolutely phenomenal guides and so happy we booked this to explore both sides of the Falls.
It was an amazing day, our Guide Brown was attentive and helpful, friendly, gave us history of the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. We enjoyed the whole day, lots of walking. Maybe we should have done each side of the falls on separate days especially as it was so hot in the afternoon when touring the Zambian side.
Very well-organized tour. The transportation and coordination between Zambia and Zimbabwe make it worth using an operator, especially on a first visit, when doing everything independently would be more complicated. I personally preferred the Zimbabwe side, with its longer walk and closer connection to the rainforest environment. Brown was an excellent guide, dedicated, knowledgeable, and very informative, adding real value to the experience. Definitely recommended.
Prices, availability and terms are set by the operator and confirmed at checkout.
We may earn a commission if you book through one of our links, at no extra cost to you. Full affiliate disclosure