Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | August to October | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lower Zambezi | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you are travelling in June to November
- you want walking safaris, night drives and fishing
- you hope to see lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas and eland
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking and scenic flights
- you hope to see giraffes and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lower Zambezi is stronger in June to November.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.