Where Is Victoria Falls and Why It Matters
When most people hear about Victoria Falls, they imagine a roaring wall of water crashing into the depths of Africa — a spectacle of mist, thunder, and rainbows. But surprisingly, one of the most frequently searched travel questions is still:
Where is Victoria Falls?
It’s a fair question. Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, yet many travelers don’t know exactly where Victoria Falls is located, or which country claims it. This blog will answer that — in detail — while also sharing the history of Victoria Falls, from its ancient indigenous roots to the moment it appeared on European maps.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand where Victoria Falls is, but also how its geography, culture, and colonial past have shaped it into one of Africa’s most powerful destinations.
You’ll learn:
- Where is Victoria Falls on a map?
- What countries share Victoria Falls?
- How did Victoria Falls get its name?
- Who discovered Victoria Falls from the European perspective?
- What did Victoria Falls mean to indigenous communities?
- Where is Victoria Falls today in global tourism and history?
Whether you’re planning a visit, teaching geography, or just want to know where Victoria Falls is and how it came to be, this in-depth article covers everything.
Let’s begin by answering the world’s most asked question about this landmark:
Where is Victoria Falls — and why is it so famous?
Where Is Victoria Falls Located on the Map?
So, where is Victoria Falls exactly?
Victoria Falls is located in Southern Africa, straddling the international border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It sits right on the Zambezi River, the fourth-longest river in Africa, which serves as the natural dividing line between the two countries. The falls are shared almost equally between the towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) — each offering different viewpoints, lodges, and experiences.
When people ask where is Victoria Falls on a map, they’re often surprised to find that this iconic waterfall isn’t located in one single country. Instead, Victoria Falls is a natural border — a bridge between two nations and two cultures.
Interactive Map: Where Is Victoria Falls?
This embedded map shows where Victoria Falls is located in Africa, highlighting:
- The Zambezi River, which creates the falls
- The twin towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia)
- The Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects both sides
- The surrounding national parks: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) and Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe)
Zoom in to explore the exact GPS coordinates of the falls, the rainforest trail systems, the bridge crossing, and the various viewpoints available to travelers depending on which country they’re visiting.
Coordinates & Location Facts
- Latitude/Longitude of Victoria Falls: 17°55′28″S 25°51′24″E
- Continent: Africa
- Region: Southern Africa
- Countries: Zimbabwe (south bank) and Zambia (north bank)
- River: Zambezi River
So if you’re still asking where is Victoria Falls, the answer is this:
It’s not just in one place. Victoria Falls exists between two countries, serving as a natural wonder that unites nations, cultures, and ecosystems.
The Indigenous History of Victoria Falls Before Its “Discovery”
Long before the name “Victoria Falls” was ever spoken, the people who lived along the Zambezi River had already known and revered the waterfall for centuries. If you’re wondering where is Victoria Falls in terms of its deeper cultural meaning, the story begins not with maps or explorers — but with the Tonga and Lozi peoples, who first gave this natural wonder its original name: Mosi-oa-Tunya.
🌀 Mosi-oa-Tunya: The Smoke That Thunders
The name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke That Thunders”, comes from the local Lozi language. This powerful name perfectly describes the scene: columns of spray rising high into the sky, visible from over 30 kilometers away, and the deafening roar of water crashing down into the gorge.
To the Tonga and Lozi communities, Victoria Falls was more than just a waterfall — it was a sacred place. It marked a division of worlds: land and river, spirits and ancestors, wilderness and sky. Many indigenous groups believed the mist held healing powers, and they conducted rituals and offerings near the edge of the falls.
So when we ask where is Victoria Falls, we’re also asking: Where does the story begin? And the answer lies deep within Africa’s oral traditions, not just in colonial history books.
🛶 Indigenous Life Around the Falls
For centuries, local communities used the Zambezi River for fishing, trading, farming, and spiritual ceremonies. The area surrounding what is now known as Victoria Falls was rich with biodiversity and sacred meaning, and many tribal routes passed along the riverbanks.
Local guides still tell stories of ancient stone tools found in the gorges and caves near the falls — artifacts that prove the presence of early human settlement long before any European explorer ever approached this region.
So when someone asks “Where is Victoria Falls?”, they’re not just asking for a geographic point — they’re asking about a place that’s been central to African life, identity, and reverence for hundreds — even thousands — of years.
In the next section, we’ll explore the moment this powerful place was renamed, and the man whose arrival changed the global perception of the falls forever.
The European Discovery of Victoria Falls – David Livingstone and Colonial Naming
While the question Where is Victoria Falls can be answered geographically, the deeper story of how it came to be known worldwide begins in the mid-19th century — with a man named David Livingstone.
In 1855, Scottish missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone became the first European to witness the falls, guided by local Makololo tribesmen along the Zambezi River. Upon seeing the massive curtain of water for the first time, he recorded:
“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Overcome by the grandeur of what he saw, Livingstone named it Victoria Falls, in honor of Queen Victoria of Britain, despite the fact that the site already had a powerful indigenous name: Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.”
The Politics Behind the Name
So, where is Victoria Falls from a naming standpoint? It exists at the intersection of colonial history and African tradition. While Europeans adopted and promoted the name Victoria Falls, local communities have always recognized the site as Mosi-oa-Tunya, a name still used today on the Zambian side of the falls, particularly within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
For over a century, British colonial maps and travel literature made Victoria Falls a symbol of empire — a dramatic spectacle at the heart of “Darkest Africa,” later popularized in European journals and travelogues. The naming erased — though never truly replaced — the rich cultural meaning it held for the local peoples who had lived alongside it for generations.
Livingstone’s Legacy: Monument or Misunderstanding?
A statue of David Livingstone now stands on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, just above one of the most famous viewpoints. For some, it is a monument to discovery and courage. For others, it’s a reminder of the era when Africa’s natural wonders were renamed, redrawn, and claimed without consent.
But regardless of how one views Livingstone’s legacy, his visit marked the beginning of Victoria Falls’ global recognition. From the 1860s onward, European explorers, settlers, and railway developers made the area more accessible — ultimately laying the foundation for the tourism industry we know today.
So when you ask Where is Victoria Falls, you’re not just asking about coordinates or rivers. You’re asking about a place that has been named, renamed, and interpreted through both African and European eyes — each contributing to the layered identity of this iconic site.
Modern Geography – Where Is Victoria Falls Today and How Is It Shared Between Nations?
In today’s political geography, where is Victoria Falls located? The answer remains unique: Victoria Falls is shared by two countries — Zimbabwe and Zambia — with each nation managing its own side of the falls and offering distinct visitor experiences.
The waterfall itself lies on the Zambezi River, which serves as the international border. This means that Victoria Falls is not fully within one country, but instead functions as a natural landmark straddling both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Which Side Has More of Victoria Falls?
- Zimbabwe is home to about 75% of the main viewing points, particularly the famous Victoria Falls Rainforest trail, which offers uninterrupted frontal views of the widest parts of the falls.
- Zambia offers access to about 25% of the waterfall face, with highlights like Knife-Edge Bridge, Devil’s Pool, and Livingstone Island — features that are more interactive but heavily seasonal depending on water levels.
So if you’re asking Where is Victoria Falls for the best views?, the answer is often: Zimbabwe. But if you’re asking Where is Victoria Falls for the best activities?, Zambia brings its own dramatic appeal.
Twin Gateway Towns: Victoria Falls vs. Livingstone
To further understand where Victoria Falls is today, it’s important to know the two gateway towns:
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – A walkable tourist town directly adjacent to the falls entrance, with a mix of safari lodges, curio markets, craft shops, and cultural centers.
- Livingstone (Zambia) – A slightly larger town set a few kilometers away from the falls, offering a more spread-out experience with a mix of local life, museums, and river lodges.
Both towns are connected by the Victoria Falls Bridge, which serves as an international crossing point for vehicles and pedestrians — and a thrilling viewing platform over the gorge.
Cross-Border Access: Visiting Both Sides
Thanks to the KAZA Univisa, travelers can easily explore both sides of the falls. This visa, available to most nationalities, allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, making it easier than ever to experience the full power and perspective of Victoria Falls.
If you’re planning a visit, the answer to Where is Victoria Falls best seen from? is simple: both sides offer something extraordinary — and now, you don’t have to choose.
Where Is Victoria Falls Recognized Internationally?
Victoria Falls has also earned its place on the global stage:
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed under both Zimbabwe and Zambia
- It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
- It attracts over 1 million international visitors annually, with increased infrastructure and access through Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)
So in modern terms, when people search Where is Victoria Falls, they’re asking about one of the most shared, celebrated, and awe-inspiring natural borders in the world — a waterfall that belongs to two countries and is loved by the world.
Why Victoria Falls Is More Than Just a Location — Its Global and Cultural Significance
When people ask where is Victoria Falls, they’re often thinking in terms of geography — but the real answer goes far beyond maps and borders. Victoria Falls is more than a physical place. It’s a symbol of natural power, cultural identity, and African pride. It’s a destination that represents both ancient reverence and modern-day wonder.
A Natural Wonder That Unites the World
Recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is often compared to Niagara Falls and Iguazu Falls — yet it stands alone in both scale and experience. While Niagara offers urban tourism and Iguazu brings dense rainforest views, Victoria Falls combines raw natural spectacle with untouched wilderness, cultural heritage, and river-based adventure.
This makes Victoria Falls not just one of the most visited places in Africa, but one of the most celebrated waterfalls in the world.
So when someone asks Where is Victoria Falls in the global travel landscape?, the answer is: right at the top — as a flagship destination in African tourism.
A Cultural Anchor for Zimbabwe and Zambia
Beyond international fame, Victoria Falls holds deep local meaning. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” the waterfall is honored on currency, national park signage, tourism branding, and local mythology.
For Zimbabweans, Victoria Falls is a national pride — it appears on coins, banknotes, and stamps. For Zambians, it is both a heritage site and the centerpiece of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which protects not only the falls but endangered species like the white rhino.
Both countries celebrate Victoria Falls Day, host cultural festivals, and teach the story of the falls in schools. It’s not just where is Victoria Falls located — it’s where history, heritage, and economy converge.
Spiritual and Environmental Importance
For local communities, Victoria Falls is also a sacred place. Traditional leaders in the region still recognize the waterfall as a site of ancestral power, and some areas around the gorge are treated as spiritual zones where rituals are performed.
Environmentally, Victoria Falls is central to the Zambezi River ecosystem, which supports millions of people through fishing, agriculture, and eco-tourism. Protecting the falls means protecting the entire river system — from Angola to Mozambique.
Where Is Victoria Falls in the Future?
As we move toward 2025 and beyond, Victoria Falls continues to evolve. Infrastructure improvements, sustainable tourism models, and community-driven conservation efforts are reshaping how travelers experience it.
But no matter how much development surrounds it, the question Where is Victoria Falls will always lead to more than just coordinates. It’s a place of sound, mist, spirit, and scale — and to stand before it is to feel the power of Africa itself.
FAQs – People Also Ask: Where Is Victoria Falls, What Country, What River, and More
Where is Victoria Falls located?
Victoria Falls is located in Southern Africa, right on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It sits on the Zambezi River, which divides the two countries. The town of Victoria Falls lies on the Zimbabwean side, while Livingstone is the nearest town on the Zambian side.
What country is Victoria Falls in?
Victoria Falls is shared by two countries — Zimbabwe and Zambia. The majority of the waterfall’s viewing points are on the Zimbabwe side, but Zambia offers unique experiences like Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island.
Where is Victoria Falls on a map?
Victoria Falls is found in southern-central Africa, along the Zambezi River, at approximately 17°55′28″S 25°51′24″E. It lies between the towns of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia.
What river is Victoria Falls on?
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest river. The Zambezi originates in Zambia and flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean.
Is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia?
Victoria Falls spans both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Zimbabwe offers the best panoramic views of the falls, while Zambia provides close-up access to the edge and unique seasonal attractions.
Where is Victoria Falls best viewed from?
The most expansive views of Victoria Falls are from the Zimbabwe side, where over 75% of the falls are visible year-round. The Zambian side offers seasonal access to Devil’s Pool and unique perspectives from Knife-Edge Bridge.
When was Victoria Falls discovered by Europeans?
David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, was the first European to document Victoria Falls in 1855. However, local tribes had known and revered the site for centuries before that, calling it Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Is Victoria Falls a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Victoria Falls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and geological importance. The site is protected under the stewardship of both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Can I visit both sides of Victoria Falls?
Yes. With the KAZA Univisa ($50), most travelers can cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia freely for up to 30 days, allowing them to experience both sides of Victoria Falls during one trip.
Where is Victoria Falls in relation to major cities?
Victoria Falls is approximately:
- 1.5 hours by air from Johannesburg, South Africa
- 1 hour by air from Lusaka, Zambia
- 8 hours by road from Windhoek, Namibia (via Katima Mulilo)
- Close to Kasane, Botswana, gateway to Chobe National Park
Why Knowing Where Victoria Falls Is Matters More Than Ever
In a world where travel is driven by photos, checklists, and social media hashtags, many people still ask the most fundamental question:
Where is Victoria Falls?
But behind that question lies much more than just coordinates or border crossings. Understanding where Victoria Falls is means understanding its role in geography, history, culture, and identity — not just in Zimbabwe or Zambia, but across the entire African continent.
It’s a place that holds the power to bring together two countries, welcome millions of international travelers, and honor the stories of ancient communities who named it Mosi-oa-Tunya, long before anyone called it Victoria Falls.
So whether you’re planning a trip, writing a school paper, teaching geography, or dreaming of one of the world’s great natural wonders, asking where is Victoria Falls will always lead you to something deeper: a journey into the heart of Africa.
At VictoriaFallsAfrica.com, we don’t just help you find the answer to that question — we help you experience it fully. With our curated content, trusted local partners, and expert insights, you’ll know not only where Victoria Falls is, but why it matters — now more than ever.
Ready to go beyond the map?
Visit VictoriaFallsAfrica.com to:
- Browse custom tours and safaris
- Compare Zimbabwe vs Zambia accommodation
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- And start planning a trip that shows you exactly where Victoria Falls is — in the real world, and in your memory forever
