Crossing the Zimbabwe-Zambia border at Victoria Falls is one of the most unique experiences in Africa. In this article, we tell you how to cross it on foot or by taxi, how much it costs, how the KAZA UniVisa works, and everything you will experience on the Zambezi Bridge among baboons and trucks.
Everything you need to know before crossing the border:
The KAZA UniVisa: The Key to Crossing Cheaply
If you arrive at Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe), you can apply for the KAZA UniVisa, a joint visa for Zimbabwe and Zambia.
It costs around 50 USD and allows you to enter and exit both countries for 30 days. This is the most recommended option if you want to visit Victoria Falls from both sides without paying for two separate visas.
Additionally, it is usually cheaper than buying an independent visa for Zambia when crossing the border.
Crossing the Zimbabwe-Zambia Border on Foot or by Taxi
I would recommend doing either the outbound or return journey on foot because it is quite an experience. Crossing the border on foot will take you about 30 minutes or a bit longer.
The path connects the Zimbabwean side with the Zambian border post, crossing the famous bridge over the Zambezi River.
It is not just a bureaucratic process: it is a walk full of local life, street vendors, trucks, and nature.
If you don’t want to walk, you can do the whole journey by taxi. The price is usually around 10 USD, though it is important to negotiate before getting in. In my case, we chose this option on the way back because it was very hot and we were more tired.
Monkeys, Trucks, and Vendors: The Atmosphere Along the Way
During the walk, you will encounter:
- Baboons and monkeys along the sides of the road.
- Huge trucks waiting to cross the border.
- Very persistent street vendors offering souvenirs (some of them walked with us the whole way).
It is a very active environment where the border feels like a small world in constant motion.
The vendors can be insistent, offering bracelets, wooden carvings, or old Zimbabwean banknotes. It’s part of the experience, although it can get a bit intense. Especially because you have to haggle for every single purchase.
The Bridge and Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls
The most iconic landmark is the bridge over the Zambezi River, which connects both countries.
From here, you can watch one of the most famous activities in the area: the Victoria Falls bungee jumping, featuring a drop of over 100 meters.
Arriving in Livingstone, the Zambian City
Once you cross the border, the nearest destination is Livingstone, located about 10 km from the checkpoint. You can easily get there by taxi for around 10 USD (a standard price for any trip in Zimbabwe or Zambia, at least from my experience).
It is the main city on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and a great base for continuing to explore the area.
Cheaper Souvenirs in Zambia (And Mandatory Haggling)
One of the surprises of the trip is that prices in Livingstone are usually cheaper than in Zimbabwe, especially compared to the tourist area around the falls.
You will find:
- Wooden carvings.
- African masks.
- Local textiles and clothing.
- Handcrafted souvenirs.
Mind you, haggling is mandatory. The first price is almost never the final one, and negotiating is all part of the shopping experience. My advice is to arrange a pickup time with your taxi driver to ensure your return journey, and also to have a good excuse to escape from so many shop owners wanting to show you their stalls.
Crossing from Zimbabwe to Zambia is not just a border procedure; it is one of the most unique and memorable experiences at Victoria Falls.
