You're playing a trivia game, or maybe you're just staring at a map, and the question pops up: how many countries starting with letter Z actually exist? Honestly, most people stumble here. They start guessing "Zanzibar" or "Zaire." Neither is a country today. Zanzibar is a beautiful semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, and Zaire changed its name back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo decades ago.
In reality, there are only two. Just two.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe sit in Southern Africa. They’re neighbors. They share a massive waterfall. They even share a bit of history. But if you think they’re basically the same place, you’ve got it all wrong. These two nations have wildly different vibes, economies, and stories to tell.
The Big Two: Zambia and Zimbabwe Explained
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. When we talk about countries starting with letter Z, we are looking at a very specific slice of the African continent. Both are landlocked, meaning no ocean views unless you count the massive Zambezi River, which is basically the lifeblood of the region.
Zambia: The Quiet Giant
Zambia is huge. Like, really big—it's roughly the size of France and the UK combined. Despite the size, it’s often the "quiet" neighbor. It gained independence from the UK in 1964 and has been one of the most stable democracies in the region ever since.
People here are incredibly chill. Lusaka, the capital, is a sprawling, fast-growing city, but the real magic is in the bush. Zambia is actually the birthplace of the "walking safari." Instead of sitting in a Jeep, you literally walk through the wilderness with a scout. It’s terrifying and brilliant all at once.
Zimbabwe: The Comeback Story
Then you’ve got Zimbabwe. It’s smaller than Zambia but packs a massive punch in terms of history and infrastructure. It was once the "breadbasket of Africa." Things got really rough economically for a while—we’re talking billion-dollar notes that couldn't buy a loaf of bread—but the country is incredibly resilient.
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Harare, the capital, feels a bit more "established" than Lusaka. The literacy rate here is one of the highest in Africa. Zimbabweans are famous for being some of the most educated and entrepreneurial people you’ll ever meet.
What Most People Get Wrong About Victoria Falls
This is the big one. If you’re looking up countries starting with letter Z, you’re probably looking at Victoria Falls. Both countries claim it. Both countries want your tourist dollars.
Here is the truth: Zimbabwe has the "view," but Zambia has the "thrill."
About 75% of the falls are on the Zimbabwean side. If you want those classic, panoramic photos where the water looks like a giant white curtain, you go to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. It’s got a paved path, 16 different viewpoints, and you’ll get absolutely soaked by the spray.
Zambia’s side, via the town of Livingstone, is different. It’s much more "up close and personal." In the dry season (usually September to December), you can actually walk on the top of the falls and swim in Devil’s Pool. You’re literally inches from the edge where the water plunges 100 meters down. It's not for the faint of heart.
Comparing the Costs in 2026
Prices have shifted lately. Entry fees to the parks aren't identical anymore.
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- Zimbabwe Side: Typically costs around $50 USD for international visitors.
- Zambia Side: Usually sits around $20 to $25 USD.
If you’re on a budget, Livingstone is usually the cheaper base. But honestly? If you’ve flown all that way, just get the KAZA UniVisa. It’s a special visa that lets you cross between both countries as much as you want for 30 days. It costs about $50 and saves you a massive headache at the border.
The Name Game: Where "Z" Actually Comes From
Ever wonder why these are the only two countries starting with letter Z? It’s not a coincidence. Both names were chosen to shed colonial identities.
Before 1964, Zambia was Northern Rhodesia. When they gained independence, they named themselves after the Zambezi River. It was a way to claim the land through its most powerful natural feature.
Zimbabwe was Southern Rhodesia (and briefly Zimbabwe Rhodesia). Their name is even cooler. It comes from the Shona phrase Dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means "houses of stone." They named the country after Great Zimbabwe, a massive medieval stone city built by the Gokomere people. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and proves that complex, wealthy civilizations existed in Southern Africa long before Europeans showed up.
Safari Wars: Which Country Does it Better?
If you’re choosing between these countries starting with letter Z for a vacation, the "best" one depends on what kind of traveler you are.
Zambia is for the purists. South Luangwa National Park is legendary. It’s got one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. Because there are fewer tourists, the camps feel more intimate. You’ll find yourself in a tiny bush camp with maybe six other people, listening to lions roar while you eat dinner. It feels "wilder."
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Zimbabwe is for the wildlife enthusiasts who want variety. Hwange National Park is the big player here. It’s famous for massive herds of elephants—we’re talking thousands of them. The infrastructure is a bit more "polished" than in Zambia. The guides in Zimbabwe are also widely considered the best-trained in Africa. To get a professional guide license in Zim, you have to go through years of grueling exams. They know everything from bird calls to the chemical makeup of dung.
A Note on Safety and Stability
Let’s be real: people worry about Zimbabwe because of the news. Political tension is a thing, and the economy is still a bit of a rollercoaster. But for travelers? It’s remarkably safe. The people are warm, and the tourism hubs are well-protected. Zambia is generally seen as the "safer" or more stable bet politically, but in both countries, the biggest danger you’ll face is probably a mosquito or a cheeky baboon trying to steal your snacks.
Actionable Insights for Your "Z" Country Adventure
If you are planning to visit or just want to sound like an expert on countries starting with letter Z, keep these tips in mind:
- Don't pick a side, do both. Use the KAZA UniVisa. Start in Livingstone (Zambia) for the adventure, then cross the bridge to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) for the views.
- Time it right. If you want to see the "Smoke that Thunders" at its peak, go between March and May. If you want to swim in Devil's Pool, you have to wait until the water is low, usually October or November.
- Currency is weird. In Zimbabwe, the US Dollar is king, but they have their own local zig currency too. In Zambia, use the Kwacha. Always carry small USD bills ($1s, $5s) for tips and markets.
- Support the locals. Whether it's buying a soapstone carving in Zimbabwe or a hand-woven basket in Zambia, the money goes a lot further when you buy directly from the artist rather than a hotel gift shop.
Zambia and Zimbabwe might be the only two countries starting with letter Z, but they offer enough culture, wildlife, and adrenaline to fill a dozen travel bucket lists. They aren't just entries in a geography quiz; they are two of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.
Next Step: Check the current KAZA UniVisa eligibility list to see if your passport qualifies for easy border hopping between Zambia and Zimbabwe.