A Spotlight on Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls changes dramatically with the seasons, so choosing when to visit depends on whether you want the Falls at their most powerful or the widest choice of activities. 

For the thunderous “Smoke That Thunders” experience, March and April bring the highest water levels, enormous volumes of spray and an unforgettable sense of power, although the mist can be so intense that it sometimes obscures the Falls themselves. For the best balance of spectacular water, dramatic mist and clear views, May to July is the sweet spot, with June in particular being a great month to visit. 

If adventure is the priority, August and September are ideal: lower water levels bring excellent visibility and open up activities such as Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool and white-water rafting, while the surrounding dry-season wildlife viewing is superb. October remains a good choice for adventure and safari, but the Falls are beginning to recede significantly. 

By November and December, water levels are at their lowest and parts of the Zambian side can become surprisingly dry, so this is the period to avoid if seeing Victoria Falls at its most impressive is the main reason for your trip. 

Victoria Falls is far more than a waterfall: it offers a wealth of adventure, wildlife and Zambezi experiences. Whether its a guided walk through the rainforest and along the Falls’ viewpoints, or taking to the skies on a helicopter or microlight flight for an unforgettable perspective of the immense cataracts and Batoka Gorge, there are plenty of ways to take in the Falls. 

On the river, a sunset cruise is a must, with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles and elephants, while canoeing offers a quieter way to explore the upper Zambezi. For wildlife, nearby national parks on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe river sides offer game drives and walking safaris, although serious safari enthusiasts will most likely want additional safari experiences during their trips. 

Adrenaline seekers are spoiled for choice, from white-water rafting through the Batoka Gorge to bungee jumping, gorge swinging and abseiling. In the drier months, Livingstone Island and the famous Devil’s Pool provide one of Africa’s great bucket-list experiences, while horse riding, fishing and cultural excursions offer gentler alternatives. 

There are a host of beautiful places to stay, both close to Victoria Falls and slightly further afield. We are here to help you decide what suits you best and here are a handful of our favourite options in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Victoria Falls works beautifully with a longer stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe or as part of a wider southern African adventure when paired with another destination offering a completely different experience. South Africa and Victoria Falls is a great all-round combination, bringing together Cape Town, the Winelands or a Big Five safari before finishing with the drama of the Falls. Botswana and Victoria Falls is a natural pairing for wildlife lovers, combining some of Africa’s most spectacular safari experiences in the Okavango Delta or Chobe with the Zambezi and Victoria Falls. For something a little more off the beaten track, Malawi offers a wonderful mix of wildlife, varied landscapes and laid-back lakeside relaxation, with time around Lake Malawi complementing the adventure and spectacle of the Falls perfectly.