One of the best time to go to Victoria Falls if you wish to see it at its most spectacular is between February and Could, when the summer season rains flip it right into a cascading spectacle, seen and audible from far-off. Nevertheless, to mix it with the very best safari experiences, the dry season from June to October is good. That stated, Africa’s landscapes can look vastly completely different all year long, and the world’s largest sheet of falling water isn’t any exception. Understanding the completely different seasons, in addition to each Zimbabwe and Zambia as vantage factors for the Falls, is vital to planning your journey. Right here we break down every season and its highlights to assist information you.
Totally different seasons provide you with a distinct expertise of Victoria Falls, Picture Credit score: Matetsi Victoria Falls
Zambia vs Zimbabwe: Which Facet Is Higher?
Each Victoria Falls itinerary begins with one vital query: do you have to expertise the Falls from Zimbabwe, Zambia, or each?
The reply largely is dependent upon the form of expertise you are after. Zimbabwe is extensively thought of the very best aspect for panoramic views of Victoria Falls, with entry to round 75% of the viewpoints. Zambia, in the meantime, is finest identified for seasonal experiences like swimming in Satan’s Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
That stated, the 2 nations complement one another fantastically, and crossing between them is comparatively straightforward, making it fully attainable to benefit from the highlights of each in a single journey.
As a common rule, Zimbabwe provides essentially the most iconic ground-level views of the Falls, whereas Zambia offers a extra adventurous, up-close expertise throughout the low-water season. Helicopter flights, nonetheless, supply spectacular aerial views no matter which aspect you are staying on. Each Zimbabwe and Zambia additionally pair exceptionally properly with close by safari locations.
When unsure, see Victoria Falls from the skies, Picture Credit score: Wild Horizons
The Greatest Time to Go to Victoria Falls by Season
Victoria Falls is a year-round vacation spot, with every season bringing its personal distinctive flavour. The primary seasons are damaged up into high-water season, low-water season, summer season, winter, and peak safari season, with some seasons overlapping.
When deciding when to go to Victoria Falls, take into account that some actions, like swimming in Satan’s Pool, visiting Livingstone Island, and white-water rafting, are seasonal and solely attainable when water ranges are decrease. And though there is a finest time for many actions, you shouldn’t low cost these in-between seasons that aren’t as standard, as they’ll supply a “candy spot” of nice advantages, like higher availability, decrease charges, and a much less crowded expertise.
To assist information you, here is an outline of every season and what to anticipate. Nevertheless, for those who ebook your tailor-made luxurious Victoria Falls safari with us, our Journey Specialists will advocate the very best time to go to for what you wish to do and see.
February to July: Excessive-Water Season
That is when “The Smoke That Thunders” really earns its identify. Victoria Falls is at its fullest and most thunderous, making this the very best time to witness it in all its grandeur. From Victoria Falls Nationwide Park on the Zimbabwean aspect, you may take within the spectacle from 16 completely different viewpoints. Simply anticipate to get soaked by the mist (rain jackets are supplied), however this solely provides to the expertise!
With the Zambezi River in full flood, boat safaris come into their very own, so we extremely advocate each a dawn and sundown cruise on the Zambezi, as every provides one thing distinct. Recreation viewing at the very best reserves in Zimbabwe and Zambia is one other spotlight. Count on temperate climate: cool mornings that heat by way of the day and ease off once more within the evenings.
Count on to get moist when visiting Victoria Falls throughout the high-water season, Picture Credit score: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Highlights
Victoria Falls is at its fullest, supplying you with the complete expertise of its grandeur – you’re going to get soaked! It is the very best time for helicopter flights to take pleasure in a chook’s-eye viewSunrise and sundown boat safaris are incredible throughout this time
Splendid for
Seeing Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River in full flood.
The Commerce-off
Through the high-water season, the spray might be so dense that it obliterates the view from the bottom, so you would be higher off taking to the skies to view it from a helicopter.
Please notice: from round February, white-water rafting, in addition to entry to Satan’s Pool and Livingstone Island on Zambia’s aspect, are closed for the high-water season.
A river cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the best ways to start out and finish your day, Picture Credit score: Victoria Falls River Lodge
August to January: Low-Water Season
That is the very best time to see Victoria Falls from up shut, because the mist is decrease, so you will nonetheless really feel it however will not get drenched. You may also see the geological formations often hidden below the gushing water.
The low-water season can also be the right time to expertise why Victoria Falls is nicknamed “Africa’s Journey Capital”. That is the time to take pleasure in these seasonal actions – white-water rafting, swimming in Satan’s Pool, and visiting Livingstone Island! White-water rafting is finest from August to December, because the Zambezi River is mostly at its lowest and the rapids are most uncovered.
That is additionally a good time to take pleasure in bungee leaping, zip-lining, and gorge swinging (although they’re year-round actions) as a result of the climate is not as scorching. Migratory birds additionally begin arriving within the space round November, making it a good time for birdwatching.
White-water rafting is great in Zimbabwe’s low-water season, Picture Credit score: Wild Horizons
Highlights
White-water rafting, as this exercise is simply attainable when the water ranges are lowerSwimming in Satan’s Pool on the Zambian aspect (for those who’re staying in Zimbabwe, you may take a day journey throughout)Visiting Livingstone Island, because it opens once more as a result of decrease water ranges
Splendid for
Adrenaline seekers on the lookout for essentially the most exhilarating actions.
The Commerce-off
Some elements of the Falls would possibly dry up, so you would see extra financial institution than precise waterfall.
Submerge your self in Satan’s Pool, sitting proper on the sting of Victoria Falls, Picture Credit score: Livingstone Island
October to April: Inexperienced Season
If you happen to go to Victoria Falls throughout summer season, you may anticipate heat, humid situations (round 30°C throughout the day), in addition to some afternoon thunderstorms. Nevertheless, these storms assist quiet down the climate and end in gorgeous sunsets.
If you happen to love lazing by the pool, the summer season season is for you. Simply make sure you pack additional sunblock! Nevertheless, for those who’re not a fan of warmth and humidity, we do not advocate visiting in October and November, as these are the most well liked months in Victoria Falls. Some safari locations like Mana Swimming pools Nationwide Park in Zimbabwe additionally shut throughout the inexperienced season, with many camps being inaccessible throughout this time.
The Zambezi River is thought for its freshwater sport fishing, specifically, the tigerfish and tilapia. Though it is a year-round exercise, tiger fishing is finest throughout summer season on the Decrease Zambezi Nationwide Park. Additionally, chook lovers will take pleasure in recognizing the numerous resident and migrant species throughout.
Summer time sunsets on the Zambezi, Picture Credit score: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Highlights
Summer time is taken into account the very best season for birding, as resident and migrant species are prevalentYou may love the dawn and sundown boat cruises on the Zambezi River with vibrant skiesTiger fishing on the Decrease Zambezi River is at its finest
Splendid for
Making use of your riverside plunge pool, bird-watching and tiger fishing. April is a superb in-between month for extra temperate climate and fewer crowds.
The Commerce-off
The warmth and humidity is usually a bit uncomfortable for some visitors, particularly round October to November. January can also be the height wet season. Some camps is likely to be closed as a consequence of rainfall.
It is pool day day by day if you go to Victoria Falls in summer season, Picture Credit score: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Could to October: Dry Winter Season
Because the dry winter season creeps in and the temperatures drop a bit, that is thought of to be the right time to expertise Victoria Falls for those who’re not a fan of the warmth. However winter in Victoria Falls shouldn’t be what you are most likely used to, with somewhat temperate situations and lengthy, sunny days of round 20°C.
Winter can also be thought of the very best time for safaris in Zimbabwe and Zambia as a result of the bush is sparse, and wildlife gathers round scattered waterholes and riverbanks.
If you happen to’re fortunate, you may see a outstanding sight, particularly Victoria Falls’ mysterious lunar rainbow, additionally referred to as the moonbow. One of the best time to go to Victoria Falls to see this moonbow is from June to August. Nevertheless, please notice that it is dependent upon varied elements like clear skies, a full moon, not an excessive amount of spray from Victoria Falls, and extra.
Rely your self fortunate for those who see the particular lunar rainbow, Picture Credit score: Wild Horizons
Highlights
Count on nice sport viewing on the many surrounding nationwide parks and in neighbouring BotswanaYou would possibly be capable to see the unbelievable lunar rainbow between June and August White-water rafting and swimming within the well-known Satan’s Pool – water ranges dependent
Splendid for
Seeing the lunar rainbow (moonbow) and for the very best wildlife viewing.
The Commerce-off
Availability turns into restricted throughout the standard winter season. It is vital to additionally notice that sightings of the moonbow usually are not assured.
We are able to by no means get sufficient of seeing elephants, Picture Credit score: Matetsi Victoria Falls
June to October: Peak Safari Season
One of the best time to go to Victoria Falls if you wish to mix the joys of Victoria Falls with the joy of a safari is from June to October.
As that is the drier season, the vegetation is extra sparse, making it a superb time for sport viewing. You possibly can usually see massive herds of elephants and buffalo coming to the riverbanks to drink, in addition to loads of wildlife gathering round scattered waterholes.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are each house to world-renowned sport reserves. In Zimbabwe, Mana Swimming pools Nationwide Park is a should, with 4 oxbow swimming pools attracting a myriad of wildlife. We additionally advocate a Massive 5 safari in Hwange Nationwide Park, one in every of our continent’s largest conservation areas. Alternatively, Zambia’s South Luangwa Nationwide Park is finest for a strolling safari, whereas Kafue Nationwide Park is the second-biggest nationwide park on this planet. There are many different safari locations our Journey Specialists can advocate to you, too.
The dry season is a superb time to identify wildlife in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Picture Credit score: Wilderness Linkwasha
Highlights
Get pleasure from Massive 5 sport drives, boat safaris, canoe safaris, strolling safaris, horseback safaris, and moreAs that is the low water season, white-water rafting is at its finest (often between August and November)Observe in Dr David Livingstone’s footsteps as you tour Livingstone Island (Zambian aspect)
Splendid for
One of the best sport viewing and white-water rafting alternatives.
The Commerce-off
Since that is the height safari season, lodging availability is likely to be restricted, so superior planning is crucial. Water ranges are additionally decrease, so Victoria Falls can be much less thunderous.
Sundowners on safari is a magical time, Picture Credit score: Wilderness Linkwasha
Incessantly Requested Questions About Victoria Falls
How Many Days Do I Have to Go to Victoria Falls?
We advocate a keep of not less than three days (two nights) to get the very best expertise of Victoria Falls. This permits for someday of personal guided touring, one afternoon for a luxurious sundown cruise on the higher Zambezi, and someday for scenic flights or a microlight expertise with out dashing from exercise to exercise. Nevertheless, we advocate a day or two additional if you would like so as to add a safari ingredient to your Victoria Falls vacation.
Is the Excessive-Water Season the Greatest Time to Go to Victoria Falls?
One of the best time to see Victoria Falls in full circulate is throughout the high-water season between March and Could, after the summer season rains. Nevertheless, it is vital to notice that, though it is unbelievable to witness, the mist from the Falls might be so dense that it is exhausting to really recognize the view. You may additionally get soaked (rain jackets or ponchos are often supplied), however that can be a part of the enjoyable!
We advocate the “candy spot” months between June and August, when water ranges are excessive sufficient for a spectacular present, however the mist has cleared sufficient for clear pictures. This additionally aligns with the very best time for a safari.
When Is the Greatest Time to Go to Victoria Falls for Images?
For the very best images situations at Victoria Falls, we advocate you go to between June and August. Though the Falls usually are not in full circulate, the mist has cleared sufficient for unobstructed, ground-level captures. Nevertheless, if you would like to seize it in its full glory, we advocate a helicopter flight for aerial images throughout the high-water season, between February and July.
When Is Satan’s Pool Open?
Satan’s Pool is accessible solely from Zambia’s aspect, and it’s often open when water ranges are low sufficient, sometimes between mid-August and mid-January.
The Zambezi delivers golden hour with additional magic, Picture Credit score: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Let’s Make Your Victoria Falls Journey Occur
We regularly go to Victoria Falls and have skilled it all through all its seasons, utilizing our first-hand expertise to tailor personalised luxurious safaris.
So, for those who’re able to see not solely Victoria Falls however our continent’s many, many different wonders in individual, attain out to our Journey Specialists, and let’s begin planning!
