Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls

Best time to visit Victoria Falls entirely depends on what activities you are interested in doing as an individual or group. Well, a brief history of the falls will give a substantial impression so decided to prioritize it first, so basically long before the name Victoria falls appeared on any map, the locals know and knew it as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning the smoke that thunders. The falls are straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and both promote the falls as a major tourist attraction. To the indigenous people these falls are of both spiritual and cultural magnitude.

Victoria Falls

Early as 1855, Dr David Livingstone was the very first European explorer to discern the falls. Where he named his sighting “Victoria falls” in honor of queen Victoria, but the lozi language name “mosi-oa-tunya” continues in common usage. Since now the world heritage list officially recognizes both names. Tourism development around Victoria falls started in the early 1900s in this period is when the Victoria falls bridge was completed linking the two sides by rail. Which bridge offers activities like bungee jumps and scenic walks.

Tidbit

The Zambian side is part of the Mosi-oa-tunya National Park, while the Zimbabwean side is within Victoria falls National Park and are both protected areas aimed at conserving the Falls natural beauty and wildlife.

This thriving water falls is an ultimate objective list for adventure seekers, nature lovers and more stunning to camera addicts. But most consequential timing your visit is key.

So below will breakdown on best time to visit depending and even on the kind of adventure one is after.

1. February To May (Peak Water Flow)

Late February to early may is an ideal timing for Sighting Victoria water falls at its most powerful and dramatic nature, because this actually is due after a rainy season which leads to full volumes of river Zambezi leading to an overwhelming display of thunder like mist and unbridled energy of the Falls. The utter volume of the water is just stunning with top vibes, Making it great for dramatic photography lovers. Much as its striking nature, the mist can mostly esoteric the view. And also, some adventurous activities like swimming in the Devil’s pool may be put on a stand still.

2. June To August (Clear Skies And Ideal Viewing)

This is the stage where water levels start to drop its volume a bit lower thus providing best visibility with less water sprays making it ideal for best picture moment as well as a fantastic sightseeing of the falls. The seasons weather is dry and cool leading it to one of the most comfortable seasons to tour the falls. Most activities are open because they are safe than when the water levels are high. Since Victoria falls are neighbors which Chobe National Park and some other reserves offer safari experiences using advantage of the dry season. This season is popular so expect numbers during the visit.

3. September To November (Adventure Escapade And Low Volumes Of Water)

Being a dry season, the Zambezi River flows more slowly leading the falls to appear normal and less dramatic to specifically visitors aiming at sightseeing the dramatic falls. Much as its dryness there opens up opportunities for adrenaline activities;

• Like a thrilling swim right at the edge of the falls.
• Gripping white water rafting along Zambezi River.
• Low numbers and gives a good insight for wildlife viewing in near reserves and parks like Chobe National Park and Livingstone Island offering edge of the falls experience.
• Expect Scorching temperature’s which may raise to 40ºc can be ideal for hot weather activities.

Temperatures being high, this calls one to park accordingly.

Rains shrive back in early November to rejuvenate the falls water volumes may give life around greenery best for nature lovers.

4. December To January (Rainy Season And Highest Water Levels

This is now the period when rain begins leading to falls starting to refill gaining its powerful and dramatic nature. The season experiences both hot and humid weather conditions, where temperatures can go beyond 30ºc day time. With time, water starts increasing like in late January and some activities are put on a stand still like white water rafting, the Devil’s pool and living stone island may close due to increased volumes of water. Though since water levels are just still raising, one should not expect the falls to be at its peak. At this season rain can drop at any time which disrupts some outdoor activities like photography.

Activities Done At Victoria Falls

• Viewing the falls, This being visible from either country Zambia or Zimbabwe with re known spots including Devil’s cataract, knife-edge bridge and main falls.
• Devils pool in Zambian side, Naturally it’s a hard rock straining on the edge of the falls which appears most enjoyable during the dry season when water levels are low around (August-December) enabling swimming at the devil’s  pool.
• White water rafting, This is done on the Zambezi River which is below the falls and hence Supported by great rapids.

• Sunset river cruises, Best for photogenic, offering relaxing cruises on the upper Zambezi River with a thrilling wildlife viewing.

• Kayaking and canoeing, This mostly takes place on the upper stretches of the Zambezi.

• Activities in Victoria Falls town,
• Zip lining, this runs across the gorge with stunning views.
• Helicopter and microlight flights, It’s also referred to as “flight of angels” used for aerial views of the falls.

• Gorge swing, A heart-stopping swing across the batoka gorge.

• Bungee jumping, A 111-meter jump off the Victoria Falls bridge.

How to get to Victoria Falls

Accessibility wise Victoria falls can be reached from either countries Zimbabwe or Zambia. And on addition both countries at least have same good transport means to the falls by air, road means, train and on a low by water.

By air means

Transport by air is the most preferred means tourists ought to use because its fast and reliable, where the Victoria falls airport is located in Zimbabwe which is about 11 miles south of the country’s capital city as well as harry Mwanga Nkumbula international airport which is located in Zambia in living stone and it’s also about 3 miles north of the city or 6 kilometers from the falls.

Both airports receive regional and international flights,

Some of the international flights are from Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg. And regional links are from Harare; Windhoek, Lusaka, and cape town all these can link one to the falls.

And most airlines one can use flying to Victoria Falls are; Kenya airlines, airlink, fast jet, proflight Zambia, and South African Airlines.

Kubwa 5 safaris, can assist with luxury train bookings as part of your custom safari package.

Road means

One can drive to Victoria Falls or board a bus where there several bus companies that connect major cities in southern Africa to Victoria Falls like from Livingston its approximately a 7-8 hours’ drive, where as some minibuses and taxis connect Livingstone town to the falls and other nearby hotels. There are also taxis and tour shuttles which are readily available from towns to the falls. These means are kind of affordable and utmost for budgeted tourists.

To note; one can walk or drive across the Victoria falls bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

By train (much as it is scenic, it is quite slow)

On the Zimbabwe side there is a luxury train experience which is offered by companies like rovos rail (from Pretoria to the falls) preferably is also a local train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls which is slow and therefore mostly used by the natives. It moves overnight.

On the Zambian side their limited passengers for train services and also not the most reliable option for travel.

Use of water [ limited, but scenic options]
there are little or no regular passenger using boats top the falls which allows one to enjoy without being meddled the sunset cruises or private boat trips on the Zambezi River [mostly when one approaches the falls from Zambia side.

and to note the boats don’t reach the falls directly but are far great way to experience the surrounding beauty.

Need help with transfers? We’ve got you covered

• as a fully service tour operator, we provide;
• airport pickup and drop off
• private and group road transfers
• border crossing assistance
• custom transport packages for safari extensions

Accommodation at Victoria falls

since identifying the best spot to stay in is highly considered when one plans to visiting Victoria falls, whether luxury hostels, family friendly stays, hotels and lodges or budget backpackers at least there is an idea for every kind of traveler on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls and here is a take through to identifying accommodation places and what they offer.

On the Zimbabwe side, [Victoria falls town]

Tidbit, Victoria falls serve as the main tourist hub on the Zimbabwean side and it’s only a short drive from the entrance of the falls national park. With accommodation options like; Victoria falls hotel (views of the bridge), the elephant hills resort with a golf course, spa and river views and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with amazing sunset views and wildlife.

Under guesthouses; there is Phezulu Guest Lodge, Cresta Sprayview, and Shearwater Explorers village.

Then for budget and backpackers’ options; we have like two majorly the shoestrings backpackers and Victoria Falls Rest Camp.

The nearby attractions to the accommodation places are

• Just a walk to the entrance of the falls
• Within restaurants, banks and tour centers
• Sunset cruises, bungee jumping, game drives and also cultural shows by the local people.

On the Zambia side

Here Livingstone is the nearby town to the Zambian side of the falls which approx. to 10 km away its historical and got a great ideal option of accommodation and also culture.

Places to stay;

Under luxuries lodges and hotels there’s;

• Tongabezi Lodge (best for romantic moments)
• Avani Victoria Falls Resort (ideal for families and just a walking distance to the falls)
• Royal Livingstone Hotel (Just astride the Zambezi River)

Mid-range and budget stays.

• Marimba river lodge
• Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
• Zinga backpackers
• Fawlty towers.
• Jolly boys’ backpackers.

Attractions around include;

A walkable distance to the Zambian falls entrance [though not to all hotels]

There local museums, markets, and historical sites. Not leaving behind the Zambezi River activities like rafting, and sunset cruise.

Both the sides have best views to the falls, closer to adventure activities, good for luxury travelers and cultural motive where the Zimbabwe side is more of tourist centered whereas the Zambia more of local and cultural experience.

Most Asked Questions.

1. Where Is Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is shared amongst two border countries, Zimbabwe and Zambia with a spanning River Zambezi, accessibility wise Victoria Falls has got two towns that serve as entry pass to the falls, namely Victoria Falls  town which lies on the Zimbabwean side highly developed as a tourism center and Livingstone town on the Zambian side giving access to the falls from either side of the country though Zimbabwe side offers the most stunning panoramic view.

2. Is Victoria falls UNESCO World Heritage Site?

yes! Victoria Falls was designated a UNESCO site as early as 1989 due its magnificent and outstanding natural beauty as well as its geological, ecological and most importantly its cultural value, where the locals refer the falls to Mosi-Oa-tunya which when translated means the smoke that thunders implicating to its significance to the local community.

What Activities Are Available At Victoria Falls?

There quit a variety of activities at the falls starting with guided tours to the main falls, Helicopter or  Microlight flights, White water rafting, Bungee jumping, Swimming at the Devil’s pool on the Zambian side and this activity only takes place during low water volumes and closed when water levels raise, Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi River not leaving out Wildlife Safaris in the nearby National Parks like Victoria Falls National Park.

Do I Need a Visa To Visit Victoria Falls?

The visa restrictions come in depending on ones nationality, where one may need a visa for zimbabwe or zambia which is known as the KAZA Univisa which gives access in to both countries with a single visa.

Who Discovered Victoria Falls?

David Livingstone was the first  European  explorer to descend to the falls in the early 1855 where during his Discovery of a stunning falls was impressed there after named his sighting Victoria Falls in regard of Queen Victoria.

How Big Is Victoria Falls?

The falls are approx. about 1.7 km  with width of 1.1 miles wide and and over 100 meters high making the falls the largest sheet of falling waters in the World.

Which Country Offers The Best View Of The Victoria Falls Zambia Or Zimbabwe?

Accurately, Both Countries Zambia and Zimbabwe offer blast views of Victoria Falls, though now the difference comes in different experiences, impling the best country to view the Falls from depends on what you want to see or do. where the Zimbabwe side is best for offering the most iconic and uninterrupted views of the main Falls with well developed viewing points within Victoria Falls National Park. Concurrently, 75% of the Falls are visible from the Zimbabwean side.

Zambia is mostly transparent for adventure and close up experiences, there fewer crowds in numbers of tourists, the falls are great during the dry season when paths open to the edge of the falls allowing easy access to Devils pool making it out for those interested in Swimming and Livingstone Island with unique experiences only possible from the Zambian side, there is also a right close up to the falls, especially during lower water levels.

However during the high water season which is march to may there high water sprays that may obscure the view thereby some parts of the falls may be inaccessible.

A Final Verdict:

One can go with Zimbabwe if the needs are classic postcard view of the full falls vibes, or choose Zambia basically for adventure, intimacy and special seasonal activities like swimming at the Devil’s pool.

Finally to choose both if aimed at the ultimate Victoria Falls experience.

In a nutshell, No matter when according to seasons you choose to visit Victoria Falls, whether cloaked in mist or kissed by sun, Victoria Falls dances to the rhythm of seasons with thundering mist in her full bodied roar or whispering secrets in the hush of the dry skies, letting each season offering its own unique charm. So whether you’re a Thrill-seeker, Photographer or Nature lover, there’s truly no bad time to witness this amiable natural wonder.

Basically, will you marvel at the mist or dare to dip into the Devil’s pool? [simming]. Make your arrangement to your visit now and let the mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya leave you breathless.

Victoria Falls timing is so ideal depending on one’s desires and activities they wish to carry out, where by around [february-May] its a season of high waters enabling the falls appear most powerful and dramatic in nature, though mist may obscure for vivid views. Around [sept-dec] the water volumes are low allowing access to the devil’s pool best for those who would wish to swim at the falls on addition clear. viewing of the rock formations.[June-August]this is a shoulder season that has got good balance between water flow and visibility as well. so in summary there are mainly three seasons to visit Victoria Falls depending on ones activities aimed at.

As a thrilling vacation company, we partner with a range of hotels, lodges and camps on both sides of the falls, will always match you most desirable place based on budget and taste. We are here to help you book the alluring stay.

• Itinerary planning
• Costing
• Airport transfers
• Lodge bookings
• Border crossing assistance

Reach out to Kubwa Five Safaris today to plan your Victoria falls experience, a full package with amiable accommodation and special adventures.