When Dr Livingstone first came upon Victoria Falls in 1855, he wrote that "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. The spectacle today is no less magnificent or monumental to behold.
Swim in Devil’s Pool, an infinity pool like no other, where daring swimmers can peek precariously over the edge of the falls
Take to the skies by helicopter, plane or microlight for a bird’s-eye view of 'the smoke that thunders'
Watch rainbows arc across a mile-wide stretch of plummeting white water, or (if the moon is bright and full enough) lunar rainbows that drift in and out of sight
Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River, keeping watch for crocodiles, hippos and elephants
Tackle some of the most exciting white-water rapids in the world on an exhilarating raft or canoe trip
Overview
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic sights, its noise greater than a million migrating wildebeest, its mists visible from 40 miles away. It was Livingstone who named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals it’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders’. The falls are a mile wide and crash from a height twice that of Naigara down into the Zambezi, creating an endless shower of rain and rainbows. There are national parks on either side, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambia side and Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. Both contain abundant wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe and a variety of antelope.
A visit to the falls offers different experiences depending on the time of year you visit. During the wet season from February to June, the falls are at their fullest, with an estimated 500 million litres of water cascading over the falls every minute. The sound is spectacular but visibility is limited by the mist and spray. The dry season from July to January offers the clearest views, when the spray isn’t as thick.
Just as thrilling are the activities on offer, with white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging and canoeing all helping to cement the area’s reputation as the adrenaline capital of Africa. For a different perspective, try taking to the skies in a helicopter, microlight or single-engine plane – the modern equivalent of Livingstone’s angels in flight.
When to visit
Best
Good
Varied
January
30ºC
Maximum Tempurature
18ºC
Minimum Tempurature
191mm
Average Rainfall
Water levels at Victoria Falls are increasing. This is the beginning of 'high water' season, when views of the falls can be obscured by mist and spay, so expect to get a bit wet when viewing them. This is a good time for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island close around mid-January due to high water levels.
February
30ºC
Maximum Tempurature
18ºC
Minimum Tempurature
180mm
Average Rainfall
The Zambezi River is starting to rise after the summer rains, meaning there is more water going over the falls, leading to an increase in spray and mist, guaranteeing a soaking when viewing the falls. This is still a good time for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
March
30ºC
Maximum Tempurature
16ºC
Minimum Tempurature
99mm
Average Rainfall
The Zambezi River is fast flowing from the summer rains and Victoria Falls is in full flow, a spectacular sight of sheer magnificence and power, sending up an immense cloud of spray. It's a good time to view the famous spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow, though if visiting at this time expect to get very wet. This is a great time for flights over the falls. Many rafting operators stop white-water rafting at the end of March due to high river levels. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
April
29ºC
Maximum Tempurature
14ºC
Minimum Tempurature
29mm
Average Rainfall
This is one of the best months to experience the full force of Victoria Falls, with immense clouds of spray and a thundering soundtrack. It's an especially good time to view the spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow. If visiting at this time expect to get very wet and bear in mind that the spray may obscure your view of the falls. This is a great time to see the falls from the air. Water levels are too high for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
May
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
2mm
Average Rainfall
The water flowing over Victoria Falls is still very high, making for some spectacular viewing and an opportunity to view the spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow. If visiting at this time expect to get very wet and bear in mind that the spray may obscure your view of the falls. This is a great time to see the falls from the air. Water levels are too high for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
June
25ºC
Maximum Tempurature
6ºC
Minimum Tempurature
2mm
Average Rainfall
Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. The white-water rafting season opens as soon as the water drops to a safe level. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
July
25ºC
Maximum Tempurature
6ºC
Minimum Tempurature
0mm
Average Rainfall
Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. The white-water rafting season opens as soon as the water drops to a safe level. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
August
25ºC
Maximum Tempurature
6ºC
Minimum Tempurature
0mm
Average Rainfall
Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. August is one of the best months for white-water rafting. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool open as soon as the water drops to a safe level.
September
32ºC
Maximum Tempurature
13ºC
Minimum Tempurature
1mm
Average Rainfall
Water levels at the falls are low making visibility good. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
October
33ºC
Maximum Tempurature
17ºC
Minimum Tempurature
27mm
Average Rainfall
Water levels at the falls are low making visibility good, although the falls can appear less impressive now. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
November
32ºC
Maximum Tempurature
18ºC
Minimum Tempurature
64mm
Average Rainfall
The Zambezi River is at its lowest level of the year and the water going over the falls is at its lowest point. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
December
30ºC
Maximum Tempurature
18ºC
Minimum Tempurature
175mm
Average Rainfall
Water levels at Victoria Falls are still relatively low making visibility good, although the falls can appear less impressive. This is a good time for white-water rafting and for swimming in Devil's Pool.