The Victoria Falls has two main ‘viewing seasons’ and depending on the time of year, you may fall anywhere in between these two. The peak flood season takes place during March and April and is ideal if you’d like to see the falls in their full glory. Masses of water cascade down into the river below creating a magnificent cloud of spray around the area. During the height of the flood season, this cloud can be seen from 80km away! As a result, the full magnitude of the falls cannot be viewed in its entirety from afoot. We therefore recommend you take a helicopter ride or, if you’re really brave a microlite flight for breathtaking aerial views.
As we approach the dry season between November and December, the amount of water that passes over the falls decreases until only small rivers of water can be seen, but as a result the view from below becomes increasingly impressive. One can really begin to appreciate the scope and magnificence of the falls during this period.
Zimbabwe’s and Zambia’s seasons fall on very similar months, give or take a month. Zimbabwe’s winter lasts a month or so longer (May to September/October vs. Zambia’s May to August), while its rainy season starts and ends a month earlier than Zambia’s (November to March vs. Zambia’s December to April).
Travel and Wild life
The Zimbabwean winter months are much more pleasant than the hot summer months, making them ideal for travelling and game viewing. But don’t be deceived – the winter nights can become surprisingly cold (temperatures can drop below freezing). Make sure to pack a jersey or jumper for early mornings and evenings. The days are ideal for game viewing as the animals tend to congregate near water holes and are therefore more easily observed.
Water sports
For river rafters and other water sport enthusiasts, the best time of year falls between August and December when the levels of the mighty Zambezi River are low.
Crowds
During the South African school holidays (mid-April to mid-May and mid-July to mid-September) the tourist sites and national parks are quite crowded. December and early January are slightly better (Namibian school holidays) but the best time is in June when the weather is also pleasantly cool.
KEEPING OCCUPIED
White Water Rafting (day trips and expeditions)
River Cruises (Breakfast, Lunch, Sundown and Ornithologist’s cruises available)
Tandem Kayaking
River boarding
Jet Boating
Canoeing (upper and lower Zambezi)
River Safaris
Victoria Falls Bridge
The world’s highest free-standing bungee jump
The Zambezi Swing (For about $100, this South African group lets you abseil, rap jump, do a zip line, and — the highlight — a gorge swing. While Bungi Jumping is over in a few minutes, these guys let you play all day).
Abseiling, high-wiring, rap-jumping and gorge-swinging
Game drives (half and full day, night drives)
Tours (Traditional, Cultural, Zambezi Nature Sanctuary, Falls Tour)
Aerial trips (microlight, ultralight, helicopter and fixed-wing flights)
Hiking trails and nature walks
Horseback and Elephant Trails
Steam Train Rides
Snake Park
Mukuni Victoria Falls Craft Village (Curios )
Adventure Centre in Livingstone Town
Livingstone Island (where David Livingstone had his first glimpse of the falls).
Victoria Falls Field Museum.
Railway Museum
Mosi O Tunya National Park
Mukuni Village (authentic tribal village)
Quick access to Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
CALL STEPHANIE 031 769 1305 info@africagetaways.co.za
