When to Go
Victoria Falls can be at any time of the year, however your interests greatly influence the best time to go. The experience of visiting Victoria Falls varies depending on the time of the year, the falls is quite different in each months of the year and it is quite a difference, not just in temperatures, but most importantly in water levels.
During the dry season (from June to December), the water levels gradually drop. Usually November sees the lowest water levels, revealing more of the underlying rock formations and allowing for clear views of the falls, but also drying up the Zambian side of the falls. This is the ideal time for activities like white water rafting when the water flow is less intense, this is the only time when Devil’s Pool is open and you can take a dip at the edge of the falls.
The rainy season (from January to May) bring a dramatic increase in water flow, transforming Victoria Falls into a thundering torrent of water. While the mist many obstruct some views, the sheer volume of water creates a mesmerizing spectacle that is unmissable. This time of the year is perfect for experience the falls at their most powerful and vibrant, with lush vegetation surrounding the area in full bloom.
How Long to Stay at Victoria Falls
The ideal duration to fully appreciate the magic of Victoria Falls largely depends on your preferences as an individual and the desired depth of exploration. For comprehensive experience including a visit to both side of the falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia), we recommend a minimum of two to three nights.
This allows ample opportunity to explore the various viewpoints of the falls, embark on romantic activities such as sunset boat rides and island picnics as well as time to enjoy some of the wildlife around the might falls. If you are up for adrenaline-pumping activities you can enjoy bungee jumping or white-water rafting and you will have enough time for time.
Where to stay: Zambian or Zimbabwean Side of Victoria Falls
When choosing where to stay, there are a few things to know.- Zambian side: there are many boutique-sized, owner run riverside lodges offering romantic boat experience, island picnics, and riverside dinner. Most of these lodges and hotels are located a bit outside of Livingstone town, so to get to Victoria Falls you need transportation. Livingstone Town itself isn’t a great place to stay.
- Zimbabwean side: Victoria Falls Town is a traditional resort town, very touristy and lots of hotels are located directly in town in walking distance of the falls. Here you can stay in one of the historical hotels with traditional high tea in the afternoon and feel like you are transported back to colonial times. Here it is less serene and romantic, but more historic.
What to do: on both sides of Victoria Falls
Your interest of staying on both sides of Victoria Falls depends largely on activities you want to pursue during your time at Victoria Falls, strongly we believe your visit to the Victoria Falls shouldn’t be the only activity you plan to do. There are many things to experience during your stay.
Here are a few options ad tips to include in your itinerary
Zambia Side
- Game drive in Mosi –oa-Tunya National Park
- Walking safari to visit the white rhinos in Mosi – ao-Tunya National Park
- Tour the Livingstone Museum and shop at Mukuni Park Curio Market and visit the Livingstone Museum
- Swim at the edge of the falls at the Devil’s Pool, this activity is only done in the dry season
- Visit Livingstone Island, this experience also depends on the water levels
- Microlight & Helicopter flights.
Zimbabwe Side
- Shopping at Sinathakawu Curio Market and Elephant’s Walk
- Batoka Creatives (handmade jewellery from a self-empowerment group based in the rural areas of Victoria Falls
- Visit Mopane Snare Wire, ecycled snare wire jewellery products are made here
- Visit Tami Walk Fine Art Gallery for some exquisite wildlife photography and souvenir shopping
- Enjoy High Tea in the afternoon at Stanely’s Terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel
- Have lunch at “The Lookout Café” – Wild Horizon with views of the gorge.
- Enjoy freshly baked donuts and snacks at Simba’s Artisan Bakery
- Go for adrenaline pumping activities like the Gorge Swing & Zipline at Victoria Falls by Wild Horizons.
- Take a guided tour of a rural village (Umuzi Homestead tours)
- Victoria Falls Steam Train dinner & Bridge run.
3 Tips to Plan your Responsible Victoria Falls Trip
- Research Activities & Experiences Before embarking on your journey to the mighty Victoria Falls, take time to research experiences with a focus on ethical practices. Look for companies that actively drive change, by operating sustainably, offering direct employment to local communities, engaging in wildlife conservation or making another type of positive impact. Sometimes you just want to hop on that helicopter to enjoy the amazing views of the falls from above, or take a guided village tour or shopping for locally produced crafts instead of imported souvenirs.
- Choose Responsible Tour Operators When booking activities and experiences at Victoria Falls such as boat cruises or wildlife encounters, opt for tour operators that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices and environmental conservation. Look for certifications or affiliations with reputable organizations that promote conservation efforts such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Responsible tour operators will prioritize the well-being of wildlife, minimize environmental impact, and provide educational experiences that promote conservation efforts. When it comes to animal encounters, prioritize experiences that focus on observing wildlife in their natural habitats rather than engaging in activities that involve direct contact or exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes.
- Seek Authentic Cultural Experience Instead of dining at large, commercial restaurants catering to tourists, seek out authentic culinary experience at local eateries or family-owned establishments or take a cooking class at a local village. Not only will you enjoy more diverse and culturally rich meals, you will also support the local economy and engage with the community on a more personal level.
