Victoria Falls – The Best Time to Visit

The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are a stunning sight to behold. Just ask anyone who’s been there. But there is a best time to visit Victoria Falls, when the colossal cascade offers unmatched views and the weather makes it possible to enjoy all the town’s attractions and activities. Moreover, there is a best way to see Victoria Falls.

Guided tours of Victoria Falls are the best way to see the Falls. This is because an experienced and knowledgeable guide removes the guesswork involved with visiting Victoria Falls and enhances the holiday or vacation experience. They know where to go, when to go and can provide invaluable tips, information and advice.

That’s not to say that you can’t have an amazing time when visiting the Falls if you ‘go it alone’, you can. However, when you have a professional tour guide who’s familiar with the town and all that Victoria Falls has to offer, you can spend more time having fun (and saving money) and less time navigating and figuring things out.

Thinking of visiting the largest waterfall in the world? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your trip…

When’s the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls makes a fantastic year-round destination, thanks to its hot summers, mild winters and fortunate location. But opinions differ on when the best time to visit is. Some people believe that the best time of the year to visit Victoria Falls is winter, which runs from May to September/October. Others prefer the summer, which runs from October to April. The best time to visit, though, depends on one’s personal preferences and goals.

If you want the best view of Victoria Falls (the actual waterfall), then the best time for visiting is summertime, just after the summer rains, as you can see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at peak volume. During this period, a rise in the Zambezi River water level increases the level of water forced through the gorge. This produces a dense spray that is thick with colourful rainbows – a magical sight, but prepare to get wet!

Another advantage of visiting Victoria Falls in the summer is that you can witness magnificent sunsets. Plus, tourists can engage in activities like river rafting when water levels are low (October to January) and take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, a rock pool that is situated adjacent to the famous Livingstone Island on the lip of Victoria Falls. Of course, the summer months are also best for getting a nice, bronze tan at poolside hotels.

Winter months are not ideal for tanning and swimming or other water-related activities, generally, but they offer their own advantages. One big plus is that Victoria Falls winters are normally dry, resulting in a reduction in vegetation. This improves conditions for viewing wildlife in the area, as animals are forced to congregate around local water sources. It’s not uncommon to spot herds of buffalo and elephant jostling around.

Low water levels also provide panoramic views (little to no misty spray) on both sides of the Falls. Some consider this the best time to visit Victoria Falls because it’s a good time for visitors to fully appreciate their geological formation and massive dimensions. The Zambian side can dry up completely, however, leaving only bare rock face visible. Then again, the Zimbabwean side is widely considered better for several reasons.

At the end of the day, there is no Victoria Falls best season or best month to visit Victoria Falls South Africa; there is only the best season for you and the people that will accompany you. Victoria Falls offers something special every month of the year. It’s up to visitors what they get from the experience.

Use Google to Plan and Organize Your Victoria Falls Trip

As of May 2019, Google recently released Google Travel a travel planning guide for your upcoming trips.
You can type in “Victoria Falls” and it will show you Travel Guide and Things to Do tabs. It shows an infographic of when’s the best time to visit Victoria Falls which makes it easy for you to plan your trip ahead! Go ahead and explore this new Google feature!

What Are the Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls?

This is a difficult question to answer, as there is so much to do in Victoria Falls and every individual has their own interests. The town caters for everyone, offering fun, adventure and world-class entertainment, and you’d be hard-pressed to find something that you can’t do in Victoria Falls. It also offers accommodation to suit every budget, from hotels, lodges and B&Bs to self-catering establishments and camping sites.

In the way of activities, there are professionally guided tours of Vic Falls, Segway Tours, canoeing excursions and relaxing sunset boat cruises up the mighty Zambezi River. There is also horseback riding, abseiling, bridge swinging and bungee-jumping, white water rafting and crocodile cage diving for thrill seekers and those looking to raise pulses and get their blood pumping. These are some of the most popular things to do in Victoria Falls.

Other noteworthy activities that are constantly rated as the best things to do in Victoria Falls include taking microlight flights over the Falls and swimming in the “Devil’s Pool” mentioned above. This activity (not for the faint of heart) is one that you are sure to remember. Often touted as the world’s ultimate infinity pool, Devil’s Pool lies on the very edge of waterfall, where the visitors can splash around and absorb dramatic views.

Want to tick safariing in Africa off your bucket list? Victoria Falls is a renowned safari destination. Tourists can embark on game drives in Zambezi National Park or Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Night game drives are also offered in private game reserves. For a classic safari experience, though, you will want to visit Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s leading game reserve – or Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana.

You won’t go hungry or thirsty in Victoria Falls. In the town, one can find a wide selection of cafes, bars and restaurants that do a great job of catering to tourists and locals. The Boma, Lola’s Tapas and Carnivore Restaurant and The Lookout Café are a few honourable mentions. The Lookout Café provides spectacular views. In fact, many agree that it offers the best view of Victoria Falls. It is currently in the process of being reconstructed.

Finally, for tour-goers who appreciate history and would like to learn about the cultural heritage of the native ethnic groups in Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls, there is a little museum called Jafuta Heritage Centre. Souvenirs and curios can be purchased from the large outdoor crafts market in the town or Elephant’s Walk village.

Have more questions about the best time to visit Victoria Falls or what you can do there? Contact us here. Or, if you’re ready, book Victoria Falls tours through our website for an unforgettable African holiday.