A Seasonal Guide.
Different seasons mean different views of the Falls and activities on offer. This is due to the rains and the Zambezi River water levels which rise and fall.
In our opinion, there is no “best time to visit” - all seasons are spectacular in their own right! However - depending on what you want to do, see and experience during your time with us, seasonal factors might influence your trip - so if in doubt, please ask us for more advice!
Low Water Season = Hot & Dry
Months : August/September, October, November, December
Victoria Falls will be at her lowest water flow at this time of the year and it is a good idea to visit both Zambian and Zimbabwean viewing points to see water flowing over at various points. Although you will not witness Victoria Falls in her full splendour at this time, this is prime time for wildlife viewing as herds of elephant descend upon the river. Livingstone, Victoria Falls & Kasane enjoy daily herd sightings on the roads and our National Parks during this season. White water rafting is also at its peak for adventure enthusiasts and the Devils Pool at the edge of Livingstone Island is open for a midday cool-down! Zambian Horseback Safaris is operational during these months!
Every year, the Zambezi River water levels drop during the Dry Season or “Low Water” Season. We experience the hottest temps of the year before the Rains arrive (approx end Oct / Nov) and the River gradually rises once again.
With high temperatures in mid-Summer, the best way to cool off is a nice, cool swim! Our dogs will show you how it’s done.
Zambian Horseback Safaris opens from 01 July on an annul basis during the Dry Season! The experience is very much based around wildlife and being able to gallop alongside plain games, visiting the local peoples living in the Conservancy and to witness the community going about their day the traditional way. Guests may even have the opportunity to try their hand at clay pottery making or basket weaving! We have four luxury tents and visitors will be treated to delicious wholesome food and story-telling around the fire. We also offer guests a “star bed” experience in the wild on one of the nights which is a definite highlight! The whole experience is hosted by Doug.
Bordered between Livingstone Town, farm lands and the Zambezi River, lies the wildlife area of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – Zambia’s smallest National Park. In addition to the migratory elephants, wildlife including white rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, bushbuck, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, hippos and crocodiles are resident in the park year round.
Thousands of thirsty elephants gather around the Zambezi River during the height of the Dry Season. For some, this season is considered the best time to visit Zambia. Walking safari bush camps in and around South Luangwa are open for six months per year during this time, making it ideal for a Zambian Safari Circuit.
High Water Season = Hot & Rainy
Months : December/January, February, March, April, May
With the arrival of seasonal rains, the Zambezi River and tributaries begin to rise, and Victoria Falls begins to flow in earnest once again. This is prime viewing of Victoria Falls and travellers may witness the roaring thunder of water by late Feb to March. Giant swirling mist and the incredible noise and wet that gives rise to her Tonga name, “the smoke that Thunders”. It may actually be challenging to see many parts of the Falls due to the sheer amount of mist and spray. This is the time to really get fully immersed in the glorious ‘Zambezi shower!’ Water-based experiences such as white water rafting and the Devils Pool swim may close due to safety concerns in this high water period.
We all look forward to Rainy Season! Ok, not everyone!
With the rains, the Simalaha flats rise into flood - which means it’s time for us to pack up until the rains subside.
The Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Whilst it is not the widest waterfall or the highest waterfall, with all dimensions taken into account, including the flow rate, Victoria Falls is considered to be the biggest curtain of falling water in the world surpassing the magnificent Niagara Falls and Iguacu Falls. The Victoria Falls are 1700m wide and are made up of five different “falls.” The height of this chasm varies from 70 m (233ft) to 108m (360ft).
When we say “Riverside Chalet” we mean it! Coffee & hippo-watch in High Water Season.
The flow peaks around March and April with around 540 million cubic meters of water spilling over the edge every minute. It’s one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights with clouds of spray and spectacular rainbows visible from miles around. Be prepared to get wet as there’s no escaping the spray but time spent at the Falls at this time of the year is an exhilarating way to spend a couple of hours.
Time your visit to catch a ‘Moonbow’ - when the moon is full, the sky is clear and Victoria Falls are at their peak flow, huge rainbows appear through the mist at night. The light of the moon is refracted through the spray that rises up from the base of the Victoria Falls. This unique event is visible the day before, the day of and the day after the full moon.
Mid-Water Season = Cool & Dry
Months : June, July, August/September
Winter has arrived in the region and visitors may be surprised at how low the temperatures can quickly drop in the evenings! The water flow quickly reduces at this time of the year as we approach the Low Water season once again. Visitors may expect warm sunny days, cool evenings, fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities with the majority of activities and experiences on offer, including Zambian Horseback Safaris which opens for the Season at this time.
Is there anything better than a camp fire, good friends and a starlit sky?
Fall asleep gazing at open African skies in the safety & comfort of the open Star Bed at Zambian Horseback Safaris.
An exceptional time to see Victoria Falls and hunt for rainbows in the mid-water flow - a favourite time for visiting photographers!
The Knife Edge Bridge (Zambia) offers a stunning view of the eastern cataract of Victoria Falls. More often than not, the bridge is where you’ll spot a circular rainbow!
A welcome sight on a chilly Winter morning for guests going out on an early boating adventure! We offer visitors the opportunity to experience a Sunrise, Sunset or Picnic Lunch Cruise with us here at Chundukwa River Lodge.
See the endangered White Rhino living in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with Livingstone Walking Safaris, an opportunity available all year round.