Victoria Falls Is Peaking - The Best Time To Visit For High Waters Is Now!

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Victoria Falls in all its thunderous glory, now is the perfect time!

The falls are currently experiencing rising water levels and, thanks to this year's excellent summer rains, peak season is bound to be epic. Peak flow over the falls will happen between March and May this year, when you’ll get to witness Victoria Falls at her most powerful, with roaring cascades, rising mist, and spectacular moonbows. This season really is the best time to visit Vic Falls, in years!

Victoria Falls in Full Flood

During peak flow, Victoria Falls transforms into a colossal, roaring curtain of water. The falls span nearly 1.7 km (1.06 miles) wide and plunge over 100 meters (328 feet) into the chasm below. The sheer volume of water — over 500 million cubic meters (17 billion cubic feet) per minute at its peak — creates an immense, thundering roar that can be heard from miles away. The mist rises so high that it forms a cloud above the falls, hence the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders).

This incredible force of nature creates a permanent rainbow on sunny days, while at night, the interplay of moonlight and mist gives rise to the rare and magical moonbow—a lunar rainbow only visible under perfect conditions. 

High Water at Victoria Falls Peaking in 2025

After the summer rains, usually from February, water levels in the Zambezi River system begin rising, though the exact timing and height vary depending on annual rainfall. With the excellent rains that have fallen on the Zambezi catchment area this season, water levels are expected to be impressive.

This year’s exceptional summer rains, largely driven by La Niña weather conditions, have had a significant impact on the region. It has reversed the effects of the El Niño weather cycle that has seen a few consecutive dry years. La Niña has brought increased rainfall that has replenished rivers, lakes, and floodplains, contributing to lush vegetation and abundant water sources for wildlife.

Historically, Victoria Falls saw record water flows in 1958 when the flooded Zambezi River surged to over 12,833 cubic metres per second (m³/s). On 3 March 2025, the flow rate at the Chavuma measuring station on the Zambezi River was 2,039 m³/s, a massive increase from 366 m³/s on the same date last year.

Victoria Falls is at peak flow from March to May. This is the time to see it at its most powerful. The spray created by the force of the falling water becomes so thick it appears to rain upwards—forget umbrellas … foul weather gear is preferable!

Why High Water Season is the Best Time to Visit Vic Falls?

The high water levels crashing over Victoria Falls create a true spectacle, perfect for stunning photos and unique sightings. Through gaps in the mist, you'll glimpse what you heard a mile away — the colossal wall of water crashing over the ledge with an earth-shaking roar. Expect to get completely drenched — the mist can float 400 meters (1,312 feet) above the Falls, ensuring that most viewing points on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides will leave you soaked but exhilarated.

This is also the best time to visit Vic Falls for its famous lunar rainbows (moonbows), rare atmospheric phenomena that occur when bright full moonlight reflects and refracts off the waterfall mist. Unlike Niagara Falls, where light pollution has diminished these occurrences, Victoria Falls still offers stunning moonbow displays when conditions are right.

Take a scenic helicopter or microlight flight over the falls for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the thundering waters. For adrenaline seekers, high water levels make activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting even more thrilling.

The high-water season is also a great time for safaris in the Zambezi region. The rising waters make for lush green floodplains that attract a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and antelope, to graze along the riverbanks. Predators like lions and leopards take advantage of this increased activity, which can mean thrilling safari sightings.

Zambezi White Water Rafting in High Waters

For thrill-seekers, Victoria Falls at high water offers one of the world’s most exciting commercially operated white-water rafting experiences. The Zambezi River features some of the most thrilling rapids in the world - nearly half of them are classified as Grade Five, the highest difficulty level for commercial rafting.

There are 25 named rapids in the narrow Batoka Gorge below the falls, and the intensity of these rapids depends on the water levels. In low water, 21 of the rapids are ridden, but at high water, rafting usually starts from rapid number 7B or 10, as the high water submerges parts of the riverbed where the earlier rapids are located. Expect the ride of your life! The rapids are fast-paced and intense, with routine dumps, but are interspersed with tranquil long pools that provide moments of rest and scenic appreciation. If you're planning to take on this challenge, make sure your travel insurance covers Grade V white-water rafting.

Better Still: Combine a Peak Season Okavango Delta Safari & Victoria Falls

This year is shaping up to be exceptional for both waterfall lovers and safari enthusiasts. Victoria Falls is a very popular add-on to a Botswana Safari and Botswana's Okavango Delta is a must-see wildlife destination. The excellent summer rains are proving to be a blessing for the delta too - Read Exceptional Season for Mokoro Safaris in the Okavango Delta Ahead for more details.

With flourishing landscapes and abundant water sources, animals are thriving in their natural habitat and providing spectacular game-viewing opportunities. In the delta, high water levels mean more water and deeper water channels, giving you the chance to explore deep into the wilderness on traditional mokoro or boat safaris. This year has the perfect conditions for these excursions.

The sweet spot for a balance of good safari conditions and spectacular waterfall views is July and August this year. The water levels remain high over Victoria Falls, but not overwhelmingly so.

In the Okavango, the flood waters will fill the delta waterways, and the landscape and animals will thrive.

Planning Your 2025 Victoria Falls Safari

If you have ever wished to visit Victoria Falls, this is the year to do it! To experience the falls when water is abundant is something few could rival. You will experience the region at its finest, full of water and bursting with life.

Early planning is essential because this is sure to be a busy tourist season, given it is the best time to visit Vic Falls! Lodges and camps tend to book out quickly during peak flood season. Speak to our friendly travel experts at African Budget Safaris to help tailor a trip to see Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and the region's other wilderness gems at their best!

For more information, contact African Budget Safaris.

Sue Maude Author

Sue is a proud African with a love for the bush. Sue likes nothing better than a road trip and won’t stop until she's driven every road in South Africa! She spent her 20s working abroad backpacking the world and has had the travel bug ever since. As long as it's an adventure, she is equally happy to explore the city lights, follow the footsteps of history, try unique activities, or go deep into nature to enjoy silent spaces, earthy smells and fascinating fauna & flora. When she is not on the road, Sue lives close to the beach in Cape Town.