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 to visit! The falls are currently experiencing rising water levels, thanks to this year’s excellent summer rains, making 2025 the year to witness this iconic natural wonder at its peak.

Between March and May 2025, the flow over Victoria Falls will reach its peak, offering visitors a spectacular display of nature’s power. During this time, the falls transform into a colossal, roaring cascade with mist rising high into the air, creating breathtaking moonbows. This season is undeniably the best time to visit Victoria Falls in years!

Victoria Falls in Full Flood: A Spectacle of Nature

During the peak flow season, Victoria Falls transforms into a massive, thunderous curtain of water. Spanning nearly 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) wide and plunging over 100 meters (328 feet) into the chasm below, this is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world. At peak flow, over 500 million cubic meters (17 billion cubic feet) of water cascade over the falls every minute, creating an immense roar that can be heard from miles away.

The mist generated by the force of the water is so thick that it forms a permanent cloud above the falls, earning the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” On sunny days, this mist often creates a vibrant rainbow, while the moonlight interacting with the mist at night results in the magical phenomenon of a moonbow — a rare lunar rainbow visible only under the perfect conditions.

High Water at Victoria Falls Peaking in 2025

As summer rains fall in the Zambezi River catchment area, the water levels rise, peaking between March and May. The exceptional rainfall of 2025, largely driven by La Niña weather patterns, has resulted in higher-than-usual water levels. This is a dramatic contrast to recent years marked by drier conditions caused by El Niño.

In fact, historical records show that in 1958, Victoria Falls witnessed record water flow when the Zambezi River surged to 12,833 cubic meters per second. On March 3, 2025, the flow rate was recorded at 2,039 m³/s, a massive increase from 366 m³/s on the same date in 2024. With the Zambezi River’s volume increasing, now is the time to experience Victoria Falls at its peak.

Why the High Water Season Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

Visiting Victoria Falls during high-water season is an experience like no other. As the water crashes over the cliff, the roar of the falls is deafening, and the mist can rise as high as 400 meters (1,312 feet). Be prepared to get soaked! Most viewpoints on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls will leave you drenched but exhilarated, making it a truly immersive experience.

The high-water season is also the best time to catch a glimpse of moonbows. These rare atmospheric phenomena occur when the full moon’s light reflects and refracts off the mist of the waterfall. Unlike other famous waterfalls, like Niagara Falls, where light pollution has diminished the moonbow effect, Victoria Falls still offers stunning moonbow displays when conditions align.

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities During High Water Season

For thrill-seekers, the high-water season at Victoria Falls offers some of the world’s most exciting outdoor activities. Take a scenic helicopter or microlight flight over the falls for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the thundering waters. For those craving adventure, bungee jumping and white-water rafting become even more exhilarating during the high-water season.

Zambezi White Water Rafting at High Water Levels

White-water rafting on the Zambezi River is one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences in the world. The Batoka Gorge, located below the falls, features some of the world’s most thrilling rapids. At high water levels, nearly half of the rapids become Grade Five, which is the highest classification for commercial rafting.

With 25 named rapids in the Batoka Gorge, rafting at high water is an intense adventure that will test even the most seasoned rafters. At this time, rafting typically begins from rapids 7B or 10, as high water submerges parts of the riverbed, making the earlier rapids unreachable. Expect fast-paced, intense rapids mixed with moments of tranquility for scenic appreciation. If you’re planning to take on this challenge, ensure your travel insurance covers Grade V rafting.

Combine Your Visit with an Okavango Delta Safari

If you’re planning a visit to Victoria Falls in 2025, consider combining it with a Botswana safari for an unforgettable wildlife experience. The Okavango Delta is one of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in Africa, and with the abundant summer rains, both the falls and the delta are flourishing.

The high water levels in the delta make it the perfect time for mokoro safaris, where you can glide through the waterways in traditional dugout canoes, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. With Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta both at their peak, 2025 offers an exceptional season for both waterfall lovers and safari enthusiasts.

When to Visit: The Sweet Spot for Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta Safaris

The best time to visit Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta is between July and August. During these months, the water levels at Victoria Falls are still high, but not overwhelming. In the Okavango Delta, the floodwaters will fill the waterways, providing an ideal environment for wildlife sightings.

This is the perfect time to enjoy a balance of spectacular waterfall views and excellent safari conditions.

Planning Your 2025 Victoria Falls Safari

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Victoria Falls, this is the year to do it! With its peak water levels, you’ll experience the falls at their most powerful, surrounded by lush landscapes and thriving wildlife. Early planning is essential, as peak season is bound to be busy, and lodges and camps often fill up quickly.

For a personalized experience, speak with our travel experts at Adventure in the Wild Safaris. We specialize in crafting custom itineraries to ensure you get the most out of your Victoria Falls adventure, as well as other wilderness gems in the region.

Contact Adventure in the Wild Safaris

For more information or to plan your 2025 Victoria Falls safari, contact Adventure in the Wild Safaris. We can help you create the perfect trip to witness Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, and the surrounding wildlife hotspots at their finest.