Words – Kim Barnett
Ask anyone who has lived near Victoria Falls when their favourite time of year is, and chances are they won’t say the cooler peak tourist months of June to August. While high water season is a dazzling spectacle, with the falls shrouded in mist and rainbows dancing in the spray, there’s another side to this natural wonder that emerges when the Zambezi River recedes. Welcome to Adventure Season, spanning from late August to December, when unique experiences unlock for those with an intrepid streak.
Things to Do During Adventure Season
World-Class White-Water Rafting – Regarded as one of the world’s best one-day rafting trips, the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls becomes an adrenaline-pumping playground in low water season. With exposed rapids like “The Terminator” and “Oblivion,” the intensity ramps up, delivering an unforgettable thrill. Operators like Wild Horizons, Shearwater (Zimbabwe), and Safari Par Excellence (Zambia) run daily trips, with multi-day expeditions offering nights under the stars on Batoka Gorge’s pristine beaches.
Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island – Once a local secret, Devil’s Pool has become a global bucket-list experience, yet many don’t realize it’s only accessible when water levels drop. Perched on the precipice of the falls, this natural rock pool offers a heart-racing dip at the edge of the abyss. Tours to Livingstone Island, where Dr. David Livingstone first laid eyes on the falls, include a boat transfer, a history-rich guided walk, and a meal featuring local delicacies — with a gin and tonic for those visiting later in the day. Availability is limited, so early booking is essential.
Kayaking the Zambezi – For kayaking enthusiasts, the Zambezi’s high-volume, warm-water rapids provide a prime playground. Local villagers assist in carrying kayaks along steep paths, while visiting freestyle kayakers hone their tricks on the river’s stationary waves. With cheap beer, warm weather, and lively backpacker hubs like Jollyboys in Zambia and Shoestrings in Zimbabwe, it’s an unbeatable escape from the European winter.
Wildlife Watching and Safari Season – Though peak safari season runs from June to August, September to early November offers exceptional wildlife viewing. As water sources dwindle, animals congregate at remaining watering holes, providing unparalleled sightings in parks like Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe), Mosi-oa-Tunya (Zambia), and Chobe (Botswana). When the first rains arrive in November, greenery re-emerges, impalas birth their young, and the air fills with the intoxicating scent of petrichor.
Relaxing by the Zambezi River – Beyond the adrenaline rush, Adventure Season offers tranquillity with fewer crowds and stunning riverfront retreats. In Zambia, Tintswalo Siankaba and Sindabezi Island promise serene getaways, while Chundukwa River Lodge offers horseback safaris along the riverbanks. Mukwa River Lodge delivers boutique luxury with world-class cuisine and breathtaking river views. Downstream, the newly rebuilt Taita Falcon Lodge, perched on Batoka Gorge, serves up panoramic vistas.
On the Zimbabwean side, Chundu Island and Victoria Falls River Lodge provide secluded escapes, while The Palm, a 5-star hotel in Victoria Falls, offers elegance minutes from the Falls. Old Drift Lodge’s Star Suite invites guests to sleep under the African sky in sheer luxury.
For the ultimate in relaxation, hop aboard a sunset cruise from either side of the river. As the sky ignites in gold and crimson, sip on a chilled glass of wine and watch hippos yawning in the river — nature’s way of reminding you that holiday mode is officially engaged.
A Different Perspective on Victoria Falls
Adventure Season at Victoria Falls is an extraordinary time, offering an unmatched blend of thrill and tranquillity. Whether rafting legendary rapids, peering over the edge of the falls, or soaking in the beauty of the Zambezi, this season reveals a lesser known yet equally breathtaking side of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
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