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Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe or Zambia?
There are two options for visiting the Falls. Visitors can choose to visit the Zimbabwean side, which is farther away but affords better views of the falls. Visitors in Zambia can walk in the water, but their views are limited.
In February and June, the Falls are at their full force.
Visitors should bring a rain jacket. Between July and September, the falls are less misty and more scenic.
Zimbabwe
If you’re planning a visit to Victoria Falls, you might be wondering whether you should visit the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the falls. Both sides have excellent views of the falls, but there are some differences between the two countries. The Zambian side of the falls is generally more crowded and is not the best place to get a good view of the falls. Zimbabwe’s view of the falls is also better, but you’ll have to spend more money to experience this side of the Falls.
Visiting the Falls on both sides will allow you to experience the falls from the full width and power. The Zambian side offers a view of the Devil’s Pool in the drier months, while the Zimbabwean side offers a spectacular torrent of water during the wet season. To get the best view, it’s best to visit during low water season. If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll want to book your tickets ahead of time.
Visiting during full moon
There are several benefits to visiting the Victoria Falls during full moon. The falls look particularly beautiful and you can view a lunar rainbow. The waterfall is also the only place on earth where you can see a lunar rainbow. There are a few things that you can do to prepare. You should be prepared for the unpredictable weather conditions and make sure that you have the right camera gear. Here are some helpful tips:
Visit the Victoria Falls during a full moon to experience the lunar rainbow. This natural phenomenon is only visible during full moon and happens on specific nights when the waterfall is at its highest level. You should be aware that moonlight is fainter than sunlight and that the rainbow will be very difficult to see. If you visit during full moon, make sure you are there when the gates are open, so that you can see the lunar rainbow in full color.
Accommodation
If you want a better view of the Falls, you should choose accommodation on the Zimbabwe side of the border. This side of the Falls offers more viewpoints and restaurants. In addition, it’s more expensive than accommodation in Zambia, which is close to the Falls, but not quite as far as Livingstone. You will have to arrange transport from the airport in Livingstone, which is 10 km away, or from the town of Victoria Falls itself. You can also fly to Zimbabwe from either Nairobi or Cape Town, which are close to the Falls. If you’d rather stay close to the Falls, you can check out accommodation along the Zambezi river in Livingstone.
While both sides of Victoria Falls offer impressive views, the Zimbabwe side has a more refined hotel scene. While Zambia has some more rustic waterside lodges, Zimbabwe offers more luxurious accommodations and refined colonial-style lodges. The latter also offers more local shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. When it comes to your stay, try to book accommodation on the side with a better view of the Victoria Falls.
Activity rates
You can take a helicopter ride over the Falls from either side. Rides can last 15 minutes, twenty-two minutes, or thirty-five minutes and require a minimum of two passengers. If you’ve never rafted, the Victoria Falls rapids are some of the best in Africa, so you may be interested in signing up for a rafting tour. Rafting tours usually accommodate groups of four or six people and offer the opportunity to learn the basics of whitewater rafting.
If you’re not sure how much water is released each month, check the World Commission on Dams website. You can find the flow rate in cubic metres per second (m3/s), a standard hydrology measure that shows the seasonal variation in flow. Many websites will claim that Victoria Falls is capable of nine thousand m3/s, but this rate is the mean peak instantaneous rate for the falls. The highest flow rate in Victoria Falls occurs only a few days a year.
Visiting on a budget
If you’re on a budget, visiting the Victoria Falls doesn’t have to be a difficult proposition. First, you need to determine your budget and then work out how to get the most out of your visit. Talk to locals and try to find cheap accommodations and activities. Be creative and don’t be afraid to haggle. The best time to travel is during the green season, which usually starts in November and ends in March. You’ll be able to get a lot of great deals by booking at the right time of year.
For example, the cheapest time to visit the Victoria Falls is during the summer, when rainy season has ended. During this time, the waterfall has been gathered in steam after a long dry winter. A visit to the Victoria Falls during this time is a sensory overload: the sounds, the heat, and the moisture combined. To avoid experiencing the worst of the heat, avoid the waterfall during the dry season.
