Victoria Falls
ISO3: ZWE
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I have not visited ❌
Time Zone: Africa/Harare
"Mosi-oa-Tunya | The Smoke that Thunders"
-17.9249° S, 25.8567° E
About:
Victoria Falls, discovered by Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1855, is one of the world's largest waterfalls located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Named after Queen Victoria, it's locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders"). The falls became a major tourist attraction in the early 20th century with the construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Today, it remains a significant tourism draw.
When to visit:
The best time to visit Victoria Falls for a holiday is during the dry season, which typically runs from around May to October. This period offers the most impressive views of the falls as the water flow is at its peak, creating magnificent cascades and rainbows. Additionally, the dry season brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. It is advisable to plan your visit during this time to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
When to avoid:
The worst time to travel to Victoria Falls on a holiday is during the wet season, which typically occurs from November to April. This period experiences heavy rainfall and the Zambezi River swells, leading to a dramatic increase in water flow over the falls. The mist and spray generated by the cascading water can obstruct views of the falls and make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Additionally, some tourist activities may be limited or suspended due to safety concerns during this time.
Rainy Season (Nov-Mar)
Victoria Falls, located in Zimbabwe, experiences its warmest part of the year from September to April, with the peak temperatures occurring in October. During this period, daytime temperatures often range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). However, it's not uncommon for the mercury to rise above 40°C (104°F) in October.
Rainfall is minimal during the early part of this season, with the dry spell usually broken by the first rains in late November. The period from December to April is considered the wet season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Despite this, the region still enjoys an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity levels can be quite high during the warm season, especially in the months of December to February. This is due to the combination of heat and rainfall, which can make the weather feel quite muggy and uncomfortable at times.
Cloudiness varies throughout the season. The early part of the warm season (September to November) is typically clear and sunny, while the later part (December to April) sees more cloud cover due to the increased rainfall.
For a visitor, a typical day during the warmest part of the year in Victoria Falls might start off hot and sunny. As the day progresses, the heat intensifies, and by mid-afternoon, the skies might cloud over, culminating in a thunderstorm. After the rain, the skies clear up again, offering beautiful sunsets. Despite the heat and humidity, the warm season is a great time to visit Victoria Falls due to the abundance of wildlife and the spectacular views of the waterfall.
"Hot Season (September–November)"
Victoria Falls, located in Zimbabwe, experiences its warmest part of the year from September to April, with the peak temperatures occurring in October. During this period, daytime temperatures often range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). However, it's not uncommon for the mercury to rise above 40°C (104°F) in October.
Rainfall is minimal during the early part of this season, with the dry spell usually broken by the first rains in late November. The period from December to April is considered the wet season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Despite this, the region still enjoys an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity levels can be quite high during the warm season, especially in the months of December to February. This is due to the combination of heat and rainfall, which can make the weather feel quite muggy and uncomfortable at times.
Cloudiness varies throughout the season. The early part of the warm season (September to November) is typically clear and sunny, while the later part (December to April) sees more cloud cover due to the increased rainfall.
For a visitor, a typical day during the warmest part of the year in Victoria Falls might start off hot and sunny. As the day progresses, the heat intensifies, and by mid-afternoon, the skies might cloud over, culminating in a thunderstorm. After the rain, the skies clear up again, offering beautiful sunsets. Despite the heat and humidity, the warm season is a great time to visit Victoria Falls due to the abundance of wildlife and the spectacular views of the waterfall.
Language:
english
Victoria Falls, a city in western Zimbabwe, predominantly speaks three languages: Shona, Ndebele, and English. Shona is the most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe, followed by Ndebele which is common in the western regions. English is also widely understood and spoken, being the medium of instruction in schools and used for official business. The city's tourism industry also promotes multilingualism, with some locals speaking various international languages to cater to tourists.