There are some places you visit that are beautiful, and then there are places that leave you standing there wondering how something so enormous and powerful can actually exist.

Victoria Falls is one of those places.

We visited Victoria Falls during high-water season, when the Zambezi River is flowing at its strongest. The experience was incredible, but it was also a very wet one! If you’re planning a visit during this time of year, there are a few things I definitely recommend taking with you.

In this post, I’m sharing our experience exploring the different viewpoints and what it was like to see Victoria Falls when the water was really flowing.

Seeing Victoria Falls at High Water

One of the great things about visiting Victoria Falls is that you don’t just stand in one place and look at the falls. There are a series of viewpoints along the trail, and each one gives you a slightly different perspective.

As you walk between the viewpoints, the scenery changes constantly. At some points you get a clear view of the enormous curtain of water, while at others you’re surrounded by mist and spray.

And during high-water season, that spray is something you definitely notice!

The closer you get to some of the viewpoints, the more the mist starts to feel like rain. Before long, you’re not wondering if you’re going to get wet — you’re wondering just how wet you’re going to get.

Be Prepared to Get Wet!

If you’re visiting Victoria Falls during high-water season, take a raincoat or waterproof jacket.

And when I say waterproof, I mean it!

There is a tremendous amount of spray coming off the falls, and at some viewpoints it can feel like you’re walking through a heavy rain shower.

Your feet will probably get wet too

This is one thing I would definitely prepare for.

Even if you manage to keep the rest of yourself reasonably dry, your feet are likely to get wet. Water collects along the paths and viewpoints, and with the spray coming down, keeping your shoes completely dry can be difficult.

I’d recommend:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat
• Shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
• Good shoes with plenty of grip
• Quick-drying clothing
• A waterproof bag or dry bag for cameras, phones and other valuables
• A small towel or cloth for wiping down cameras and phones
• Extra socks if you have room in your bag

If you’re carrying camera equipment, I’d also make sure you have some form of protection for it. The spray can get everywhere!

Take Your Time at the Viewpoints

One of my favourite things about visiting Victoria Falls was being able to walk from viewpoint to viewpoint rather than simply arriving, taking a photo and leaving.

Each viewpoint has something different to offer.

Some give you a wider view of the falls, while others put you much closer to the rushing water and spray. The changing light, mist and volume of water can also make the falls look completely different from one section to another.

It’s worth slowing down and spending a little time at each one.

And don’t forget to occasionally put the camera away and just take it all in. The sound of the water alone is incredible.

Don’t Let the Rain Put You Off

At first, getting soaked might seem like a downside.

Honestly, though, I think it’s part of the experience.

Standing there with the mist blowing across you, listening to the roar of the Zambezi and watching the enormous amount of water disappearing into the gorge really gives you an appreciation for the power of Victoria Falls.

During high-water season, you’re not simply looking at the falls — you’re experiencing them.

A Few Practical Tips

If you’re planning your own visit, here are a few things I’d keep in mind:

Bring waterproof clothing.
A raincoat is one of the most useful things you can pack.

Expect wet feet.
Don’t wear your favourite shoes or anything that takes forever to dry.

Protect your electronics.
Phones and cameras can get surprisingly wet from the spray.

Take your time.
There are multiple viewpoints, and each one is worth seeing.

Keep your camera accessible but protected.
You’ll want photographs, but you’ll also want to keep your equipment safe from the spray.

Bring an extra layer or change of clothes if possible.
Depending on how much spray you encounter, you may be grateful to have something dry to put on afterwards.

Don’t forget to enjoy the experience.
It’s easy to spend the entire visit looking through a camera or phone screen. Make sure you take some time to simply stand there and watch.

Watch Our Victoria Falls Video

We’ve put together a video showing our experience exploring the different viewpoints at Victoria Falls during high-water season.

You’ll get to see the falls from the various viewing areas and, perhaps most importantly, see just how much water and spray there is when the Zambezi is running high.

If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls, I hope the video and these tips give you a better idea of what to expect — especially when it comes to getting wet!

And my biggest piece of advice? Bring the raincoat. You’ll need it!