On Our Radar
What has opened, what has changed, and what is worth knowing before you go.
The region in brief
03
Zimbabwe / Zambia
Victoria Falls in Low Water: Rafting, Devil’s Pool and the Gorge
This was a big year on the Zambezi. The river ran well above last year's levels through the first half of 2026, and at peak flow in April and May the falls' entire 1.7 kilometre width thundered at capacity, with a spray column visible from fifty kilometres away. Those who stood at the viewpoints then were drenched, deafened and could see almost nothing clearly. It was magnificent. Now comes the other Victoria Falls. The river is falling steadily, and August opens the low water season, when the curtain thins and the geology of the gorge reveals itself. This is when the falls become an adventure rather than a spectacle. White water rafting resumes its full run of rapids from August, Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island reopens from mid August as currents ease, and the exposed channels of the upper river become superb territory for birdlife and game viewing from the water. Two falls, two seasons. If you want the thunder, with helicopter flights and sunset cruises, book for next April. If you want to get into the river rather than simply look at it, the months ahead are exactly right.
23 Sept 2026
Zimbabwe / Zambia
The Victoria Falls Border Is Now Open Around the Clock
The border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia moved to 24-hour operations in November 2025, enabling round-the-clock crossings and improving mobility across one of Southern Africa's busiest tourism corridors. Sunrise visits, sunset activities and night crossings between the two sides of the falls are now straightforward. FlyNamibia doubled its Windhoek to Victoria Falls frequencies from three to six flights a week in April 2026, further improving access to the region from the west.
23 Sept 2026
Zambia
Zambia Invented the Walking Safari. It Still Does It Best.
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is where the walking safari was pioneered in the 1950s by conservationist Norman Carr, and the guiding standards it established have never slipped. Strict guiding exams have guaranteed consistently high standards, and virtually every camp in the valley has walking guides of genuine experience. The season runs May to November. If you have not done a walking safari, South Luangwa is where to do it for the first time. If you have, it is worth going back.
23 Sept 2026