Spring in Victoria Falls is a time of vibrancy and renewal. From the moment you arrive, you’ll simply feel it in the air! Conditions-wise, the days grow warmer, the Zambezi River’s water level begins to drop, and our town’s surrounding landscapes are tinged with fresh green. (This excludes the rainforest on the edge of the Falls – which is always green!)
For travellers, the spring season offers a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and leisurely moments that define the spirit of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. From heart-pounding activities to laid-back river cruises, spring is the perfect time to discover the very best things to do in Victoria Falls.
And at Ilala Lodge Hotel, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy it all! With sprawling lawns overlooking the mist of the Falls, a pool deck for lazy afternoons, and a bar that invites lingering over a gin and tonic, our hotel makes an ideal base for your adventures. Even better, every excursion, from transfers to bookings, can be arranged directly through reception, leaving you free to simply relax and savour your time away.
Here are five unmissable spring activities to add to your Victoria Falls getaway itinerary.
1. White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi
Do you have the nerve to tackle the mighty Zambezi? We bet you do.
Spring is when the Zambezi comes into its own for rafting. As the water levels recede, the river reveals some of the most exhilarating Grade IV and V rapids in the world. Expect towering waves, swirling whirlpools, and stretches of calm where you can take in the stark beauty of the Batoka Gorge.
Rafting is not just about adrenaline, it’s also a chance to witness the raw power of the Zambezi, and nothing reveals scale like being a part of the very thing you’re witnessing… Whether you opt for a full-day adventure or a shorter stretch, your day ends back at Ilala Lodge Hotel, where the pool and a chilled drink await. (To settle the nerves.) Few things feel better than swapping tales of the river while watching the sunset from the terrace.
2. Devil’s Pool at Livingstone Island
Few activities are as iconic as swimming at the very edge of Victoria Falls. During spring, when the Zambezi’s water levels are low enough to make it safe, Devil’s Pool becomes one of the most extraordinary natural swimming pools on earth. Guests are guided to Livingstone Island before wading into the current and easing into the rock pool, just metres away from the world’s largest sheet of falling water.
We know, it sounds nuts, but the experience is both surreal and exhilarating, made even better by the photos you’ll take from the edge. Transfers and guided tours to Devil’s Pool can be arranged seamlessly from Ilala Lodge Hotel’s reception, meaning all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
3. Wildlife Viewing Near Victoria Falls
Spring also brings excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities to our region, particularly for those interested in birding. Victoria Falls National Park lies just minutes from Ilala Lodge Hotel, offering glimpses at the antelope, monkeys and warhogs that frequent the rainforest.
For a more quintessential safari experience that includes large mammals, read our sister property’s blog post titled Best Victoria Falls Wildlife Encounters.
After a few hours of exploring the bush, return to Ilala’s lawns where warthogs – and sometimes ellies – graze, offering a whimsical reminder that here, the wild is never far away.
4. Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi
After all that heart-pounding excitement, it’s time to tone it down and explore a gentler side to spring here in Victoria Falls. There are few better ways to end a spring day than drifting along the Zambezi at sunset. As the sky shifts to amber and rose, hippos grunt from the shallows, crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants may wander down to drink. With a drink in hand and snacks served onboard, this is the most serene way to take in the river.
We recommend making use of Palm River Hotel’s Ra-Ikane River Cruises. Our sister property is located a short drive up-river from the Falls and we have regular shuttle runs between the two hotels for in-house guests.
Returning to Ilala Lodge Hotel after your cruise, the evening continues with a meal at our award-winning Cassia Restaurant. Known for its elegant dishes and views of the spray from the Falls, it’s the perfect cherry on top of your beautiful spring day.
5. Rainbows at the Falls
Spring brings a special kind of magic to Victoria Falls. Above and beyond all the incredible things you’ll see, here we’re talking about the chance to see rainbows in the mist. With water levels lower than in peak flood, visibility improves and the Falls often sparkle with rainbows, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
On full moon nights, visitors may even witness the phenomenon of a lunar rainbow, a natural wonder unique to only a handful of places on earth. It truly is spectacular.
From Ilala Lodge Hotel, the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park is just a short walk away, making it easy to visit the Falls multiple times during your stay. Whether you want to capture photographs, feel the spray on your skin, or simply pause in awe, this is one of the most timeless things to do in Victoria Falls. We’re based here, and yet, we never tire of it.
Staying With Us
After days filled with exploration, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a haven of comfort. Our pool deck invites lazy afternoons under the sun, the bar serves cocktails as the sky turns changes from afternoon to dusk, and the gardens provide a serene retreat where the rumble of “the smoke that thunders” is always close.
With seamless booking of activities, reliable transfers, and staff ready to share their local knowledge, your spring holiday becomes effortless. From adrenaline seekers to those who prefer slow afternoons and scenic moments, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the perfect base to experience the best things to do in Victoria Falls.
Browse our accommodation options here and get in touch with us via onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your dates.
Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.
We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!
