When you think of Victoria Falls, the dry season from May to October might come to mind, with its clear blue skies and easy access to the Falls. But there’s another season that’s equally captivating – the Green Season.
From November to April, Victoria Falls is transformed by the rains, turning the landscape into a lush, vibrant oasis that nature lovers will find irresistible. During this time, you can enjoy fewer crowds, exclusive rates (*depending on the month you book), and an awe-inspiring display of natural beauty, especially when staying at Ilala Lodge Hotel.
Below we’ll explore why you should consider visiting Victoria Falls during the Green Season.
What Is The Green Season?
The Green Season in Victoria Falls coincides with the rainy season, typically from November to April. During this time, the region experiences refreshing cloud bursts that revive the environment, transforming it from dry grassland to an abundant paradise. The rains are most frequent in December and January and take the form of short downpours – over in a flash and absolute spectacles in and of themselves. For those joining us during this time, don’t fret, there will still be plenty of sunshine between showers, leaving you with beautiful, humid afternoons to spend poolside.
This period is also characterised by relatively smaller crowds, making it a fantastic time to visit for those who adhere to a more leisurely holiday pace. (Exempting the Festive Season.)
Expect Spectacular Views of Victoria Falls
The highlight of Victoria Falls is, of course, the Falls themselves. During the Green Season, and especially from February to May, the volume of water from the Zambezi River is at its peak, creating a mighty display of power as water cascades down the cliffs in a thunderous sheet. (This is when you’ll best come to understand why Victoria Falls is locally known as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.)
The mist from the Falls is often more intense when river levels are high, creating rainbows on sunny days. It’s a photographer’s dream and there are few sights more beautiful than the lush landscape combined with the roaring power of the world’s largest waterfall.
For those visiting Ilala Lodge Hotel, you’re just a short 5-minute walk away from the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park, where you can experience this awe-inspiring spectacle up close. The increased water flow means some viewpoints may be slightly wetter, but it also adds to the drama and adventure of the experience. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and camera protection. Donning a poncho is part of the Vic Falls experience! As is getting that classic holiday photo in front of the Main Falls viewing point.
Fun Activities During the Green Season
While the Green Season in Victoria Falls may bring more rain, it also offers a range of unique activities that visitors can enjoy.
1. Rainforest Walks
The lush environment during the Green Season makes walking through the Victoria Falls rainforest even more magical. The paths become a haven of vibrant plants and trees, and the rainforest thrives thanks to the rain.
(Did you know that even in the dry season, the Victoria Falls rainforest receives ‘rain’ every day of the year. This is because the spray from the waterfall keeps the gorge around the falls well irrigated – creating a year-round rainforest for guests to enjoy.)
In the Green Season, visitors can stroll through the mist and take in the diverse flora and fauna. The lush greenery provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic walk, while the sound of the Falls right beside you adds additional drama to the experience.
2. Zambezi River Cruises
One of the best ways to enjoy the Green Season is to take a cruise on the Zambezi River.
Our sister property, Palm River Hotel, offers fabulous breakfast, lunch and sunset cruises on their impressive Ra-Ikane fleet. Read all about this experience here.
Whether you’re on a sunset cruise or a more relaxed morning outing, the scenery during the Green Season is unparalleled. Look out for wildlife coming down to the river to drink, pods of hippos basking in the shallows and a variety of migratory birds that return to Zimbabwe in the wetter months.
3. Safari Adventures
While the Green Season isn’t traditionally known for game-viewing, you’ll be surprised by how underrated the wetter months are when it comes to this component of your holiday. The rains bring an abundance of lush vegetation, which means animals have a wider range of food. It also means that there are fewer crowds on game drives.
Zambezi National Park and the nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana become quieter during this time, offering a more intimate wildlife experience.
Animals like elephants, buffalo, and various antelope are common, and you’ll also see numerous bird species that are migratory during the rainy season.
Feel free to enquire about day trips to either of the above-mentioned parks at our reception desk – we’d be more than happy to facilitate any of your outings!
Stay With Us
At Ilala Lodge Hotel, you’ll experience the best of Victoria Falls during the Green Season. Our boutique hotel is ideally located just a short walk from the Falls and offers a tranquil retreat after a day of exploring.
With our personalised service, luxurious accommodations and beautiful gardens, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing and adventurous stay.
Get in touch with our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com or make use of our online booking platform to secure your own dates.
We look forward to sharing the magic of Victoria Falls in the Green Season with you!
