Is Victoria Falls Drying Up?

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

As Southern Africa is facing a serious drought period that has been affecting water supply across the region, concerns have been raised that the Victoria Falls might be drying up. 

African Travel and Tourism Association Chairman Ross Kennedy says, however, that these speculations and rumours on social media are false. He explains that traditionally, Victoria Falls is at its driest at this time of year and that often before the rainy season begins, the Zambian side comes close to drying up, with just a small amount of water flowing over in some places. “This is simply because the falls are slightly lower on the Zimbabwean side,” he says.

However, Kennedy admits that due to exceptionally low rainfall in the catchment area during the last rainy season, the water level is at its lowest since 1996. But he assures tourists that Victoria Falls will never become “Victoria Walls,” as locals often refer to it jokingly. He said: “Rest assured, Victoria Falls deservedly remains one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and nothing can change that.”

Wild Horizons explained on its Facebook page that the vast differences in water levels between seasons are completely normal. The operator adds that low water levels even lead to the most fantastic white-water rafting at this time of year.