While most travellers who think of visiting Africa imagine the dry season - clear skies, crisp evenings, and adventurous game drives - there is another time to experience the magic -the Green Season.
From November to March, the rains bring the African bush to life in the most extraordinary way. Widely described by locals as the “Rainy Season”, the period between November and early April is characterised by regional summer rains. The rains occur in the form of dramatic thunderstorms rolling across the African terrain. Apart from visitors experiencing nature’s theatre at its most powerful, it is the magic following the rains that will capture their hearts; this is Africa at its richest and most vibrant.
The folks at Victoria Falls River Lodge (and its associated properties) believe that there are a host of reasons why you should visit Victoria Falls during the Green Season. They have listed four of them here:-
View the Falls at its most dramatic - Around January through to March, the Zambezi River fills up to dramatic levels from the summer rains. This makes for spectacular views of the Victoria Falls - which become more intense as the river’s flow increases. Spray from the world’s largest sheet of falling water rises to heights of over 400 metres, sometimes even twice as high, and is visible from up to 48 kms away. Victoria Falls is famous for this majestic water spectacle, best viewed from January to March, when the ‘smoke’ from its spray and ‘thunder’ from its roaring mass of water is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Experience the wild-side of life - While the Victoria Falls is a must-see activity, there are plenty of other things to do and see when staying at Victoria Falls River Lodge. A popular activity is viewing the incredible wildlife that the continent is famous for. The rainy season does cause thick vegetation and wild animals spread across the landscape; however, it is still possible to view them on the morning and/or afternoon game drives that depart daily and explore the Zambezi National Park from Victoria Falls River Lodge.
Best natural backdrop for selfies - The rains transform the bush into a vibrant, green retreat, offering breathtaking scenery and incredible photo opportunities. The grass is at its most nutritious in this period, the rainforest flowers are in bloom, and the Baobab trees start to fruit. This will be a perfect time to also take up a walking safari or do some bird watching, with hundreds of species adding colour and song to the bush. Bait fishing is also popular during the height of the rainy season, due to the murkiness of the Zambezi River.
Fewer Crowds - With fewer tourists around during January to March, you will have plenty of space to soak up the beauty of Victoria Falls. The rush of Christmas / New Years’ visitors will have returned home and the operating pace of the numerous activity businesses and local traders at the vibrant marketplaces would have subsided once again. Visitors during this time will have a greater choice of activity booking timeslot options and the assurance that a visit to Victoria Falls town (a short drive from Victoria Falls River Lodge), to explore the quaint historic town, indulge in some leisurely curio shopping, and enjoy a drink or a meal, is at a relaxed tempo.
Victoria Falls River Lodge offers special rates for visitors during the Green Season. You can view these in the Specials section on their Listing on the Wild Zambezi website HERE.