Has Victoria Falls Dried Up?

In 2019, British journalist Alex Crawford from Sky News visited Victoria Falls at the height of the dry season, reported it was "drying up", and blamed climate change. The story was picked up by international outlets and circulated widely, showing images of a dry rock face as "proof".

What's missing? This phenomenon occurs every year. By October or November, the Zambian side of the falls typically dries up, leaving only a rock wall. The Zimbabwean side, however, retains water year-round. And even in 2019, water levels were higher than in the early 1990s, 1980s, and even during 1914 and 1915—well before the current climate change concerns.

Victoria Falls has a seasonal high-water period, usually from January to June, peaking around March when water thunders down the entire length of the falls. In contrast, the low-water season runs from July to December, with the Zambian side of the falls often drying up by October until seasonal rains replenish it.

For those planning a visit, it's essential to understand this natural cycle. Devil's Pool, a popular attraction on the Zambian side, only opens during the low-water season when the water recedes enough to make the rock pool accessible. This variation is why Victoria Falls offers unique experiences year-round, from the misty, roaring falls during high water to the incredible views and activities like Devil's Pool during low water.

Ironically, just months after the 2019 report, Victoria Falls had one of its highest water levels on record in early 2020. With the onset of the pandemic, however, few tourists were around to see it. The following year also saw robust rainfall, providing a spectacle to anyone visiting during that high-water season.

While climate change does impact rainfall and droughts in Southern Africa, the falls are not "permanently drying up" as claimed. Many of these media narratives sensationalize the annual dry season without providing context about Victoria Falls' natural, cyclical nature. The seasonal drying of the Zambian side occurs each year, with the Zimbabwean side maintaining flow.