Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE flow of the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls has risen sharply, dramatically enhancing the natural wonder’s spectacle and drawing increased numbers of visitors.
Recent measurements show a significant surge in water levels, with the falls now roaring back to life after months of reduced flow. Towering plumes of mist rise high above the gorge, creating a near-constant spray that blankets surrounding viewpoints.
From vantage points near the main cataract, the transformation is striking, with the thunderous sound of cascading water returning in full force as the river reclaims its dominance over the basalt cliffs.
Tourists are flocking to witness the phenomenon, many experiencing the iconic site at near-peak performance for the first time.
“It is incredible, you can actually feel the ground vibrate beneath your feet. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” a tourist said.
“The mist, the sound, everything just surrounds you; it is like being inside the waterfall itself,” another visitor said.
“It is even more powerful than I expected. The views are dramatic, and the spray just keeps coming,” a visitor added.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Public Relations Manager Mr Luckmore Safuli said the rising water levels are being driven by sustained rainfall upstream, with more inflows expected in the coming weeks.
The surrounding rainforest is flourishing under the constant moisture, while rainbows arc across the gorge as a near-permanent feature, further enhancing the site’s appeal.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls are now delivering one of their most powerful displays in recent years.
The surge comes as Zimbabwe continues to gain global recognition as a top travel destination, with Forbes Travel Guide naming it the “World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025,” a title underscored by the renewed majesty of Victoria Falls.
