Waterlevels at Victoria Falls

Posted on 4th February 2020

Victoria Falls – affectionately, respectfully and very aptly referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders“) by locals, has recently been under great and unjustified scrutiny. Various media outlets have presented a warped picture of the current water levels resulting in rumors about the falls drying up and spreading panic amongst travellers to Victoria Falls.

With the help of information provided by our eyes and ears on the ground we would like to dispel some of these rumors with some first hand facts. Credit and thanks to Wild Horizons.

Not only has Victoria Falls never dried up, but last year it was the highest it has been since 2010. Every year water levels are charted in a graph using data provided by the Zambezi River Authority, who assess water levels through a hydrometric network comprising of thirteen stations. This graph (courtesy of Wild Horizons) clearly illustrates the seasonally occurring  drop offs in the dry season and rises during the wet season. This carefully recorded natural fluctuation in the volume of water going over the waterfall is normal and an expected phenomenon. It exposes different yet equally beautiful perspectives of this geological masterpiece.

These pictures taken each month in 2019 (courtesy of Wild Horizons) also assist in seeing the water levels in a much healthier perspective. River level have in-fact been above the normal average for the past five years. According to data captured by the Zambezi River Authority on 27 December 2019, 323 000 litres of water were going over the Victoria Falls per second. On the same date in 2018, this figure was 267 000 litres per second. The high water run started on 10 January 2020 in line with the rising water levels of the Zambezi River.

We would like to urge everyone to please be mindful of exaggerated stories and footage that has been censored and sensationalised.

Even when the thunderous nature of the waterfall is somewhat tamed during the drier months, Victoria Falls is always a spectacular sight. It is, and always will be, a natural wonder.