About Toka Leya Camp
Set within the small Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, some 5km from Livingstone, Toka Leya is a luxury lodge ...
... operated by Wilderness Safaris. Named after the Toka Leya people, who inhabited the area around Livingstone centuries before David Livingstone arrived, the lodge is perched on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from the Falls.
With fantastic food and top service, we feel that Toka Leya Camp is a great luxury accommodation choice in the Livingstone area. Its location within the national park, tented rooms and fully inclusive rates lend the property the feeling of a very high-end safari camp. Toka Leya has a wonderfully peaceful location on the river, but it remains a very convenient distance from Livingstone for visiting the Victoria Falls.
Our view
With fantastic food and top service, we feel that Toka Leya Camp is a great luxury accommodation choice in the Livingstone area. Its location within the national park, tented rooms and fully inclusive rates lend the property the feeling of a very high-end safari camp. Toka Leya has a wonderfully peaceful location on the river, but it remains a very convenient distance from Livingstone for visiting the Victoria Falls.
Country manager: Zambia
Accommodation
12 tents
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Toka Leya Camp
23 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 29 pictures and 1 videos of Toka Leya Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryToka Leya Camp: Our full report
Set within the small Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, some 5km from Livingstone, Toka Leya is a luxury lodge ...
... operated by Wilderness Safaris. Named after the Toka Leya people, who inhabited the area around Livingstone centuries before David Livingstone arrived, the lodge is perched on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from the Falls.
Tokay Leya has 12 spacious safari-style tents, each constructed from green canvas and natural wood decking, raised high up on decks. Large glass sliding doors lend a modern, stylish design element to the rooms while allowing beautiful views over the Zambezi River. Each tent also has a large wooden deck to the front with a sunken seating area, furnished with wicker armchairs and sunloungers.
Nine of the tents are double/twin rooms, while the remaining three are family rooms. All are air-conditioned with an open-plan lounge and bedroom. The lounge is furnished with two brown leather high-back chairs, a wooden table and desk, with Persian style rugs and bright lamps adding colour to the otherwise natural décor. Directly behind the lounge is the bedroom – with either twin or double four-poster beds, complete with crisp white linen, down duvets and mosquito nets.
The bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a wall faced in wooden tiles (inventive and very effective!). Each has twin basins with two large mirrors, a separate toilet, and an indoor and outdoor shower. Complimentary soaps, shampoo, body lotion, insect repellents and washing power (for underwear) are provided.
Toka Leya's family tents are exactly the same as the twin/double tents, but they have an extra bedroom at the back, sharing the same bathroom. This second bedroom is also air-conditioned, and has twin four-poster beds with mosquito nets.
The camp's tents are beautifully decorated and very comfortable, but on a negative side, some of them are quite open and don't have much privacy from the neighbouring tents. To resolve the problem, Toka Leya has planted trees between the tents, but until they start to mature, you may be able to see your neighbours.
Toka Leya's main areahas been built under a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. It's raised on a wooden deck, and is reached from the rooms by a raised wooden walkway, which offers beautiful views over some small rapids – and when the river is in full flood (around March to May, depending on the rains) the water flows underneath the deck.
The large open-plan lounge and dining room is set beneath an enormous canvas roof, and has open sides and front to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a real feature. It's made of small ‘log tiles’, which give the room a very natural feel.
The lounge has been built around a large sausage tree. It's beautifully decorated in contemporary earthy tones with touches of African artifacts. There are three separate seating areas, with coir carpets over the teak floors, and comfy sofas and chairs.
Partly separated from the lounge by a carved wooden screen, the dining room has individual dark wood tables, which can be joined together for group meals, and comfortable suede high-back chairs. Then, to the right of the dining room stands Toka Leya's fabulous pizza oven.
Nearer to the river, on a slightly lower teak deck, is an outside veranda and bar area. Afternoon tea is often served on the sundeck, which is set around a shady Faidherbia albida entwined by a strangler fig. A canvas roof covers the bar area, which even has a cappuccino machine!
Close by, Toka Leya has an infinity pool overlooking the Zambezi. There are sunloungers and large umbrellas – so it's an ideal spot for relaxing.
Then right on the water’s edge you’ll find Toka Leya's spa and air-conditioned gym, both in wonderful locations on the water's edge, with beautiful views of the river. The spa has two treatment rooms and offer massages, manicures and pedicures.
Beneath the lounge, on the sandy river bank, is a lovely fire pit area. The fire is lit in the evenings, and guests can move down from the dinner table with their drinks to do some star gazing.
A lot of hard work has gone into the building and finishing of Toka Leya, and the service is excellent. All the handrails have been wrapped in rope to give it a softer look – a tedious job, but well worth the end result. Little lights have been cleverly set into the wooden walkways to subtly light the paths at night. Tree stumps have been sandpapered and levelled off to make drinks tables, and the basins in the guests' toilets are carved from wood. There are also many artefacts displayed in the main area that have been made by the staff and the locals – my favourite were the two crystal chandeliers in the lounge and dining room.
Toka Leya's rates include all meals, local drinks, laundry, and two activities a day. These can be selected from a river cruise on one of their own boats, a game drive into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a tour to the Zambian side of the Falls, a tour of Livingstone town and museum, and a visit to a nearby village and local curio shops. The lodge is also happy to arrange any other activities in Livingstone, such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, microlight flights etc.
Geographics
- Location
- Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- Two or three nights – depending on how many activities you want to participate in.
- Directions
- Fly from Johannesburg or Lusaka on a scheduled flight into Livingstone Airport. Or transfer from Kasane by road/boat, or by light aircraft to Livingstone. The road transfer from Livingstone Airport to Toka Leya takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We’ve been impressed by the food at Toka Leya on each of our visits, and every meal we’ve had at the camp has been delicious.
If you choose to partake in an early morning activity, you'll be woken just before sunrise with tea or coffee delivered to your room. This is accompanied by a snack; on previous visits we’ve had freshly baked biscuits, and baby pancakes with sliced banana toppings.
Breakfast is a buffet of fresh fruit or fruit salad, yoghurt, cereal, toast and pastries. If that's not enough, then there's also a full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms etc. On one stay we enjoyed a superb two-egg, ham and cheese omelette.
For lunch there’s an à la carte menu offering a variety of dishes. On our last visit in June 2015 we treated ourselves to a freshly baked pizza, served straight from the brick pizza oven.
High tea, with both a savoury and a sweet choice, is served at around 4.00pm, before the afternoon activity. In the past we’ve enjoyed chicken and vegetable wraps, and then a freshly baked chocolate cake.
Dinners is a three-course meal, and can be eaten as a group or privately. On a previous visit we were treated to vegetable filo pastry parcels for starters, and a choice of two main courses – either beef fillet, or fish of the day (hake,) which was accompanied by vegetables, and baby potatoes or couscous. This was followed by a dark, rich, chocolate tart for dessert. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private meals can be requested in your room.
- Drinks included
- Local branded drinks (including house wines, local beers, soft drinks and water) are included in the rates, but premium drinks are not.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With several inter-leading rooms, Toka Leya is a great camp for family holidays to Zambia. Children might enjoy the camp's interactive drumming evenings, as well as river cruises, campfires at night, and trips to the Victoria Falls and the nearby village.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zambia
- Luxury
- A marvellous combination of safari-style and modern luxury, Toka Leya is a great place to stay in Zambia. Close enough to Livingstone, but in a quiet and peaceful spot on Zambezi River, it features sumptuous interior with brown leather high-back chairs, chandeliers and Persian style rugs.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of six years are welcome at Toka Leya.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age six years.
- Special activities & services
- Two or three times a week Toka Leya hosts an African drumming band that does interactive drumming with the guests. The camp’s bongo drums and other African musical instruments such as cow bells and shakers help to make this a fun-filled evening, when everyone has the opportunity to join in.
- Equipment
- No special equipment is provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – for children aged six and up.
- Notes
- Toka Leya is situated within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Whilst there are no predators in the park, elephants do walk through the camp on their way to drink at the river.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Toka Leya Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Toka Leya Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp has a back-up generator in case of power cuts.
- Communications
- The WiFi facility at Toka Leya is available for guests to use at the guest liaison desk, but they try to limit this to urgent use only.
There is cellphone reception, but the camp prefers guests to use their phones only in the privacy of their rooms, to avoid disturbing other guests. - TV & radio
- There are no televisions or radios here.
Sustainability
Soil rehabilitation using worm farms
Overlooking the Zamberzi River, Toka Leya Camp is commited to limiting its footprint on the pristine area it operates in through the 4Cs project (Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation).
Toka Leya shows its respect for the environment by using worm farm bins to manage organic waste in-house. Known as nature’s great recyclers, the worms turn decaying matter that they are fed into nutrient-dense fertilizer. This is used as fertile soil for the young plants in Toka Leya’s greenhouse nursery, thus supporting the camp’s tree-planting project. Once the saplings become trees, they can either be donated to the sites in need of rehabilitation or be a source of food for numerous wild species. To date, thousands of indigenous tree saplings have been planted in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, all of which were germinated and nurtured by Toka Leya’s staff in the camp. Thanks to Toka Leys’s tree-planting project, this formerly degraded site has been rehabilitated to become a lush riverine woodland once more.
Additionally, Toka Leyna is committed to leaving behind a permanent legacy by educating tourists and locals about the importance of reforestation. The camp’s staff continues to plant trees and encourages tourists to do the same during their stays. Also, tourists and locals alike can learn more about how an eco-kitchen and garden look like during back-of-house tours with the camp’s staff. There are in-room brochures providing information about the camp’s light eco-footprint, and all around the camp there are posters giving guests more information about the camp’s worm farm and tree nursery.
See more great sustainability projects in Zambia
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The closest doctor is in Livingstone, about 20 minutes' drive away. Some of the staff are first-aid trained.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their rooms at night as Toka Leya is within a national park. Nightwatchmen are on duty, and horns are provided in every tent to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the tents and the main areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered. There are no safes in the tents. Guests are given large brown envelopes which they may put their valuables in, seal them, and hand to management for safekeeping.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted, subject to a surcharge of 5%, but Diners Club and Amex are not. Cash payments may be made in US dollars, South African rand, pounds sterling, euros and Zambian kwacha.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Toka Leya Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Toka Leya Camp.
Excursions from Toka Leya Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Toka Leya Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Fishing on the Zambezi River
Three hours or Seven hours
Many people head to Livingstone not just to see the Victoria Falls, but also to relax after an international flight or a busy safari, and a perfect way to do this is with a fishing trip on the calmer sections of the Zambezi River above the falls, drifting with the current, casting your line, and keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks.
More about Fishing
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Helicopter Flight - Zambia
12 or 25 minute flights
Witnessing the power of the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning sight, but to see the world’s largest waterfall from the air is a very different experience! A helicopter flight over the Falls is truly incredible, and a worthy addition to your time in Livingstone.
More about Helicopter Flight
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
More about Livingstone Island
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
More about Rhino Walk
Royal Livingstone Express
Four hours approx.
The Royal Livingstone Express is a lovingly restored steam train. Guests steam along the original Rhodesian railway line onto the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge. From here guests can marvel at the falls and the Batoka Gorge before enjoying 5-courses of fine dining.
More about Royal Livingstone Express
The Elephant Café
Approximately four hours
Visiting The Elephant Café is a great combination of a magical elephant encounter and fine dining. Spend time getting to know the elephants, some of them rescued from the wild many years ago, and others born into the herd. Then sit down and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi.
More about The Elephant CaféOther lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
When to go to Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Toka Leya Camp in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in January
At the peak of Livingstone's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours most days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The landscape around Victoria Falls is lush and green, offering spectacular views of the falls at their fullest. However, the abundance of water disperses wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, making game viewing challenging.
The high water levels in the Zambezi River limit some activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool. On the bright side, this is an excellent time for birdwatching in the park, with many migratory species present.
The Livingstone Museum provides a great indoor activity option during rainy periods.
- Hot and humid with frequent rainfall
- Victoria Falls at high water level, misty views
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Wildlife dispersed, game viewing challenging
- Low tourist numbers, cheaper accommodation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Livingstone. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
Victoria Falls is at its most powerful, creating an impressive spectacle of mist and rainbows. The high water levels in the Zambezi River allow for thrilling boat trips, offering unique perspectives of the falls and surrounding landscapes.
While game viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is limited due to thick vegetation, you might spot animals with newborns. The Livingstone Museum and local markets provide cultural experiences during rainy periods. This is also an excellent time to enjoy spa treatments and relaxation at riverside retreats, taking in the lush, green scenery.
- Peak of green season, hot and humid days
- Victoria Falls impressive but views obscured
- Birdwatching excellent with migratory species
- Most adventure activities unavailable
- Quiet tourist season, best hotel deals
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in March
March is the last month of Livingstone's green season, with heavy downpours still occurring most days. Water levels at Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are at their highest, creating a magnificent, thunderous display. While this limits some activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool, it's an excellent time for scenic flights over the falls.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, wildlife viewing remains challenging due to thick vegetation, but patient observers might be rewarded with sightings of predators taking advantage of vulnerable young animals. The Livingstone Museum offers insights into local history and culture on rainy days.
As the season transitions, some adventure activities begin to resume, and the lush landscape provides stunning backdrops for photography.
- Rains begin to subside, still hot and humid
- Victoria Falls at its most powerful
- Landscape lush and green, photogenic
- Wildlife with young, but viewing difficult
- Fewer tourists, great for budget travellers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in April
As Livingstone transitions from intense downpours to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a shift in tourist activities. Victoria Falls remains impressive, though water levels start to decrease slightly. This is the first month when it's possible to visit Livingstone Island, offering unique views of the falls.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, as the landscape begins to dry, wildlife viewing gradually improves. Adventure activities like whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River start to become available again.
The Livingstone Museum and local craft markets provide cultural experiences, while the town's restaurants and bars offer a taste of local cuisine and nightlife. This is also an excellent time for relaxing spa treatments and golf, with pleasant temperatures and decreasing humidity.
- Transition month, rains becoming less frequent
- Victoria Falls spectacular but misty
- Adventure activities slowly resuming
- Wildlife viewing improving as bush thins
- Moderate tourist numbers, good value stays
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in May
May typically marks the start of Livingstone's dry season. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures start to drop, with highs around 26°C/79°F.
Victoria Falls remains impressive, but water levels decrease, improving visibility. This is an excellent time for activities like whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and visiting Devil's Pool.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing improves as vegetation thins out. Walking safaris become more feasible, offering close encounters with wildlife. Cultural experiences at Livingstone and Mukuni villages are enjoyable in the mild weather. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging at Victoria Falls are in full swing.
- Start of dry season, clearer and cooler
- Victoria Falls views improving
- White water rafting season begins
- Game viewing getting better in national park
- Tourist numbers increasing, book in advance
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in June
Livingstone sees virtually no rainfall in June, with a strong chance of sunny days throughout. The humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures fall to around 10°C/50°F at night but still warm to 25°C/77°F during the day.
Victoria Falls offers clearer views as mist decreases, making it ideal for photography. This is a prime time for activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and visiting Devil's Pool. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the thinning vegetation significantly improves game viewing and walking safaris.
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are particularly beautiful this time of year. Early morning and late evening activities may require warm clothing.
- Cool dry days, chilly nights
- Victoria Falls views excellent
- Prime time for white water rafting
- Wildlife viewing good in Mosi-oa-Tunya park
- High season begins, busier and pricier
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in July
As the dry season continues in Livingstone, vegetation dies back and water becomes scarcer. This results in excellent game viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with wildlife clustering around remaining water sources.
July is the first month of winter, and while daytime temperatures are in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit, nights can be cold. Victoria Falls offers clear views with reduced mist, ideal for photography and activities like the 'Flight of Angels' helicopter rides. This is peak season for whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging.
Cultural tours to Livingstone and Mukuni villages provide warm daytime activities. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River offer spectacular views and wildlife sightings. Remember to pack warm clothes for early morning and evening activities.
- Cool and dry, perfect weather
- Victoria Falls views at their best
- Ideal for all outdoor and water activities
- Excellent game viewing opportunities
- Peak tourist season, book well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in August
By August, Livingstone's landscape is dry, and wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park congregates around remaining water sources, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed.
The flow over Victoria Falls is reducing, so views are clear, not misty; there are often perfect conditions for activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool. This is an ideal time for walking safaris in the national park. Cultural experiences at local villages are enjoyable in the mild daytime temperatures. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging at the falls are popular.
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River offer stunning views and wildlife sightings. Early morning and evening activities can be chilly, so warm clothing is recommended.
- Warm days, cool nights, very dry
- Low water levels, great for Devil's Pool
- White water rafting at its most thrilling
- Wildlife concentrated near water sources
- Very busy, highest prices for accommodation
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in September
September is one of the most popular times to visit Livingstone. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and temperatures are starting to climb. The flow over Victoria Falls can be greatly reduced and so offers clear views with minimal mist, perfect for photography and activities like the 'Flight of Angels' helicopter rides.
This is prime time for whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and visiting Devil's Pool. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing is at its best as wildlife clusters around scarce water sources. Walking safaris offer excellent opportunities to see animals up close.
Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging are in full swing. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi are particularly beautiful this time of year.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Low water at the Falls, best for rock swimming
- Excellent for all adventure activities
- Peak time for wildlife viewing
- Still high season, busy and expensive
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in October
As the dry season peaks in Livingstone, the landscape is brown and barren. Victoria Falls is at its lowest flow, revealing the full extent of the rocky gorge. This is the best time for whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and swimming in Devil's Pool.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing reaches its peak as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. However, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching over 40°C/104°F in the daytime. This makes walking safaris challenging, especially without shade.
Cultural experiences at local villages are best enjoyed in the cooler mornings or evenings. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue, but the heat can be intense. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi offer a cooler alternative and excellent wildlife viewing.
- Very hot days and nights
- Lowest water levels at Victoria Falls
- Best month for white water rafting
- Wildlife viewing excellent as water scarce
- Tourist numbers start to decrease
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in Livingstone. While the timing of the first rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Victoria Falls is at its lowest flow, offering unique views of the rocky gorge. This is the last chance for activities like swimming in Devil's Pool before water levels rise. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, wildlife viewing can still be excellent early in the month, but animals start to disperse as soon as the rains arrive.
Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue, weather permitting. As the month progresses, the landscape begins to transform with the first rains, bringing a burst of green growth.
- Hot and humid, occasional rain showers
- Water levels at Victoria Falls increasing
- Some adventure activities become limited
- Wildlife starts to disperse with early rains
- Shoulder season, fewer tourists
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in December
December marks the start of Livingstone's green season, with heavy thunderstorms most days interspersed by sunny spells. Victoria Falls begins to slowly increase in volume, offering a mix of clear views and building mist.
Water-based activities on the Zambezi River, like whitewater rafting, may be suspended as water levels rise.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the arrival of rain disperses wildlife, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
The Livingstone Museum provides a great indoor activity option during rainy periods. Cultural experiences at local villages offer insights into seasonal traditions. Despite the rain, adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue when weather permits. The landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise.
- Green season begins, hot and humid
- Victoria Falls gaining water volume
- Many adventure activities unavailable
- Wildlife dispersed, viewing more challenging
- Low season, quiet with cheaper rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me