Although the water levels at the Victoria Falls were particularly low during the dry months of 2019 due to the below normal rainfall in the Zambezi Basin - particularly the Kariba catchment - things are changing for the better.

This has been the case since mid-November, according to the Zambezi River Authority, which records water levels daily. Flows at Victoria Falls are once again on the rise.

The latest data shows the flow at the Victoria Falls was some 227 cubic metres per second on December 2, compared to 207m3/s on November 26, and 189m3/s on November 19.

At its peak, after the rains in May, the flow over one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World often reaches more than 4,500m3/s, which is around 20 times higher than the lowest annual flow.

During the drier months there is always more water in the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side than on the Zambian side - this is simply because the Falls are slightly lower on the Zimbabwean side. At this time of the year it is also quite common for parts of the Falls to dry-up completely.

When water is at its scarcest, the Victoria Falls is still splendid, and activities, such as white-water rafting and game viewing - when wildlife gathers at permanent water sources - are at their best.

With the ebb and flow of Nature, the Victoria Falls will soon be transformed once again into a 1.7km wide sheet of falling water.

The Victoria Falls may be admired at different times of the day, and from different angles, and in high or low water, still allowing the viewer to marvel in wonder.

Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

For only the fifth time in its 115-year history The Victoria Falls Hotel is to undergo a major refashioning and refurbishment programme, starting in January 2020 and set for completion by early 2021.
 
The refashioning exercise focuses on most public areas, as well as all the bedrooms and suites, apart from those in The Stables Signature Wing. The work is aimed to ''marry'' the hotel's unique historic heritage with the introduction of the most modern of amenities and facilities.
 
Work will be carried out in low-season periods between January 2020 and May 2020 and again between January 2021 and May 2021, removing any need to close the hotel.
 
The Victoria Falls Hotel was opened in 1904, at the time of the arrival of the northbound railway development that stemmed from a vision to create a Cape-to-Cairo  rail system, and just ahead of the  opening of the famous road and rail bridge that crosses the gorge below the falls to link Zimbabwe with Zambia.

In the past 115 years there have been major programmes of redevelopment and refurbishment in the formative first decade, and again in the 1950s, 1970s and 1990s, and this programme will thematically use the inspiration of the Victoria Falls Bridge to link the hotel's illustrious past with its exciting future.
 
Key features of the exercise  will be increasing the inflow of light, granting greater  access to views of the hotel grounds, creating walk-in showers in bathrooms, as well as upgrading lighting, air conditioning and electrical features such as points for using and charging devices in all bedrooms and suites.
 
After  final completion  in 2021, the 61 Classic bedrooms - including two Classic Access bedrooms and seven family bedrooms - will average 25 square metres and offer dedicated entrance foyer, king-sized bed or convertible twin beds, with lounge setting, bathroom with large walk-in shower, full wardrobe with luggage storage, generous refreshment station and luxurious mosquito net enclosure.

The 25 brand new Premium bedrooms will average 43 square metres with dedicated entrance foyer, separate TV lounge, generous refreshment station, king-sized bed or convertible twin beds, with luxurious mosquito enclosure, walk-through dressing area with large wardrobe and luggage storage, bathroom featuring large walk-in shower.
 
The 11 Suites will each average 72 square metres, with dedicated entrance foyer, separate living room including TV lounge, dining area, generous minibar, separate guest WC, luxury king-sized bed or convertible twin beds, with generous mosquito enclosure and in-room lounge area, writing desk and coffee station, walk-through dressing area with large wardrobe  and luggage storage, bathroom featuring large walk-in shower and free-standing bath and double vanity feature. The existing Presidential Suite features with two bedrooms with king-sized bed  or  convertible  twin beds, large living area with separate lounges and dining room, generous bathroom with double walk-in shower.

The 42 existing Stables Signature Wing bedrooms and 2 suites remained unchanged.
 

The original Outlook Cafe was sadly destroyed in a fire in December 2018... this highly popular and unique restaurant is now set to open on 01 September, and it looks as if the wait will be worth it!

Perched on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, the Lookout Café is a fusion of spectacular views and exquisite food. The African Contemporary styled restaurant is designed to emphasise its unique panoramic view of both the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Gorges, which form part of the spectacular backdrop.

Recycled and eco friendly material have been used throughout the rebuild. With a mouthwatering menu, a lively selection of cocktails, and the best view in Victoria Falls, the dining experience promises to be better than ever.
 
Some information on the Lookout Cafe:
Only Visa and Mastercard accepted; there is a Licensed Bar;  Complimentary Parking; Wheelchair Access
WIFI: Free
SEATING: Outside terrace x 60; Indoor x 140; New Lower deck (cocktail and canapé area) x 60

OPENING HOURS: Open daily from 08h00 to 22h00 (freshly baked muffins available daily from 08h00).
BREAKFAST: No breakfast during the week unless pre-booked
Saturday & Sunday 08h00 – 10h00
LUNCH: 10h00 to 16h00
SNACK MENU: 16h00 – 18h30
DINNER: 18h30 – 22h00 (last food orders at 21h00

Fine dining in Heart of Africa - at the Victoria Falls Hotel's Livingstone Room. This historic venue is now 101 years old - which makes it the longest running restaurant in Zimbabwe.

It is it's own Tourist Attraction, and offer an excellent range of culinary delights, making for a memorable dining experience. So, dress up and experience the pleasure of fine dining - and why not look out for the flambé trolley, as dishes are prepared at your table and you can enjoy the flash of the flame as your meal is finalised.

The Livingstone Room is open Mondays to Saturdays: between 7pm and 9.30pm (19h00 - 21h30).