Lunar Rainbows
& Full Moons

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The Zambezi River reaches its crescendo at the Victoria Falls where it crashes with a thunderous roar down a sheer cliff face into the Batoka Gorge, causing rising columns of spray that can be seen several kilometres away.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls is the world's largest curtain of falling water and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is also the only place in Africa where the magical natural phenomenon of a lunar rainbow can be witnessed at full moon during high water season.

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  • Victoria Falls Livingstone Island
  • Livingstone Island kiss
  • Livingstone Island jump

Welcome ToThe IslandIn the Thunder

Livingstone Island sits at the heart of the Victoria Falls. One of Africa’s most iconic natural and cultural heritage sites, this island also has a fascinating history.

Discover

Lunar Rainbow

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A lunar rainbow or moonbow happens when the moon shines bright enough to have its light reflected by raindrops, just as is the case for the sun.

Moonlight is much fainter of course, so the lunar rainbow is not nearly as intense as one created by sunlight. It is still an ethereal sight worth seeing, which you can do over the three days of full moon during high water levels at Victoria Falls.

Months that are famous for the best moonbows are April, May, June, July and August.

Victoria falls lunar rainbow
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Full Moon Dates

*The best moonbow months are highlighted below.

18 January
16 February
18 March

16 April
16 May
14 June

13 July
12 August

10 September

09 October
08 November
08 December

7 January
16 February
7 March

6 April
5 May
4 June

3 July
1 August
31 August

29 September
28 October
27 November
27 December

TAB 3
16 February
18 March

16 April
16 May
14 June

13 July
12 August
10 September

09 October
08 November
08 December

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Activities

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Palm leaf background Victoria Falls Map