BY MEGHAN O'DEA

south africa

Is Victoria Falls drying up?

Recent reports that droughts in southern Africa and warming global temperatures have caused the famous cascade to “shrink to a trickle."

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

But local authorities insist that, while water levels are far from their peak, all is alive and well.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

WHEN'S A GOOD TIME?

So what is really going on at Victoria Falls?

“Every single year the Eastern Cataract of the Victoria Falls exposes a dry rock face, normally between the months of October to December,” explains a local, Wilma Griffith.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

“Historical figures show around 14 November the river is at its lowest and then gradually starts to rise again once the localised rains start having an impact on the Zambezi.”

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Zimbabwe has weathered several back-to-back droughts in recent years, which scientists believe are caused by climate change.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

These droughts have stressed ecosystems and agriculture in recent years, impacting farmers and tourism.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

“The livelihoods on the ground are impacted by these reports - tourism plays an active role in the community and conservation of the area.” Says Wilma.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

However, the local tourism industry actually relies on the Zambezi’s seasonal fluctuations to offer a broader range of adventure activities.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

“We chose to go in December so we could experience the Devil’s Pool,” says writer Angela Ballard.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

“You can’t get in the water at the top of the falls during the height of the wet season, because it’s too dangerous."

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

"A December canoe safari on the Zambezi also offered plenty of up-close wildlife sightings without another boat in sight.”

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Regardless of how the flow at Victoria Falls fluctuates, there are draws year round to see this natural wonder of the world.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS