Victoria Falls moonbow tour
A guided night walk in the rainforest to see a rainbow made by moonlight in the spray of the falls. Park entry US$116 per person.
What to expect
The Victoria Falls moonbow tour costs quoted on request, with park entry of US$116 per person, takes about about 2 hours and runs three nights around each full moon. The Victoria Falls Moonbow Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of nature’s most unusual spectacles: a rainbow created by moonlight shining through the spray of Victoria Falls. See every rate on the Victoria Falls activity price list.
The Victoria Falls Moonbow Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of nature’s most unusual spectacles: a rainbow created by moonlight shining through the spray of Victoria Falls. This guided nighttime experience combines the atmosphere of the rainforest after dark with the dramatic sound and mist of the waterfall.
Tours are generally scheduled for three nights around the full moon: the night before, the full-moon night and the night after. Visibility depends on cloud cover, moonlight, water spray and river conditions.
Victoria Falls moonbow tour FAQs
What is a moonbow?
A moonbow, or lunar rainbow, is a rainbow formed when moonlight passes through water droplets in the air. At Victoria Falls, the waterfall’s mist provides the conditions needed for this rare nighttime phenomenon.
When can I see the lunar rainbow?
Typically on the three nights surrounding the full moon. Schedules are based on the lunar calendar and local park arrangements, so the exact operating dates should be confirmed before booking.
What are the best months to visit?
April to July generally offers strong waterfall spray, while June to August often provides a favourable combination of spray and clearer winter skies. The best viewing conditions vary from year to year.
Is the moonbow guaranteed?
No. Clear skies, sufficient moonlight and suitable spray are necessary. Cloud cover or unfavourable waterfall conditions may prevent a sighting, and tours may be cancelled due to bad weather.
How long does the tour last?
Allow approximately two hours for the guided experience, including the rainforest visit. Transfers and check-in arrangements can add to the total evening duration.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, a waterproof jacket or rain protection, a camera or smartphone, a tripod and manual camera settings if you intend to photograph the moonbow, and a small bag for personal essentials. Mist can leave visitors wet, and rainforest paths may be slippery.
Can I take photographs?
Yes. However, a moonbow can appear faint or almost white to the naked eye because moonlight is much weaker than sunlight. Long exposures can reveal more colour in photographs.
Is the tour available from Zimbabwe and Zambia?
Viewing options exist on both sides, subject to seasonal conditions and operator arrangements. During the drier months, the Zimbabwean side may offer better opportunities because the Zambian side can have significantly less water flowing over parts of the falls.
How much does the moonbow tour cost?
Park entry fees cost US$116 per person. This excludes return transfers from your hotel or lodge. Contact us for an accurate all-inclusive quote.
How far in advance should I book?
Early booking is recommended for popular full-moon periods, especially April through July. We confirm the date, rate, minimum number of guests and cancellation policy with the operator when you book.
At a glance
| Price | Rates on request |
|---|---|
| Park entry | US$116 per person |
| Duration | About 2 hours |
| When | Three nights around each full moon |
| Minimum age | Ask |
| Where | Victoria Falls rainforest, Zimbabwe or Zambia side |
Rates are per person and subject to availability. Park, bridge and government fees are shown separately because they change independently of the activity price.
Why go
- A rare natural phenomenon: moonlight refracts through the waterfall’s mist to create a faint, nighttime rainbow
- A guided rainforest experience: walk to designated viewpoints with a qualified guide and experience the falls after sunset
- A memorable photographic opportunity: long-exposure photography may reveal more colour than the naked eye
Victoria Falls lunar rainbow dates for 2028
These are provisional planning dates, calculated from the 2028 full-moon calendar for the Victoria Falls region: the night before the full moon, the full-moon night and the night after. They are not a confirmed park operating schedule, and visibility cannot be guaranteed.
| Month | Night before | Full moon | Night after |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 Jan | 12 Jan | 13 Jan |
| February | 9 Feb | 10 Feb | 11 Feb |
| March | 10 Mar | 11 Mar | 12 Mar |
| April | 8 Apr | 9 Apr | 10 Apr |
| May | 7 May | 8 May | 9 May |
| June | 6 Jun | 7 Jun | 8 Jun |
| July | 5 Jul | 6 Jul | 7 Jul |
| August | 4 Aug | 5 Aug | 6 Aug |
| September | 3 Sep | 4 Sep | 5 Sep |
| October | 2 Oct | 3 Oct | 4 Oct |
| November | 1 Nov | 2 Nov | 3 Nov |
| December | 1 Dec | 2 Dec | 3 Dec |
| December (second full moon) | 30 Dec | 31 Dec | 1 Jan 2029 |
Best dates to plan around: 8–10 April, 7–9 May, 6–8 June and 5–7 July 2028, in the high-water and spray season. December 2028 has a second full moon on 31 December, so that viewing window runs into January 2029.
Book the Victoria Falls moonbow tour
Tell us your dates and how many are coming. We book the activity and the transfer together, and you pay once.
