Your Full Guide to Chasing Rainbows (At Night!)
If you thought Victoria Falls was wild by day, loud, soaking, and full of drama, just wait until the moon shows up.
Once a month, the Zambezi delivers something surreal. Under the light of a full moon, the Falls produce something few people on Earth ever witness: a Lunar Rainbow. The best part? You don’t need a five-star budget or a flashlight-and-fear combo mission. Jollyboys makes it affordable, social, and safe.
What Is a Lunar Rainbow (And Please, Not a Moonbow)?
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Yes, some people call it a moonbow, but let’s be real – that sounds like a glittery character from a kids’ cartoon. We’ll stick with Lunar Rainbow, but technically, both options work.
So what actually happens? On clear full moon nights, the light hits the constant spray from the Falls and creates a glowing, silvery arc. Sometimes you’ll spot a faint hint of colour too. It’s eerie and beautiful, like nature’s version of a secret rave.
When Can You See the Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls?
Lunar Rainbows only appear when conditions are just right:
- Clear skies
- A full moon
- Enough spray from the Falls
The viewing window is small – usually the night before, the night of, and the night after the full moon. The best time of year is between March and August, when the water flow is high.
Ask at Jollyboys reception or check our events board. We’ll help you plan it perfectly.
How Much Does Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls Cost?
We keep it simple and backpacker-friendly:
- Entry Fee to Victoria Fallsl Park (Zambian side) for Lunar Rainbow viewing: Around USD $25 for international visitors. This is a separate ticket from daytime entry.
- Return Transport with Jollyboys: Jollyboys offers a shuttle service so super easy!
Book at reception and you’re sorted.
Packing Tips for Victoria Falls at Night
Things get wet, cool, and slightly mystical after sundown. Be prepared:
- Warm layer or hoodie
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Dry bag for your phone and valuables
- Grippy shoes or trainers
- Sense of adventure
Pro tip: Don’t bring your only clean outfit unless you want to sleep in damp socks.
Cameras, Phones and Taking Photos of the Lunar Rainbow
Lunar Rainbows are beautiful but tricky to photograph. Here’s what you need to know:
Using a phone?
You’ll see it with your eyes, but your camera might just capture fog. Try boosting your exposure and staying super still.
Want better shots?
- Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Use a tripod
- Experiment with long exposures
- Don’t forget to pause and actually enjoy it
Bonus: other Jollyboys guests often share photos afterward. Even if your camera lets you down, your Instagram might still win.
Lunar Rainbow FAQ
Is the Lunar Rainbow guaranteed?
No, clouds or low water levels can block the light required to showcase the lunar rainbow. March to August is your best shot.
Do I need to book to see the lunar rainbow in advance?
No, you can go to the Victoria Falls park directly and pay your entrance but just ensure first that it will be open that day.
Can I see the lunar rainbow year-round?
You can only see the lunar rainbow when the Zambezi River flows are higher so that there’s enough mist and when the moon is full and the light isn’t blocked by cloud cover.
How long does the lunar rainbow last?
The silvery rainbow is brightest when the moon is highest, around 8 to 10 pm. You’ll likely spend about 1 to 2 hours in the park.
Why go to see the lunar rainbow with Jollyboys?
Because navigating Victoria Falls in the dark isn’t everyone’s dream night out. We make it fun and easy with:
- Return transport from Jollyboys
- Group trips with other travellers
- Local know-how
- Cold beers when you get back
- It’s safe, social, and honestly, one of the coolest things to do in Livingstone.
Where Else Can You See a Lunar Rainbow?
Victoria Falls isn’t just putting on a show, it’s one of the only places on Earth where this natural phenomenon happens regularly and naturally.
Other places claim to have Lunar Rainbows, but they’re far less frequent, less visible to the naked eye, and usually require extra atmospheric luck or artificial mist.
A few contenders include:
Yosemite National Park, USA
You might catch one at the base of Yosemite Falls, but only during a narrow seasonal window, and you’ll need a bit of a hike.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
Known as “Niagara of the South,” this spot gets the occasional Lunar Rainbow when the moon and mist align.
Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
Rare and elusive, but possible when the conditions are just right.
Waimea, Hawaii
Some islands get atmospheric Lunar Rainbows (often just white arcs), but again, much rarer and usually not as striking.
Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
It delivers the real deal. No artificial lighting, no tricks, just moonlight, mist, and magic, and it happens every full moon from March to August (weather permitting). Plus, it’s easy to access and ridiculously photogenic.
Stay at Jollyboys and See the Falls in a Whole New Light
Whether you’re checking off a full moon bucket list or just curious about what happens when waterfalls and moonlight collide, this is one for the memory books.
Book your transport at our front desk, ask questions,and come back to a hot shower, a cold drink, and good company.
Ready to Glow with the Flow?
Want to lock in your spot?
📧 Email: res@backpackzambia.com
📱 WhatsApp: +260 978 571 100
Tag @jollyboys_backpackers on your stories and snaps, we love featuring our night owls and rainbow chasers.
From all of us at Jollyboys: thanks for being part of the adventure. We’ll see you under the moonlight.
