Victoria Falls Carnival

Victoria Falls Carnival is Zimbabwe’s biggest New Year celebration, running from 29 December through to 1 January each year in the town of Victoria Falls. What began as a small gathering has grown into a four-day music, culture and street festival that draws visitors from across the region and internationally. The event is held against one of the world’s great natural backdrops — the spray from Victoria Falls is visible from much of the town, and the Zambezi River runs at high water levels by late December as the summer rains build.

What the carnival involves

The main programme centres on a large outdoor main stage with headline music acts performing each evening from 29 December through New Year’s Eve. Past editions have featured artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, the UK and beyond, spanning afrobeats, house, reggae, hip-hop and live bands. New Year’s Eve is the centrepiece night, with the countdown to midnight typically accompanied by fireworks visible against the Falls’ spray.

Daytime programming includes street parades, cultural performances, food markets and family-friendly activities around the town. The carnival atmosphere extends beyond the main venue into Victoria Falls’ bars and restaurants, which run extended hours and their own events through the New Year window.

Practical information

Tickets and multi-day passes are available through the Vic Falls Carnival website (vicfallscarnival.com). Book accommodation very early — Victoria Falls over New Year is one of the most in-demand periods in Zimbabwe’s tourism calendar, and good lodges and hotels can sell out six months in advance.

Late December in Victoria Falls is hot and humid (35-38°C during the day) with afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, and waterproof sandals are useful for navigating wet ground near the Falls. Mosquito repellent is also important; the Zambezi Valley is a malaria zone.

Victoria Falls itself warrants at least two days on either side of the carnival — the Falls, bungee jump, white-water rafting and sunset river cruises are all within easy reach of the town. Our Victoria Falls travel guide covers the full range of activities and where to stay.