VICTORIA FALLS, Zambia, (Reuters) - For decades Victoria Falls, where southern Africa’s Zambezi river cascade down 100 metres into a gash in the earth, have drawn millions of holidaymakers to Zimbabwe and Zambia for their stunning views.
But the worst drought in a century has slowed the waterfalls to a trickle, fuelling fears that climate change could kill one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions.
While they typically slow down during the dry season, officials said this year had brought an unprecedented decline in water levels.
“In previous years, when it gets dry, it’s not to this extent. This (is) our first experience of seeing it like this,” Dominic Nyambe, a seller of tourist handicrafts in his 30s said outside his shop in Livingstone, on the Zambian side.
“It affects us, because ... clients ... can see on the Internet (that the falls are low) .... We don’t have so many tourists.”
As world leaders gather in Madrid for the COP25 to discuss ways to halt catastrophic warming caused by human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, southern Africa is already suffering some of its worst effects — with taps running dry and some 45 million people in need of food aid amid crop failures.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have suffered power cuts as they are heavily reliant on hydropower from plants at the Kariba Dam which is on the Zambezi river upstream of the waterfalls.
Stretches of this kilometre-long natural wonder are nothing but dry stone. Water flow is low in others.
STARK REMINDER
Data from the Zambezi River Authority shows water flow at its lowest since 1995, and well under the long term average. Zambian President Edgar Lungu has called it “a stark reminder of what climate change is doing to our environment”.
Yet scientists are cautious about categorically blaming climate change. There is always seasonal variation in levels.
Harald Kling, hydrologist at engineering firm Poyry and a Zambezi river expert, said climate science deals in decades, not particular years, “so it’s sometimes difficult to say this is because of climate change because droughts have always occurred”.
“If they become more frequent, then you can start saying, ok, this may be climate change,” he added.
He said early climate models had predicted more frequent dry years in the Zambezi basin, but that “what was surprising was that it (drought) has been so frequent” — the last drought was only three years ago. As the river gets hotter, 437 million cubic metres of water are evaporating every second, he said.
In Livingstone this week, four tourists stared into a mostly dry chasm normally gushing with white water. German student Benjamin Konig was disappointed.
“Seems to be not much (water), a few rocky stones with a little water between it,” he said.
Richard Beilfuss, head of the International Crane Foundation, who has studied the Zambezi for the past three decades, thinks climate change is delaying the monsoon, “concentrating rain in bigger events which are then much harder to store, and a much longer, excruciating dry season”. (Reporting by Mike Hutchings in Victoria Falls and Tim Cocks in Johannesubrg; additional reporting by Chris Mfula in Lusaka, Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
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Small Business Loans in 2026: Best Financing Options for Entrepreneurs
Introduction: Why Business Financing Is Critical
Access to capital is essential for business growth. Entrepreneurs searching for “small business loans near me” are often ready to invest in expansion, making this a high-value niche.
Types of Business Loans
- SBA loans
- Term loans
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- Equipment financing
How to Qualify for a Loan
Lenders evaluate:
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Tips to Get Approved
- Maintain strong financial records
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- Prepare a solid business plan
FAQ
What is the easiest business loan to get?
Online lenders often have faster approvals.
Financial Strategy Insight
High CPC keywords like “startup business funding” drive valuable traffic.
Car Insurance Quotes: How To Lower Your Monthly Premium
Car insurance is necessary, but that does not mean you should overpay. Many drivers keep the same policy for years without realizing they could save money by comparing car insurance quotes.
Your premium is based on many factors, including your driving record, location, vehicle type, age, credit history in some states, coverage limits, deductible, and claim history. Insurance companies price risk differently, which means the same driver may get very different quotes from different companies.
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Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you should only do this if you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost after an accident.
Bundling auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance may also reduce your cost. Many companies offer discounts for safe driving, good students, anti-theft devices, defensive driving courses, low mileage, and multiple vehicles.
You should also review your coverage. Full coverage may be important if your car is newer or financed. But if your vehicle is older and worth less, you may decide that some optional coverage is no longer worth the cost.
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Keeping a clean driving record is one of the best long-term ways to save. Tickets, accidents, and DUI charges can increase premiums significantly.
The best car insurance is not always the cheapest. You want a company that offers fair pricing, strong claims service, and enough protection for your situation.
Comparing car insurance quotes can help you find better coverage, lower costs, and avoid paying more than necessary.
