Victoria Falls is known locally as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya', which translates to “The Smoke that Thunders”. This nickname is iconic and discribes the sounds of the tumbling water, beautifully. It is truly a breathtaking sight that straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls, located along the mighty Zambezi River, are a true marvel of nature, captivating visitors with their immense beauty, power, and historical significance. With its sheer size and stunning vistas, Victoria Falls is not just a waterfall—it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression!
From its discovery by European explorers to its current status as; one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls continues to attract millions of travelers from around the globe. Whether you are drawn to its powerful cascades, the surrounding wildlife, or the adventure-filled activities in the region, there is something for everyone at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Discovery and Naming of Victoria Falls-
The history of Victoria Falls is as captivating as the falls themselves. The first European to document the falls was the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone in 1855. Livingstone, who had been traveling through the region in search of a route to the interior of Africa, came across the falls and was mesmerized by their grandeur. He was the first to bring them to the attention of the Western world.
Livingstone, deeply moved by the sight, named the falls after Queen Victoria of Great Britain, (marking the falls with European recognition.) However, the indigenous peoples of the region, including the Lozi and Kololo tribes, had long known of the falls, calling them: 'Mosi-oa-Tunya'. This name refers to the dense mist that rises from the base of the falls and the thunderous roar created by the water as it plunges into the gorge below. Today, both names are used, with Mosi-oa-Tunya reflecting the indigenous understanding of the falls' natural power, while the name Victoria Falls honors the legacy of European exploration.
The Magnificent Dimensions of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is an awe-inspiring spectacle that can be seen from both Zimbabwe and Zambia. With a height of approximately 108 meters (354 feet) and a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet), it is considered the world’s largest continuous curtain of falling water. The falls are nearly twice as wide as Niagara Falls, making them a true marvel of the natural world. During the wet season (from February to May), the falls reach their peak, and over 500 million liters (132 million gallons) of water cascade over the edge of the falls every minute, creating a powerful roar that can be heard from miles away. The volume of water flowing over the falls is immense, and the mist generated by the impact of the water on the rocks below is so dense that it can be seen from a distance of up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) away.
In contrast, during the dry season (from September to December), the falls can appear less dramatic, but the Zambezi River still flows strongly, and the sight of the falls remains impressive. Visitors can often walk along the edge of the falls to get a close-up view of the river flowing over the cliff.
Victoria Falls: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance, Victoria Falls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. The designation highlights the falls’ significance not only as a natural wonder but also for its role in; preserving the biodiversity of the surrounding environment. The area around the falls includes diverse habitats, ranging from lush rainforest to dry savanna, all of which support an impressive variety of plant and animal life.
The mist that rises from the falls creates a unique microclimate that nourishes the surrounding vegetation, allowing for the growth of tropical plants in an otherwise arid region. The falls are also home to a range of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species. The region’s forests are dense with fig trees, palms, and other tropical plants, providing a lush backdrop to the falls’ grandeur.
The Zambezi River, which feeds the falls, is home to a diverse array of aquatic life, including the famous African fish eagle. The falls and their surrounding ecosystem are a vital part of the region’s ecological balance, supporting both plant and animal life while serving as a crucial water source for the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Adventures and Activities Around Victoria Falls- (further reading)
Victoria Falls is not only a place to marvel at nature’s beauty; it is also a hub for thrilling adventure activities that draw adrenaline-seekers from around the world. The area around the falls offers a wide variety of activities, from water-based adventures to wildlife safaris.
One of the most popular activities is white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, just below the falls. The river offers some of the world’s most challenging rapids, making it a must-do for adventurous travelers. For those who prefer something less intense, boat cruises along the Zambezi offer an opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and observe wildlife, such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
For those seeking a truly unique perspective of the falls, helicopter rides offer breathtaking aerial views and some even having a glass bottom floor, in the helicopter. This provides 360 degree views of the cascading water and the surrounding landscapes. From the air, visitors can fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the falls, and the sight of the mist rising from the gorge is a view that is nothing short of magical. Another thrilling experience is the bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River. With the falls in the distance, this heart-pounding activity is one of the most exhilarating experiences available in Africa. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are numerous hiking trails that offer incredible views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.
Zambia: The Real Africa, while Victoria Falls itself is a major attraction, the surrounding region, especially Zambia, also offers a wealth of cultural and natural experiences. Often referred to as the “Real Africa,” Zambia is a land of untouched beauty, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters. The country is home to some of Africa’s most renowned national parks, such as South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park, both of which are known for their excellent wildlife safaris.
In Zambia, visitors can engage in cultural exchanges with local communities, where they can learn about traditional crafts, music, and dance. The Zambian people, known for their warm hospitality, offer a genuine and uncommercialized experience of Africa, which is often described as more immersive and authentic than other popular tourist destinations.
Zambia’s official language is English, which makes it easy for travelers to communicate, though over 70 indigenous languages, such as Bemba, Nyanja, and Lozi, are also spoken throughout the country. This linguistic diversity reflects the rich cultural heritage of Zambia, where multiple ethnic groups live in harmony.
Whilst in the Zimbabwe area of the Victoria Falls is Matopos, also known as Matopo Hills, is an area located in Matobo National Park, South East Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, characterized by a striking assemblage of granite hills. Over the course of thousands of years, these unique hills were shaped by the relentless forces of river erosion, resulting in their distinctive appearance. Within this beautiful landscape, one can find extraordinary caves adorned with ancient Khoekhoe paintings, bearing testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the region. These caves also serve as valuable archaeological sites, revealing evidence of stone and iron age civilizations that once thrived in the area. In fact, the Matopos boast an exceptionally high concentration of rock paintings, ranking among the highest in Southern Africa. With their imposing size and towering height of approximately 1,500 meters, the Matopos cover a vast expanse of around 3,100 square kilometers, making them a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold. The grandeur and historical significance of these hills make them a must-visit destination for those seeking to marvel at the wonders of nature and unravel the mysteries of the past.
Victoria Falls: A Must-See Natural Wonder- "Victoria Falls is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world. Its sheer size, breathtaking beauty, and historical significance make it an essential stop for anyone visiting Africa. Whether you are drawn to its stunning vistas, its thrilling adventure activities, or its cultural importance, Victoria Falls offers something for everyone.
As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who have experienced its awe-inspiring presence. The roar of the falls, the spray that rises from the gorge, and the surrounding wildlife and landscapes make this destination an unforgettable experience.
For anyone planning a trip to Africa in 2025, Victoria Falls and the surrounding region should be at the top of your list. It’s a destination that captures the spirit of Africa—wild, untamed, and undeniably beautiful. Whether you visit for its natural beauty, its adventure activities, or its rich cultural heritage, Victoria Falls promises an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime."
BY: Iresha Wimalaratha
"There are several tours that take you up the Zambezi River from South Africa, including safaris, river cruises, and whitewater rafting. ALL of them are highly recommended!"
Cecil John Rhodes had the original vision of linking what is now Zimbabwe to Zambia, and in 1900 he commissioned the building of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Rhodes famously said that he wanted the railway bridge to cross the Zambezi River just below Victoria Falls so that the spray would fall over the carriages - he actually did not live long enough to visit the falls and died, before construction began.
The bridge was designed by George A. Hobson from the firm Sir Douglas Fox and Partners, Consulting Engineers. He was assisted by a certain Ralph Freeman, who later in life became involved in the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as the Birchenough Bridge (Sabie River, Zimbabwe).
There were many considerations with regard to building a structure of this nature, which would require construction without scaffolding. A single-span steel arch was chosen as it met all the requirements and would not detract from the beauty of the site. The bridge was constructed from both sides of the gorge and then joined in the middle.
The building of Victoria Falls Bridge began in 1904 and after 14 months reached completion in 1905. The bridge is located at the second gorge and has wonderful views of the gorge itself on one side and the falls on the other.
The Victoria Falls Bridge is 128 metres above the valley floor, giving visitors a spectacular view of the green Zambezi River below, the dark rock face and lush foliage. It is 250 metres wide with the main arch spanning 156.5 metres.
For more than 100 years, this bridge has been the only rail link from Zimbabwe to Zambia and has also carried vehicles and foot traffic. The gorge is actually considered to be no-mans land and has border posts on either side. From the Zimbabwean side the road leads on to the town of Victoria Falls, and on the Zambian side to Livingstone.
There are several tours that take you up the Zambezi River from South Africa, including safaris, river cruises, and whitewater rafting.