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Victoria Falls: The Roaring Majesty of Africa’s Grand Curtain of Water

Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretches for a whopping 1.7 kilometers along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Eastern Africa.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is hands down the biggest waterfall globally, and it’s a sight to behold. It’s like a massive curtain of water that spans the entire width of the Zambezi River.

The water takes a dramatic plunge into a 108-meter gap at a rate of 935 cubic meters per second. The spray from the falls can be seen from up to 50 kilometers away, which is why the locals call it the ‘Smoke That Thunders.’

Victoria Falls has become increasingly popular among tourists, and there are good reasons why. Here are some cool facts that might surprise you or even convince you to see it for yourself:

1. It’s the World’s Largest Waterfall: Victoria Falls might not be the widest or tallest waterfall, but it’s the biggest single sheet of falling water in the world. It stands at 108 meters tall and stretches across 1708 meters, outdoing even Niagara Falls and coming close to Iguazu Falls in South America.

2. It’s Part of the Zambezi River: The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest in Africa, covering a whopping 2,700 kilometers and passing through six different countries. Along the way, you can spot a wide range of wildlife and enjoy various activities. Victoria Falls marks the boundary between the upper and middle sections of the Zambezi River.

3. It’s in Two National Parks: Victoria Falls straddles two national parks. Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes a portion of the falls and gets its name from the local phrase “Mosi-Oa-Tunya,” which means “the smoke that thunders.” You’ll also find Victoria Falls National Park here.

4. David Livingstone Named It: Back in 1855, British explorer and missionary David Livingstone was the first European to lay eyes on Victoria Falls. He decided to name it after Queen Victoria, the British monarch at the time. And that name has stuck around because of the respect the locals had for Livingstone.

5. You Can See It from Two Countries: About 75% of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side, and the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side. Despite some negative press about Zimbabwe in recent years, locals say it’s a safe and often better spot for viewing the falls.

6. It’s One of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders: Victoria Falls proudly claims a spot among the seven natural wonders of the world, alongside other iconic places like the Northern Lights, the Rio de Janeiro Harbor, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, and Parícutin.

7. Multiple Gorges: Victoria Falls has a network of primary gorges, including the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth gorges, as well as the Songwe Gorge, named after the Songwe River that flows in from the northeast.

8. Massive Water Flow: An incredible 500 million liters of water tumble over the falls every minute. That’s like filling 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The water rushes down at a rate of 1088 cubic meters per second.

9. Moonbows: Victoria Falls is one of only two places in the world where you can see a moonbow, a unique lunar rainbow. It happens when the light of a full moon hits the falls, and it’s a breathtaking sight.

10. It Rains All Year at the Victoria Falls Rainforest: On the Zimbabwean side, you’ll find the Victoria Falls Rainforest, the only place on Earth where it rains every single day of the year. This constant rain keeps the forest lush and green, making it a must-visit spot.

11. Swimming at the Edge of the Waterfall: For the adventurous traveler, there’s the chance to swim right up to the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool, guided by experts. It’s not for the faint of heart and is only possible when water levels are low, typically from September to December. The feeling is exhilarating, like having the world’s best infinity pool.

12. Wildlife Galore: When you visit Victoria Falls, you’re stepping into the natural habitat of many animals, including some of Africa’s elusive “Big Five.” Keep your eyes peeled, especially for crocodiles in the area, and always follow the advice of local guides to stay safe and respect nature.