Victoria Falls is a natural wonder in southern Africa, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River cascades over a cliff into a tight canyon below, resulting in an enormous waterfall. The falls are 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) broad and 108 meters (354 feet) high, making it one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Scottish adventurer David Livingstone, the first European to discover the falls in 1855, named them after Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Nowadays, Victoria Falls is a renowned tourist attraction, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to marvel at its breathtaking beauty and participate in the many activities available.
10 things to do at Victoria Falls
- Visit Victoria Falls:
This should be the top of your to-do list when you visit Victoria Falls. Take a guided tour to explore the falls from various angles and viewpoints. - White-water rafting:
Experience the thrill of the Zambezi River and raft through the rapids just below Victoria Falls. - Bungee jumping:
Take the plunge and jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, with the falls in the background. - Helicopter or Microlight flights:
Get a bird’s eye view of the falls and surrounding areas on a helicopter or microlight flight. - Walking safaris:
Go on a guided walking safari and experience the African bush and wildlife up close. - Sunset river cruises:
Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and spot wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks. - Devil’s Pool:
Swim at the edge of Victoria Falls, in the Devil’s Pool, for a truly unique experience. - Visit the local villages:
Visit local villages and interact with the local people to learn about their way of life and culture. - Game drives:
Go on a game drive and see the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat. - Canoeing:
Paddle down the Zambezi River and explore the scenery and wildlife from a different perspective.
Facts about Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the local name for Victoria Falls is “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which means “the smoke that thunders” in the Tonga language. The falls were formed some 100,000 years ago when the Zambezi River carved a deep valley, and the mist from Victoria Falls can now be seen from up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.
Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagara Falls and more than twice the width. During the peak flow season from February to May, about 550,000 cubic meters (19,000,000 cubic feet) of water per minute flows over the falls.
The Batoka Gorge, which lies underneath Victoria Falls, is a renowned white-water rafting destination, while the Victoria Falls Bridge is a famous bungee jumping location. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and lions may all be seen in the region surrounding Victoria Falls.