As the mighty Zambezi River crashes over a basalt rock ledge and drops 108 metres (354 feet) down into a powerful whirlpool, it forms the largest sheet of falling water on the planet: the Victoria Falls. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which, aptly, means the ‘Smoke that Thunders’), the falling water’s impressive roar can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. And on a wind-free day during high-water season, which runs from about February to July depending on the rain, a dazzling cloud of mist can float high above the Falls. This is truly a magnificent wonder of nature that every safari lover should experience at least once!
The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls i.e. the spray, mist and rainbows. This transboundary property extends over 6860 ha and comprises 3779 ha of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia), 2340 ha of Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe), 741 ha of the riverine strip of Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe). A riverine strip of the Zambezi National Park extending 9 km west along the right bank of the Zambezi and islands in the river are all within the park as far as Palm and Kandahar Islands, with the Victoria Falls being one of the major attractions. The waterfall stands at an altitude of about 915 m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l.) and spans to about 1708 m wide with an average depth of 100 m and the deepest point being 108 m. Sprays from this giant waterfall can be seen from a distance of 30 km from the Lusaka Road, Zambia and 50 km from Bulawayo Road, Zimbabwe. Basalts have been cut by a river system producing a series of eight spectacular gorges that serve as breeding sites for four species of endangered birds. The basalts of the Victoria Falls World Heritage property are layered unlike those of the Giants Causeway World Heritage site which are vertical and columnar.
Curated from several credible sources, here are some facts about the World’s Largest Waterfall we think you should know. Come along;
VICTORIA FALLS IS PART OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER
The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest in the African continent and spans across six different nations – its amazing journey spans an impressive 2,700 km. Along the way, you can see a range of wildlife and participate in a plethora of activities. Victoria Falls is the boundary dividing the upper and middle parts of the Zambezi.
IT IS FOUND IN TWO NATIONAL PARKS
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to part of Victoria Falls and is named so because “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” means “the smoke that thunders” – a perfect analogy for these awe-inspiring waters. Victoria Falls is also, perhaps unsurprisingly, found in Victoria Falls National Park.
ITS ENGLISH NAME WAS CHOSEN BY DAVID LIVINGSTONE
In 1855, British explorer and missionary David Livingstone was the first European to witness the magnificence of one of Africa’s most incredible sights, Victoria Falls. He named it for the British monarch at the time, Queen Victoria. While many places have reverted to their indigenous names, the local people had so much respect for him that it has remained unchanged.
YOU CAN SEE THE FALLS FROM TWO COUNTRIES
75% of the Falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side. While Zimbabwe has had negative media attention in recent years, locals assure visitors that it is incredibly safe, and typically makes for a more superior viewing experience.
VICTORIA FALLS IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S SEVEN NATURAL WONDERS
The seven natural wonders of the world are Victoria Falls, Aurora Borealis, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, and Parícutin.
IT HAS SEVERAL GORGES
Victoria Falls is one of nature’s intricate mysteries, and features several principal gorges. These are the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth gorges – and the Songwe Gorge, named after the Songwe River, flowing in from the north east.
500 MILLION LITRES OF WATER CASCADE EVERY MINUTE
The numbers almost seem too impossible to imagine! That’s the equivalent of 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, to put things into perspective. It flows at a rate of 1088m3/s.
THE FALLS CREATE “MOONBOWS”
A rainbow is beautiful; a moonbow is a special and unique phenomenon which only occurs in two places around the world, with Victoria Falls being one of them. A lunar rainbow happens when the light of the full moon hits the Falls, and it is a sight to behold.
IT RAINS AT VICTORIA FALLS RAINFOREST ALL DAY
On the Zimbabwe side of the Falls, you will find the Victoria Falls Rainforest, which is the only place on earth to see rain every single day of the year. The rains bless the area with lush greenery in the forest, and it’s recommended that visitors explore it as well.
YOU CAN SWIM TO THE EDGE OF THE WATERFALL
If you’re a particularly daring traveler, you might enjoy swimming up to the edge of the Falls at Devil’s Pool with your guide. This is not something that should be attempted without proper consideration, as it involves a swim in the Zambezi and a reliance on the water to carry you. Once you reach the edge, however, the feeling is exhilarating. Consider it as the best infinity pool in the world! You can only do this when water levels are lowest, from September to December.
PLENTY OF WILD ANIMALS CALL IT HOME
If you’re venturing on out to Victoria Falls, be cautious (and pack a camera). You will be entering into the natural habitat of an abundance of animals, including many of the continent’s elusive “Big Five”. Be wary – crocodiles are particularly common in the region, so take extra care. Remember, part of respecting nature is appreciating that you could be in danger. Always listen to your local guides’ advice.
Source: true.travel.com / Go2africa.com