Victoria Falls Facts: Country, Height, Map Video and Hotels
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe – Zambia, locally known as Mosi-oa Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders” is without doubt one of Africa’s iconic destinations. It is one of the most spectacular waters and a natural wonder, and it is amazingly one of most explored tourist sites in African continent.
Step into the awe-inspiring world of Victoria Falls, where you can marvel at the beauty and power of one of nature’s greatest masterpieces. Take in breathtaking views, explore nature trails and activities, and be moved by the thundering majesty of this magnificent waterfalls.
Victoria Falls Facts, Size, Location and History
Did you know that Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest sheet of falling water in the world? The falls were named after British monarch Queen Victoria by Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, the first European to see them in 1855.
Mosi-oa Tunya is located about midway on the course of the Zambezi River, creating the border between Zambia to the North and Zimbabwe to the South. From Livingstone city to the Victoria Falls, it is 10 km.
It is deeper and wider than the Niagara Falls about twice, covering the breadth of the Zambezi River which is one of its widest points, measuring up to 1700m.
The Zambezi River plunges over a sheer precipice to a maximum drop of 350ft, about 108m. This waterfall flows about 935 cubic meters per second.
The Victoria Falls was named by the Kololo tribe who once lived here in the 1800s, taking its name as Mosi-oa Tunya. While on the tour, it is possible to feel sprays of its waters at a distance, especially during the wet or rainy season.
Where does the Victoria Falls lie; in Zambia or Zimbabwe?
About 3 quarters of the Mosi-oa Tunya exist on Zimbabwe side thus offering remarkably incredible vantage point. Both sides of the waterfalls can be visited that is the Zimbabwean & Zambian side. You can cross from Zimbabwe to Zambia through the Victoria Falls Bridge.
There is a chance to also explore & experience the Victoria Falls National Park on guided walking tour. The on-foot-walk tour takes you through the scenic rainforest till the gorge-edge viewpoints.
Visitors can also get close to the cascades of water, and this is perfectly enjoyable on the Zambian part of Mosi-oa Tunya.
If you happen to visit the waterfalls during the peak rainy season, you will also be in position to walk on the paved trails along the edge of the waterfalls. You traverse the heart-racing knife bridge on a breathtaking trek on the edge of the precipice approximately 100m above the gorge.
During the low-water/dry season, visitors can take the trail leading to the boiling pot, a large vortex at the bottom of the falls. At this point, you will be mesmerized by the sheer size of this natural wonder.
Mosi-oa Tunya - World Heritage Site
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa Tunya) was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. During this year, over 12 sites were inscribed as heritage site.
Other sites that were listed included Galapagos Islands, Aachen Cathedral, L’Anse aux Meadows, Yellowstone National Park in the USA, Wieliczka & Bochnia Royal Salt Mines in Poland, etc.
Is Victoria Falls the largest waterfall in the world?
Mosi-oa Tunya Falls is most popular as the powerful falling curtain of water in the world and features on the list of 7 natural wonders of the world. It is by far the largest waterfalls on the planet earth with width measuring 1708 meters, height of 108 meters.
It features 5 other smaller waterfalls with 4 existing in Zimbabwe and one in Zambia. At Victoria, expect to view the Devil’s Cataract, Rainbow Falls, Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls. While in Zambia, explore the Eastern Cataract.
The Devil’s Cataract
This takes its name from the island, rising at a height of 70m. The island is still inhabited by humans and conduct ceremonies also known as ‘devilish’ by missionaries who often visited it hence its name the Devil’s Cataract.
The Main Falls
The main falls of Victoria waterfalls rise at the height of 93 and this is the largest of the 5 waterfalls. It is also most famous for its stunning views and bordered by a huge curtain of water with a peak flow rate of 7,000,000 cubic meters per hour.
The Eastern Cataract
This is located in Zambia, 101 meters high and it is visible while you are at the Danger Point. This is an exposed, slippery rocky & raised mass of land featuring low shrubs & grasses.
Horseshoe Falls
The horseshoe waterfall is at a height of 95 meters. It features a horseshoe like shape with the lowest water volume. Between October & November, this waterfall dries up.
Rainbow Falls
The Rainbow Falls rises at the height of 108 meters, making it the highest point of the 5 waterfalls. On a clear day, you can clearly view the rainbow.
The Animals/wildlife in & Around Victoria Falls National Park.
The available wildlife species in and around Mosi-oa Tunya include giraffes, banded mongoose, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, zebras and more. Birds to be identified include goliath herons, African paradise flycatchers, hornbills, and fork-tailed dragons.
Take note, the Victoria Falls is surrounded by about 3 spectacular parks including Hwange National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Things to do at the Mosi-oa Tunya Falls
As you explore the area around Mosi-oa Tunya, you can take advantage of many activities to enhance your experience.
Take a boat ride on the Zambian side of the falls and get close to the thundering waters below. Spot some stimulating wildlife as you pass along Chobe National Park or enjoy some bungee jumping, zip-lining, whitewater rafting and more. There are plenty of exciting activities available at Mosi-oa Tunya!
The main activities to enjoy on Victoria Falls safari include sunset boat cruise excursions, bungee jumping, gliding by the Mosi-oa Tunya Bridge; visit the nearby national parks, and more.
Livingstone Town
Livingstone is a beautiful town, taking its name from Scottish explorer –Dr. David Livingstone. This town is rich in unique culture and history, featuring distinct arts and craft, museums, traditional village, colonial architecture with visitors having a chance to enjoy tasty food.
In 1985, Livingstone first sighted the falls and it was an eye opener to Central Africa, plus other hunters, traders and missionaries.
Livingstone town was established in 1905 and in 1907; it turned to be the capital of popular as North-western Rhodesia, currently referred to as Zambia. Zambia’s capital was transferred to Lusaka although Livingstone remains a tourist capital.
Accommodation Options Around Victoria Falls.
Accommodation around Victoria Falls provides visitors with beautiful lodgings that are perfect for experiencing the majesty of this natural wonder.
From luxury hotels to rustic camping sites, you can find a wide range of lodging options that fit any budget and style. Some accommodation centers have nearby walking trails and nature spots where you can take in breathtaking views of the falls or head out on a safari to witness the wildlife up close.
Whatever type of accommodation you choose, you’ll be able to make your experience at Victoria Falls truly unforgettable!
The nearby camps/lodges to Victoria Falls:
- Thorntree River Lodge- located and accessible within 20 minutes from the Victoria Falls.
- Somalisa Camp- found in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
- Victoria Waterfront
- Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge
- Victoria Falls Rive Lodge
- Batonka Guest Lodge
Best time to go explore Victoria Falls -Africa
The best months of the year to visit and experience the Victoria Falls is around February, March, April to May. These months allow visitors to view the world’s biggest falling water column flowing at its greatest volume.
The green season starts in November and first spring rains are recorded around May.
Victoria Falls Airport
The Victoria Falls Airport offers easier access to the Falls tourism sector. The VFA is 18 km South of Victoria Falls town/waterfalls, Zimbabwe. There is also an option of taking a flight up to Livingstone airport of Zambia and you explore Mosi-oa Tunya.
How to Get to Victoria Falls – By Air or Overland?
Visitors looking to get to Victoria Falls have two main transport options – by air or overland. If you’re flying from abroad, the closest airports are in Livinstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe).
There are regular flights from major regional cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Harare.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling within Africa, there are long-distance buses departing from nearby towns that stop at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. From here you can take a local taxi to Victoria Falls
The Mosi-oa-Tunya is the widest sheet of falling water spanning about 500 meters and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological.
Victoria falls is almost 2 times the height of Naigara falls, almost half a kilometer.
Victoria falls is located on Zambezi River North of Zambia and south Zimbabwe.
The falls are estimated to be 200 million years old and were formed during the Jurassic era on the basalt plateau.