The Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offers breath-taking views that are almost too spectacular and majestic to describe. Unique attractions on the Zambian side include the Boiling Pot and The Devil’s Pool.
About the Victoria Falls
Situated about 10km from the city of Livingstone is one of the world's seven natural wonders and one of the most spectacular natural sites in the world, "The Victoria Falls".
The Falls are 1.7 km wide with a volume of between 20,000 and 700,000 cubic metres per minute falling down a vertical drop of 100 metres. The spray of the Falls can be clearly seen from a distance of 30km and hence its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The smoke that thunders". Take a walk across the knife-edge bridge for a spectacular view of the eastern cataract and up the main gorge. A walk down the steps to the Boiling Pot provides an interesting view from the base of the falls and the Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the gorge.
Downstream of the Falls, the river has carved a tortuous route through the soft areas within the basalt rock, forming a deep gorge in a tight zigzag course for kilometres. This is a result of the repeated cutting back of the line of the Falls and the successive formation and abandonment of seven previous broad waterfalls, a process that has taken about 100,000 years.
Also see...
Livingstone Town
Named after Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone, Livingstone’s culture and history is intriguing – as is evidenced by the arts and craft producers, museums, colonial architecture, traditional village life, local food and the general African lifestyle.
Victoria Falls Facts
- The Victoria falls are also known as "Mosi oa-Tunya" which means "the smoke that thunders")
- In Nov 1855 the falls were made known to the outside world by David Livingstone
- There are an estimated 75 species of fish inhabiting the falls.
- Victoria Falls is approximately 5577 feet wide and varies in height from 262- 304 feet.
