Liquid Edge of the World: Staring Into Victoria’s Bottomless Maw

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, also known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” to the people living around it, is a splendid waterfall situated on the Zambezi River and serves as the division line between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. The tumbles are known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and are a protected area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The breadth of The Falls is almost 1,708 meters (5,604 feet), and it is the widest when viewed from above, reaching a height of 108 meters (354 feet). Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall that is free-falling on the planet, with a width of 108 meters, approximately 354 feet from its base to its peak.

The Smoke That Thunders

Main Attractions

The Main Falls:

It starts at the central falls, the original and the mightiest. This part also takes the most water and creates a fantastic view with the water pouring down and the resultant mist.

Devil’s Cataract:

Devil’s Cataract is the lowest section of the falls, situated on the Zimbabwean side of the water. It offers a fantastic sightseeing experience and is accessible via a well-maintained path.

Eastern Cataract:

It is the segment of the falls found on the Zambian side, and due to its location, it offers a different angle of the falls. During the dry days, visitors can walk on top of the falls to be closer and have a clearer view. The falls can be seen from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, each offering a different perspective. The Zimbabwean side offers a panoramic view of the central falls, with trails leading to viewpoints such as the Devil’s Cataract and Main Falls. The Zambian side is nearer and more personal, particularly during the dry season when Knife-Edge Bridge brings tourists to stand nearly at the edge of the falls. Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pot, where the river chugs tumultuously, are additional attractions.

The terrain around is a playground for adventurers. White-water rafting along the Zambezi River is renowned worldwide, featuring thrilling rapids and stunning scenic gorges. Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a heart-pounding experience with breathtaking panoramic views. For a relaxing adventure, evening cruises along the Zambezi River offer opportunities to witness wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, against the golden hues of the African sunset.

Victoria Falls Bridge

Historical Engineering Marvel

The Victoria Falls Bridge, constructed in 1905, spans the Zambezi River below the falls. It is also the connection between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The bridge gives an overview of the dams and the gorge.

Adventure Activities:

The bridge is one of those outdoor enthusiast sites that attracts individuals who come for activities such as skydiving, swinging, zip-lining, and the part of nature that looks the best to them. The adventure of the bridge has gained wide popularity among those who enjoy adventurous sports, who go there to participate in activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swinging, and zip-lining. This represents some of the truly unique offerings that nature has given to our planet, as well as the techniques through which we can interact with them, such as bungee jumping.

Devil’s Pool

Natural Infinity Pool:

Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool set at the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia. Visitors can swim in the pool while standing on the edge of the dry-season waterfall. The jaunt to this pool reminds visitors that the possibility of getting lucky is offered downtown. The only way to see Devil’s Pool is through a guided tour, which serves as both a safety measure and an opportunity to learn about the geological and cultural significance of the falls.

Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park

This national park protects the area around the falls, and well-maintained walking trails take visitors to various viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the falls.

Helicopter and Microlight Flights

Aerial Views

Helicopter and microlight flights offer breathtaking aerial views of the falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding landscapes, providing incredible photo opportunities to capture the full majesty of the falls.
Livingstone Island

Historical Significance

The late Dr. David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and explorer who traveled to Africa in the 1840s. However, his name is now much more popular due to one of the world’s seven natural wonders.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Explorer’s Legacy

Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to see Victoria Falls in 1855, left a notable impression. The town of Livingstone, located in Zambia, was named after him, and it is also a launching point for the visiting crowd.

Local Culture

Anthropological findings have shown that the Gorge area was inhabited by the Tonga, the first settlers, for over 3 million years. The Lozi people, who arrived later, joined the Tongas around 500 years ago.

Historical Sites: Visitors can explore various sites related to Livingstone’s journey, including his statue near the falls on the Zimbabwean side.

Local Culture

Tonga and Lozi Tribes: For centuries, several native ethnic groups, including the Tonga and Lozi people, have lived near Victoria Falls. Their rich culture and spiritual connection to the falls are a large part of their traditions, which they hold very dear.

Cultural Experiences

Travelers can learn about the local culture through village tours, traditional music, and dance performances organized by local artists and artisans who sell unique handmade goods.

Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia offer diverse wildlife experiences, including guided safaris that allow visitors to see elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. The Livingstone Museum in Zambia provides an overview of the area’s history, including that of explorer David Livingstone, who had the falls named after Queen Victoria.

Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Changes

The choice of time to visit Victoria Falls depends on the reason for your visit. This wonder tends to reach its fullness during the wet season (February to May), when the volume of water attains its peak. Nonetheless, the rain shower can be so baroque that it disfigures the vision. The dry period (August to December) provides clearer sight and allows visitors to visit the Devil’s Pool, although the flows are less potent.

Accommodation and Dining

Range of Options

Safari lovers in Zambia and Zimbabwe have a diverse selection of properties, including luxury lodges, hotels, and economical guesthouses and campsites. Most lodges and hotels are situated within a short distance of the falls, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.

Local Cuisine

Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) offer a diverse range of dining options, including traditional African dishes, international cuisine, and fresh fish caught directly from the river.

Getting There

Accessibility

Victoria Falls can be reached by air, so the airport will be busy. The Livingstone airport in Zambia, the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, and the Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe all have flights. Transportation by road and rail is also perfect because regular train and bus services are available from major cities in those countries.

The Victoria Falls are the expanse of one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders. It lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and besides the breathtaking sight of water, people usually recollect the awe-inspiring force of it. It is locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” They stretch across 1,700 meters, crash down 108 meters over the Zambezi River, where the enchanting, falling water and mist show begins, which might be visible from kilometers away.

Victoria Falls is a wonderful place to visit from November to April during the rainy season, when the amount of water flowing is at its peak. You can even hear the roar of waterfalls filling the space. The local parks, such as the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Another popular waterfall is Niagara Falls, which spans the border between the United States and Canada, and is one of the most remarkable natural wonders on Earth. Every year, it attracts a large number of people from around the world due to the breathtaking views, diverse activities, and rich history it offers.

Conclusion

Presumably, travelers can see the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from different perspectives, firstly from Zambia and Zimbabwe. Live local dances, such as those performed by Nyamichiwa, or the Swahili drumming competition, can be a great way to experience the endless creativity of the Shona community. At the same time, traditional farming methods can be observed with the naked eye. Victoria Falls is a location that offers a unique blend of beauty, excitement, and heritage. The activities you may choose to do or decline include exploring the falls, Devil’s Pool, and visiting nearby national parks, as well as learning about local cultures. However, with that employment, Victoria Falls is an excellent gateway to the wilderness of the African continent. Indeed, it is a place to consider if one’s joy arises from nature’s boldness and the peace from its absence.