SAEDNEWS: Victoria Falls lies on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. With a height of 108 meters and a width of 1,700 meters, it is the world’s largest curtain waterfall. It was discovered by Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855 and named after Queen Victoria.
According to Saednews, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in southern Africa. Located on the Zambezi River along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this breathtaking waterfall is famous for its enormous width, powerful flow, and magnificent mist that rises high into the sky.
Although Victoria Falls is neither the tallest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is considered the largest sheet of falling water on Earth because of its combined width of approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and its height of around 108 meters (354 feet). Its height is nearly twice that of Niagara Falls, while its width is also more than double.
The famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first known European to see Victoria Falls on November 16, 1855. He viewed the waterfall from an island in the Zambezi River, which was later named Livingstone Island, and named the falls in honor of Queen Victoria of Britain.
However, local communities continued using the traditional name Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” This name refers to the massive cloud of mist and the powerful sound created when the Zambezi River crashes into the gorge below. UNESCO recognizes both names — Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya — as official names for this natural wonder.
Livingstone also mentioned another traditional name, Shongwe or Chongwe, meaning “the place of the rainbow,” inspired by the colorful rainbows formed by sunlight passing through the rising mist.
The national park on the Zambian side is called Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, while on the Zimbabwean side both the waterfall and the surrounding park are known as Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is made up of several major sections where the Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge. The waterfall system includes multiple cascades separated by islands and rocky formations.
This is the main section where the Zambezi River dramatically drops over the edge of the falls.
Located about 250 meters south of the main falls, this section extends for approximately 2.15 kilometers. After passing the first drop, the river flows through a zigzagging gorge before reaching this area.
Situated around 600 meters south of the main waterfall, this section has a length of approximately 1.95 kilometers.
Located about 1.15 kilometers from the main falls, this section stretches for nearly 2.25 kilometers.
Positioned about 5.3 kilometers south of the waterfall, this section extends for around 3.2 kilometers.
Also located about 5.3 kilometers south of Victoria Falls, this area reaches approximately 3.3 kilometers in length.
Victoria Falls is not only a place to admire incredible scenery but also a destination filled with thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences.
For travelers looking for excitement, whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River is one of the most popular activities. The powerful rapids below Victoria Falls provide an unforgettable adventure surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Professional guides provide safety instructions before the journey begins.
A boat trip along the upper Zambezi River offers a unique opportunity to observe African wildlife in its natural environment. Visitors may see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the river.
One of the most famous experiences at Victoria Falls is swimming in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool located near the edge of the first section of the waterfall.
During certain seasons, when water levels are safe, visitors can swim close to the edge of the falls while looking down into the massive drop below. The experience offers one of the most dramatic views in the world.
Victoria Falls is also famous for one of the world’s most thrilling bungee jumping locations. The jump takes place from the Victoria Falls Bridge, approximately 111 meters above the Zambezi River. It combines extreme adventure with one of the most beautiful natural backgrounds on Earth.
Victoria Falls is located in southern Africa on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visitors can explore the waterfall from both sides, and each offers a different perspective.
The Zimbabwean side provides wider views of the main waterfall and allows visitors to experience more of the continuous curtain of falling water. The Zambian side offers closer views of the river, viewpoints near the edge, and access to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool.
Exploring both sides provides a more complete experience of this extraordinary natural landmark.
Victoria Falls is among the most impressive waterfalls on the planet. At this location, the Zambezi River becomes more than two kilometers wide before crashing over the basalt cliffs with enormous force. The impact creates a huge cloud of mist that rises into the air and forms beautiful rainbows.
On clear days, the mist from Victoria Falls can be seen from distances of up to 20 kilometers away, making it a true symbol of Africa’s natural beauty and power.
