Zambezi Waterfall
Southern Zambia & Zambezi Valley, Zambia
Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular and memorable sights in the world. The Zambezi river widens to 1,700 metres at the falls and then plunges down a chasm 70 to 110 metres deep across its entire width. The wide basalt cliff, over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a wide placid river to a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges, in the process making an adventure-seekers playground.
Background
Victoria was the name given to the falls by a Scottish missionary, David Livingstone, in 1855. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ - ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. The force of the falling water - estimated at around 545 million litres per minute during the flood season - sends clouds of spray up to 500 metres into the sky and sustains a lush rainforest all around.
Relaxing
Many travellers just make a whirlwind walk along the trails to the various viewpoints. There is a better way to appreciate one of our planet's greatest natural wonders. Take a picnic, some drinks and be the first to arrive, or last to leave - don't rush a visit, linger a little longer.