12 Facts About Victoria Falls You Probably Didn’t Know

The mighty Victoria Falls is a popular and truly remarkable tourist destination and is one of the biggest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet, spanning the width of the Zambezi River – more than a mile across.

This legendary waterfall cascades over the lip of a large plateau of volcanic rock and plunges as much as 354 feet, the falls generates mists that can be spotted from more than a dozen miles away, which is why the local people have dubbed it Mosi-Oa-Tunya translated as the smoke that thunders as detailed in this 12 Facts About Victoria Falls article.

There are a number of unique aspects to these magical waterfalls, which perhaps further explains its appeal.

Here are some fascinating 12 Facts About Victoria Falls which may surprise you or simply encourage you to visit the falls you self as part of your next Africa Trip.

12 Facts About Victoria Falls-It is the largest waterfall in the world

Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water thanks to its largest sheet of falling water, this is twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and is only rivalled by Iguazu Falls in South America.

Victoria Falls is 108m tall and 1708m wide.

12 Facts About Victoria Falls- Victoria Falls is part of the Zambezi River

Victoria Falls is part of the Zambezi River which is the forth – largest in the African continent and spans across six different nations, it’s amazing journey spans an impressive 2,700 km. A long the way, you can see a range of wildlife and participate in several water activities including swimming at the edge of the Victoria Falls among others.

Victoria Falls is the boundary dividing the upper and middle parts of the Zambezi.

12 Facts About Victoria Falls- It is located within two National Parks

The mighty Victoria Falls lies within two National Parks that is Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to part of Victoria Falls, the park is named “Mosi- Oa-Tunya” a local word meaning “the smoke that thunders” – a perfect along for these awe-inspiring waters.

Also, Victoria Falls perhaps unsurprisingly found in Victoria Falls National Park

Its English Name was chosen by David Livingstone

In 1855, British Explorer and Missionary David Livingstone was the first European to witness the magnificence of one of Africa’s incredible sights. Victoria Falls – he named it from the British Monarch at the time, Queen Victoria.

While many places have reverted to heir indigenous names- the local people had so much respect for him that it has remained unchanged.

You can see the falls from two countries

75% of the Victoria Falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side. While Zimbabwe in the recent years has had a negative media attention, locals assure visitors that is incredibly safe and typically makes for a more superior viewing experience.

Victoria Falls is one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world together with Aurora Borealis, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, and Parícutin.

It has several gorges

Victoria Falls is one of nature’s intricate mysteries and features several principle gorges. These are the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth gorges and the Songwe Gorge, named after the Songwe River flowing in from the north east.

500 million litres of water cascade every minute

The volume of water at the Victoria Falls seems to be impossible to imagine, the volume of water every minute is equivalent of 200 Olympic –sized swimming pools to put things in perspective. It flows at a rate of 1088m³/s.

The Falls create “Moonbows”

The Victoria Falls create a beautiful permanent rainbow – a moonbow which is special and unique phenomenon which only occurs in two places around the world, with Victoria Falls being one of them.

A lunar rainbow happens when the light of the full moon hits the Falls and it is a magic sight to behold.

It rains at Victoria Falls all-day

Surprisingly as it can be, it rains all day at Victoria Falls. On the Zimbabwe side of the falls, you will find the Victoria Falls Rainforest which is the only place on earth to see rain every single day of the year. The rains bless the area with lush greenery in the forest and it is recommended that visitors explore it as well.

You can swim to the edge of the Victoria waterfall

If you are a daring traveler and an adrenaline junkie, you might enjoy swimming up to the edge of the Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool with your guide. Once you reach the edge, the feeling is nerve wrecking as you will be filled with excitement and a bit of fear at the same time.

Swimming on the edge of the Victoria Falls is something you should never attempt without proper consideration, as it involves a swim in the Zambezi and reliance on the water to carry you. Once you reach the edge, however the feeling is exhilarating. Consider it as the best infinity pool in the world, you can only do this when the water levels are lowest that is from September to December.

Plenty of wild animals call it home

If you are on a tour to the majestic Victoria Falls, be curious and pack a camera as you will be entering into the natural habitat of an abundance of animals including the legendary Big Five – lion, leopard, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos.

Be wary of crocodiles in particular as they are common in the region, so take extra care.

Remember – part of respecting nature is appreciating that you could be in danger, so always listen to your local guide’s advice.

Start Planning Your Victoria Falls Holiday Today – Talk with one of Travel Experts/Africa specialists who will help you create a selection of sample example of Victoria Falls Itineraries to provide you an insight of a Victoria Falls Tour

General Information

All visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.

Language:

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

South Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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