As one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, Victoria Falls attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world to Zimbabwe to witness this natural wonder.
The falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is also known as one of the most spectacular falls on the planet, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Falls are 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, there spray rises up to 400 meters above the drop and can be seen from up to 30 kilometers away.
The misty produced by the falls is the reason to why the local people call the Victoria Falls the “Smoke that Thunders”, the mist creates a smoke like effect and the thunderous nose that is makes it unbelievable until you hear it.
Facts About Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and is among the most awe-insipring natural wonders, here are some of the interesting facts about these fascinating falls worth knowing.
- Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water at 108 meters and 1,708 meters wide. It is worth noting that Victoria Falls is not the highest drop waterfall in the world, the title is held by Angel Falls in Venezuela.
- Victoria Falls is fed by the Zambezi River which is the fourth-longest river in Africa
- Victoria Falls is visited by over a million of visitors each year, however the biggest number of travelers go to Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls almost double the height of Niagara Falls and over 500 meters wide.
- Victoria Falls were named by David Livingston after the reigning British Monarch, Queen Victoria and the town of Livingston on the Zambian side was named after him.
- Victoria Falls has 5 gorges named first, second, third and fourth gorges followed by the better named Songwe Gorge, which is where the Songwe River feeds in.
Sections of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is made up of several sections, each of which has its unique features.
The Devil’s Cataract
At 7- meters high, The famous Devils Cataract is found on the Zimbabwean side of the falls and is separated from the rest of the falls by Boaruka Island. The name of the island means “water divider”, the falls were named “Devil’s Cataract” by missionaries who arrived in the area and were horrified by the local tribes performing sacrificial ceremonies there.
Today, there is a statue of David Livingstone overlooking the cataract and it serves as the first of 19 viewing points of Victoria Falls.
The Main Falls
The Main falls is the largest of the falls at 93 meters high and has a peak flow rate of 700,000 cubic meters per minute. The sheer volume of water here is so great that it is returned into mist and appears to be smoke, never reaching the ground.
The Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is actually a fissure that has been eroded over time into a horseshoe shape, this 95 meter high section of the falls is the first to dry up during the dry season and is a popular nesting site for birds such as swifts, martins and long tailed wagtails.
The Rainbow Falls
These are the highest of the Victoria Falls at 108 meters and also one of the most dangerous spots to view from. As the name suggests, clear days around here often result in a stunning rainbow being visible.
The best time to see the rainbow is around 4 pm from the Zimbabwean side, when the angle of the sunlight reflects of the rainbow.
The Eastern Cataract
This 101 meter high section of the falls is the only part that is entirely within the Zambian Border
Tips for Visiting Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Visiting Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is an incredible experience and for an amazing experience, there are few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips for visiting the falls
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water as it can get really hot, the Zimbabwean side of the falls particularly can also be very wet and slippery.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as the sun can be intense
- Make sure you bring insect repellent as the insects can be quite pesky, consider Malaria Protection as there are malaria mosquitoes in this area.
- If you are planning on going on a safari after visiting the Victoria Falls, make sure to wear neutral-colored clothing as white and bright colors can scare away the animals.
- Make you book your accommodation in advance as it can be difficult to find last minutes accommodations.
- Make sure to check the rules and regulations for the activities and experience you plan to do as some activities may be prohibited.
What’s The Best Time of Year to Visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is from April to May and from August to November. During these months, the water flow is higher and the spray of the falls can be seen from both sides of the birder.
This is also the best time to go on a safari as the animals are more active during the dry season.
It is important to note that the rainy season in Victoria Falls is from November/December to March, during this time the waterfall is at its highest and the spray can be seen from miles away. The rainy season is also the best time for white water rafting and other water activities.
If you wish to swim in Devil’s Cataract, you need to visit Victoria Falls during the dry season, this time is also better for spotting wildlife.
If you wish to see the Victoria Falls at its peak, April to May which is the wet season is the best time to visit.
Do not miss overly put off by some rain as you end up soaked through from the mist anyway.
Start planning your safari to the Victoria Falls Today, Let us help you make your adventure.
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