Interesting facts about Victoria Falls

victoria falls from air

In Africa, on the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, sits the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls.

While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is classified as the largest, based on
its width of 1,708 meters (5,604 ft) and height of 108 meters (354 ft), resulting in the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

550 million liters of water drops every minute over the cliff at Victoria Falls and continues flowing downstream as the lower Zambezi River.
victoria falls

The water depth at the base of the falls is 70 meters (229 feet).

According to evolution theorists, the falls were formed nearly 100,000 years ago.

The Scottish missionary and explorer, Doctor David Livingstone called the falls after Queen Victoria in England when he visited there in 1855.

Native people called Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-tunya,” which means ‘smoke that thunders.’

The spray from the falls make the River Zambezi Rain Forest the only place that receives rainfall 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As the sun shines through the mist from Victoria Falls it creates an almost ever present rainbow.
rainbow victoria falls

Moonbow is the rainbow formed by the reflection of moonlight on the water. At night, you will see the light from the moon forming a beautiful rainbow on the waters of the Victoria Waterfalls.

moonbow victoria falls

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The falls have been protected by the Zambezi National Park since 1983 and Victoria Falls National Park since January 2013.

Elephants visit the falls to feed on grasses and fruits growing along the banks of the river and on islands in the middle of the river above the falls.

elephant victoria falls

Lions, Cheetahs, and sometimes Leopards visit the jungles surrounding the falls but they are shy and not often seen.

Fish live in the river above and below the falls. The river is home to 39 species of fish below the falls and 89 species above it.

Water birds such as the White-backed night heron feed on them and shellfish in the river mud above the falls.

During the months of September to December, tourists enjoy ‘toying with danger’ on the edge of the waterfalls at the naturally formed Devil’s Swimming Pool.

devils pool victoria falls

Queen Elizabeth the Queen of England visited the Victoria Falls in 1947… and stayed at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel in the royal suite.

A bridge was built over the second gorge of the Victoria Falls and as the river lies on the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, it connects the two countries. It was originally called the Great Zambezi or Zambezi Bridge but is now known as the Victoria Falls Bridge. People bungee jump from the bridge and many regard the 111 meters (364 feet) jump as the most thrilling.