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The Victoria Falls: One of Africa’s Natural Wonders

Aug 17, 2022 11:00AM ● By Minna Davies

Image of Victoria Falls (Image source: Google)

When visiting the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, you should also visit the cascading set of falls called the Victoria Falls. It is known as the "Mosi-oa Tunya," in the Lozi language. However, Victoria Falls is the most common name used to refer to it. And many people do discuss it. After all, being the biggest waterfalls in the world tends to draw attention.


What is the Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Three times the size of Niagara Falls, it is a force of nature that cannot be missed. However, if you find yourself short on time or money, there are a few alternative ways to experience this amazing wonder.

 

The Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River, one of the world's longest, plunges 300-feet over a cliff in a set of unworldly cascades. Rising 700 kilometers from central Angola, it flows nearly 1500 miles into Mozambique and drop sheer 165 feet near Vic Falls (a resort town) before turning northwards through Zambia and emptying its load into an elephant-grass swampland on the South African border. 

 

Aside from its breath-taking beauty, the Victoria Falls is also considered to be the world’s largest based on the measurements of height, width and formation of the largest sheet of falling water. The water that flows through the fall is from the Zambezi Rivers. The falls is made up of five different waterfalls including the Devil's Cataract, the Main Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, the Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract. The indigenous name Mosi oa Tunya means "the smoke that thunders". The spray from the falls can be seen from great distances so it is a spectacular sight from many different directions. 

 

Due to its tropical location, the Victoria Falls also has wet and dry seasons. The driest time of year to visit is considered to be June through January. The rainy season is February through May. There can be extensive amounts of rain and mist during the wet season.


Image of man at the Devil’s Cataract in Victoria Falls (Image source: Google)

 


Making your trip affordable 

Even though the Victoria Falls is in southern part of Africa, getting there can be costly. Here are some tips on how to make your trip more affordable. 

There are a few ways to get to the Victoria Falls. You can fly into Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe. Or, you can take a bus or train from Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Once you're at the falls, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy. Take a walk through the rainforest, visit the Victoria Falls Hotel for tea, or stroll along the Zambezi River.

If you're looking for more thrills, you can pay for activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or helicopter rides over the falls. These activities can be pricey, but there are often discounts available if you book in advance or buy a package.

No matter how you choose to experience the Victoria Falls, it's sure to be an unforgettable trip.


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Interesting facts about the Victoria Falls

  1. The waterfall is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide and 355 feet (108 meters) tall.

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

  3. It is considered to be the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

  4. The Victoria Falls has been a popular tourist destination for many years.

  5.  You can see the falls from two countries. 75% of the Falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side.

  6.  The falls create moon bows

  7. Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe.

  8. Victoria Falls Became a World Heritage Site in 1989.

 


Dangers of the waterfall

The Victoria Falls is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. Every year, thousands of people come to see the magnificent sight of the waterfalls. However, there are also dangers associated with the Victoria Falls.

One of the biggest dangers is the fast-flowing water. The Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, which has strong currents. This can be a problem for people who are swimming or tubing near the waterfall.

Another danger is getting too close to the edge of the waterfall. The Victoria Falls is more than a mile wide and has a drop of more than 350 feet. That’s a long way down! If you get too close to the edge, you could fall in and be seriously injured or even killed. 

 

So, if you’re planning on visiting, make sure you take some safety precautions. Stay away from the edge of the waterfall and be careful in and around the water. Then you can enjoy this amazing natural wonder without putting yourself in danger.


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Finally, if you really want to get close to the action, there are a number of helicopter and other aerial tours that operate out of Livingstone, Zambia (the town closest to the falls). These tours will give you breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area.

 

One alternative is to take a virtual tour of the falls. There are many websites and videos that can give you a sense of the size and power of the Victoria Falls. Another alternative is to visit one of the smaller waterfalls in the area. While they may not be as grand as Victoria Falls, they can still provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.

 

Sources

https://facts.net/victoria-falls-facts/

https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/fall-in-love-with-the-stunning-natural-beauty-victoria-falls.htm....



 

 Minna Davies is a creative writer and a thespian with a degree in theatre arts from the University of Lagos.  He has been privileged to have some of his works featured on Nigeria's big stages.  It is important to dream, but if no one gets to see it, it is as good as dead. 





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