Long before the Scottish missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone 'discovered' the Falls in 1855, the local Batonga people had named them Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders'. Livingstone named them for his queen.
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In comparison, Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water and is almost double the height of Niagara Falls and half a kilometer wider. In the wet season, the spray from Victoria Falls can rise 400m above the falls and can be seen from up to 48km away.
Although most maps say 'Victoria Falls”, the local people have long had a name for this natural wonder. In the language of the indigenous people of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is called Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “The Smoke that Thunders”.
A larger part of the falls are in Zimbabwe but to appreciate the falls fully you should visit both sides. This is very easy, especially if you stay in Zimbabwe (and not in Livingstone town in Zambia). You just walk accross, pay for the visas (Zambia day visa is 20 USD), no guide or vehicle needed.
Locals still refer to the Falls as Mosi Oa Tunya and the area continues to be revered as a sacred site among the local tribes. David Livingstone was obviously not the first person to see the Victoria Falls, although he is always credited as having discovered it. Many locals feel they should be rebranded Mosi Oa Tunya.
Approximately two thirds of the Victoria Falls lies in Zimbabwe – so for the most comprehensive view of the falls Zimbabwe wins with its various viewpoints within the Victoria Falls National Park including the Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and well-named Rainbow Falls.
It is possible to swim in the rock pools right underneath the waterfalls at certain times of the year ('low water'). This is an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is in spectacular company made up of: The Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Polar Aurora, and Paricutin volcano.
The Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. They are not the widest waterfall or the highest waterfall but with all dimensions taken into account, including almost the largest flow rate, they are considered to be the biggest curtain of falling water in the world.
Murchison Falls National Park is famously known for having the most powerful waterfall in the world, where the longest river in the world squeezes through a 7-meter gap and then drops down 45 meters.