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”.

Zimbabweans (and Zambians) predominantly use the indigenous Lozi name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to "The Smoke That Thunders." This name perfectly describes the massive columns of spray that can rise over 400 meters into the air and be seen from miles away, accompanied by a deafening roar as the Zambezi River plunges into the gorge. While "Victoria Falls" remains the official geographical name used for international tourism—bestowed by David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria—the local name is a source of great national pride and is used for the surrounding National Park on the Zambian side. In the local Tonga language, the falls are also sometimes referred to as Shungu Namutitima, meaning "Boiling Water." In everyday conversation, many locals simply refer to the area as "The Falls" or "Vic Falls," but the indigenous names are deeply embedded in the region's cultural identity and history.