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What is special about Victoria Falls?

The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls is the world's greatest sheet of falling water and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls i.e. the spray, mist and rainbows.



Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is uniquely classified as the world's largest sheet of falling water. While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall on Earth, its combined width of 1,708 meters and height of 108 meters create a singular, massive curtain of water that is twice the height of Niagara Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"), the falls are famous for a spray plume that can be seen from over 50 kilometers away. One of the most special natural phenomena here is the "Lunar Rainbow" or moonbow, which occurs during a full moon when light reflects off the mist. Additionally, the unique geology of the eight zigzagging gorges formed by the Zambezi River provides a rare habitat for four species of endangered birds. For the adventurous, the "Devil's Pool"—a natural infinity pool right at the edge of the precipice—offers a heart-pounding experience available only during the dry season when water levels are low enough to safely swim at the very lip of the falls.

People Also Ask

Here are some fascinating facts which may surprise you, or simply encourage you to see the area for yourself.
  • IT IS THE LARGEST WATERFALL IN THE WORLD. ...
  • VICTORIA FALLS IS PART OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER. ...
  • IT IS FOUND IN TWO NATIONAL PARKS. ...
  • ITS ENGLISH NAME WAS CHOSEN BY DAVID LIVINGSTONE. ...
  • YOU CAN SEE THE FALLS FROM TWO COUNTRIES.


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We don't recommend visiting the Falls at the end of the dry winter season – October through November – when the water level is lowest, and the weather is very hot and humid.

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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!

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Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean.

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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.

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The Zambezi River forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is why Zambia and Zimbabwe share Victoria Falls, with roughly two-thirds of the Falls lying on the Zimbabwe side.

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Modern tourism The beauty of the falls lies in their natural state, but the area is at some risk of runaway tourism-based development—more resorts, hotels, and even a possible dam below the falls that could flood several park gorges.

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With scale, drama, power and beauty it is easy to see why The Victoria Falls has been accredited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Such an awe-inspiring experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe one of our world's most precious areas of natural magnificence.

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Can I drink the water in Victoria Falls? Yes. Most, if not all locals, drink happily from municipal supplies. However, if you suspect you may have a sensitive stomach, then bottled water is recommended and is readily available.

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The waterfall stands at an altitude of about 915 m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l.) and spans to about 1708 m wide with an average depth of 100 m and the deepest point being 108 m. Sprays from this giant waterfall can be seen from a distance of 30 km from the Lusaka road, Zambia and 50 km from Bulawayo road, Zimbabwe.

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Approximately twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls, the waterfall spans the entire breadth of the Zambezi River at one of its widest points (more than 5,500 feet [1,700 metres]). At the falls, the river plunges over a sheer precipice to a maximum drop of 355 feet (108 metres).

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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! WHAT'S INCLUDED? All equipment (helmet, paddle, rafts etc.)

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The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the region's summer rains, when you'll see the world's largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume.

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The sheer size of Victoria also makes it a more grandiose site than Niagara, with the surface area twice as big than that of its rival – so there's much more to see as you travel around the falls' perimeter.

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To make the most of your time here, you will want to visit for at least two days. Even if your time is limited, you can make your trip to the falls an exciting memory that will last a lifetime. To enjoy Victoria Falls to the fullest, plan for three or four days.

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