waterfalls in landscape photography

If you have a passion for nature and seek an awe-inspiring natural wonder, then a trip to Victoria Falls should be on your travel itinerary. This remarkable waterfall, renowned as “the smoke that thunders,” boasts a rich history and breathtaking beauty. Its sheer power and magnificence make it one of the most extraordinary sights on our planet.

The Roaring Wonder

When standing atop the ridge, gazing down at Victoria Falls, you are greeted by a unique symphony of sound akin to distant thunder. This roaring resonance has earned it the nickname “the smoke that thunders.” The mingling of mist rising from below and spray descending from above creates an ethereal ambiance so dense that visibility becomes a challenge.

The Majesty of Nature

Victoria Falls generates a mesmerizing spectacle, enhanced by the frothy mist that accompanies it, making safari holidays here even more thrilling than you can imagine!

The World’s Longest Waterfall

Victoria Falls holds the distinction of being the largest waterfall in Africa and the world, with an impressive cascade of falling water forming a majestic curtain. It presents the perfect opportunity to embark on an unforgettable Victoria Falls Safari.

Situated on the Zambezi River, the falls straddle the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the river flows and eventually merges with the Indian Ocean in the east. The water courses over a series of steep formations, known as islands, before plunging into a gorge nestled between them.

Spanning a length of 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) and boasting an average width of 100 meters (330 feet), Victoria Falls is not only one of the planet’s largest waterfalls but also the longest, measuring nearly a kilometer. Its heights vary between 35 meters and 108 meters (115 – 350 feet).

The World’s Most Expansive Falling Water Curtain

Victoria Falls claims the title of the world’s largest curtain of falling water. Stretching approximately 100 meters wide and 990 meters high, it spans an astonishing 3.2 kilometers in length! On a quiet day, the resounding roar of this natural wonder can be heard up to 20 kilometers away, sometimes resembling the sound of an airplane passing overhead.

Victoria Falls: A Gorge’s Creation

Formed by the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls carves its path through a gorge in the Zambezi Escarpment. What sets Victoria Falls apart is that it is one of only two major waterfalls on Earth classified as a single event, meaning it formed at one time rather than through multiple occurrences.

What makes Victoria Falls truly exceptional is its distinction as Africa’s largest waterfall, measuring 1,708 meters in width and 108 meters in height. The second largest waterfall on the continent is Kololo Creek Falls, spanning 1,500 meters in width and 66 meters in height.

A World-Famous Wonder

Victoria Falls has garnered global fame as one of the most renowned waterfalls worldwide. Its exceptional scale has earned it the status of being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Additionally, it proudly holds the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation due to its significance in both tourism and local importance.

Situated on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe (formerly Northern Rhodesia), the falls extend over 2 kilometers at their widest point, presenting an absolutely breathtaking spectacle—especially when enveloped in a mystical veil of mist.

In conclusion, Victoria Falls stands as a global icon among waterfalls, boasting a storied history that has helped shape the tourism landscape. If you are an adventure-seeking nature enthusiast, this remarkable destination is certain to exceed your expectations.

10 Fascinating Facts About Victoria Falls

  1. Victoria Falls is honored as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
  2. The falls derive their name from Queen Victoria of England.
  3. Positioned on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  4. The falls span an impressive 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) in width and measure 108 meters (354 feet) in height, establishing them as the largest sheet of falling water globally.
  5. The falls are renowned for the mist, often mistaken as smoke, rising from the bottom, created by the cascading water.
  6. Locally, the falls are referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “the smoke that thunders.”
  7. Victoria Falls serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo.
  8. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the Zambezi River, offering sightings of hippos and crocodiles.
  9. The destination is a popular spot for adrenaline-pumping adventure activities such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and zip-lining.
  10. The falls are encompassed within the Victoria Falls National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By: Tatum-Lee Louw