The Victoria Falls is called “Mosi-oa-Tunya” by the local people, the smoke that
thunders, and constitutes one of the best spectacular natural wonders of the world. With its 1708 meters wide became it in the largest curtain of water in the world
also by its remarkable falls. The waterfall is situated in southern Africa on the
Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It boasts of being the largest waterfall in the world with the most unusual in form and having the most
diverse and easily seen wildlife of any major waterfall site.
The Victoria Falls still inspires visitors as it did with David Livingstone in the
1860s. The falls and surrounding area of this remarkable preserved natural state
have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the
area from excessive commercialization.
During the flood season from February to May is impossible to see the foot of the
falls and most of its face, and the walks along the cliff opposite it are in a constant
shower and shrouded in mist. The minimum flow occurs in November.
Two cities are part of Victoria Falls: at the eastern end of it, Victoria Falls
town in Zimbabwe lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River and at 18km south
of town, Victoria Falls Airport has international services to Johannesburg and Namibia.
The second city, Livingstone in Zambia is a historic colonial city and
tourism centre
for Victoria Falls lying 10km south on the Zambezi River. Its airport has connections
to Lusaka and Johannesburg in South Africa.
Victoria Falls - Livingstone side
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia is an UNESCO World Heritage site along is
twinned to the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. It covers 66km2 from below
the falls in a north-west arc along about 20km of the Zambian river bank.
Both Parks contain abundant wildlife including sizable population of elephant, buffalo,
giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, baboons and a variety of antelope. Lion and leopard
are occasionally seen. The river above the falls
contains large populations of hippopotamus
and crocodile. Klipspringers and clawless otters can be glimpsed in the gorges,
but they are mainly known for 35 species of raptors. The Taita Falcon, Black Eagle,
Peregrine Falcon and Augur Buzzard breed there. Above the falls, herons, Fish Eagles
and numerous kinds of waterfowl are common. The most notable aspect of the area's
vegetation though is the rainforest nurtured by the spray from the falls, containing
plants rare for the area such as pod mahogany, ebony, ivory palm, wild date palm
and a number of creepers and lianas.
Some activities can be undertaken such as the “Flight of Angels” providing an superb
vista of the falls, the upstream river and its many islands. For more adventurous
the “Microlighting” with stunning views of Victoria Falls. Rafting is the most popular
adventure. Visitor can also kayak, canoe, go on guided walking safaris, ride on
horseback and lunch on Livingstone’s Island.
The Devil´s Swimming Pool is a famous feature naturally formed, near the edge of
the falls, accessed via Livingstone Island. People can swim as close as possible
to the edge of the falls without continuing over the edge and falling into the gorge
due to a natural rock wall that stops their progress despite the current.