Sandwiched along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world (literally). Nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls plunges some 350 feet downinto the basin of a vast gorge below. The steady stream of water is so powerful, it’s created a rainforestlike microclimate, because its voluminous spray blankets the surrounding area continuously. Although the world largely knows this wonder as Victoria Falls (after Queen Victoria, naturally), locals have traditionally called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” The name is arguably a better fit, as the “thunder” of this massive waterfall can be heard from 25 miles away, and its “smoke” (aka water plume) can be seen even farther.
Victoria Falls is actually several waterfalls in one. On the Zimbabwe side, there’s Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, and on the Zambia side lies the Eastern Cataract. If you want to see the waterfall at its most dramatic, visit between February and May when the summer rains, and by extension Victoria Falls itself, are at their highest volume. However, other times of year have plenty to offer, too. Between mid-August and mid-December, daring adventurers can take a dip in Devil’s Pool, a swimming hole that brings those unburdened by acrophobia — fear of heights — to the very edge of the Fall’s dizzying plunge.
Victoria Falls National Park
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Victoria Falls National Park is the Zimbabwe protected area of the shared natural wonder of Victoria Falls with Zambia’s protected area being Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Together, these two national parks protect the world's largest waterfall.
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing this feat of nature as the largest waterfall in the world. The falls reach a height of 355 feet (108 m) and stretch across 5,604 feet (1,708 m) creating the largest single sheet of falling water.
Victoria Falls National Park is even smaller than its neighboring Mosi-oa-Tunya covering an area of only 9 square miles (23.4 sq km). The Zambezi River is the source of the falls which also serves as part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls is actually comprised of five individual falls, of which, four of them are located on the Zimbabwe side of the border. These include Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The fifth Eastern Cataract is located on the Zambia side of the border.
Elephant, buffalo, white rhino, eland, hippo, and varying antelope can be experienced with short game drives in the park. Animals are not the reason to visit, but they do add to the overall nature experience. There is also a massive balboa tree that measures 52 feet (16 m) in diameter and 65.6 feet (20 m) high.
Highlights
Victoria Falls is the highlight of the national park. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the world’s largest waterfall and one of the most aesthetically beautiful falls as well. Iguazu Falls located on the border of Argentina and Brazil is the largest waterfall complex, but Victoria Falls is the largest single sheet waterfall.
It is imperative that you leverage the microlites or a helicopter and get an aerial view of the falls. This is one of the best ways to capture the grandeur of Victoria Falls.
Devil's Cataract
The Devil's Cataract is approximately 229 feet (70 m) deep. Locals historically performed sacrificial ceremonies on an island until missionaries identified this activity as "devilish." This led to the naming of the area and subsequent part of the falls.
Main Falls
This part of the larger collection of waterfalls is often considered the most spectacular. This is one of the widest curtains of water which drop 305 feet (93 m) to the canyon floor. This powerful flow of water creates an abundance of spray which triggers many of the rainbows. The spray also leads to the abundant rainforest around the gorge.
Horseshoe Falls
This horseshoe-shaped part of the falls drops 311.7 feet (95 m) to the gorge floor. The part of Victoria Falls often dries up during the dry season which occurs during the months of late September through November. This is the deepest part of the whole falls.
Eastern Cataract
The Eastern Cataract occurs on the Zambian side, however, the Zimbabwean side offers some of the amazing views of that part of the falls.
It is imperative to crossover the border and to experience the falls from both sides of the border. It really is two different experiences. The Zimbabwe side offers the most expansive view of the falls. During the dry season, this side of the falls has the greatest chance of flowing water into the canyon below.
You will find multiple views of rainbows as you explore the face of the falls as well as moving upriver to look out over the falls. Make sure you capture both images and videos of this world wonder.
Victoria Falls National Park Trails
Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side is well paved and fairly accessible. There are some stairs, but apart from that just follow the path. There are no trails in the wilderness part of the park. This is accessed by a vehicle as you drive through the park with a chance to see wildlife as well as the protected enormous balboa tree.
You can navigate the paved-trail fairly quickly, but you should probably allow for a couple of hours to really take in the falls, which are the reason that you came. Looking up the gorge and along the face of the falls is one of the most impressive views which is delivered along this trail. More than likely, you will see more than one rainbow hovering over the canyon.
There are guided walking safaris that allow you to explore the region on foot, but these are experiences are not really on traditional trails.
DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, VICTORIA FALLS LOST 75% OF ITS WATER
April 16, 2024
Victoria Falls, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Africa, is increasingly at risk due to the drought affecting Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia for years. This drought is caused by climate change that triggered El Niño, a natural climate pattern associated with ocean surface warming that influences climate and storm patterns in different parts of the world. However, it occurs in a climate modified by human activities.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has specified that El Niño happens on average every two to seven years, which is unfortunate.
The cry of alarm was raised in 2019 when the flow of water that feeds the waterfalls collapsed by around 50%, recording the lowest level in 40 years. This collapse was a wonder of nature, and the water was already almost dry. Victoria Falls is a much-visited natural attraction named after Queen Victoria of England.
Today, the Zambezi River Authority reported that the water level at Victoria Falls during the third week of March 2024 was 75% lower than the same period last year. This is a concerning figure, as the attraction, a World Heritage site and a famous symbol of Africa, draws millions of visitors to witness the majestic spectacle of the Zambezi River cascading into a narrow and deep gorge over 100 meters. The falls are a natural wonder and a significant source of economic sustenance for Zambia and the Zambezi. However, this vital resource is now in peril of disappearing.
But the repercussions extend beyond the natural environment. The dwindling water levels of the rivers that nourish the falls are leading to the disappearance of fish. Local fishing communities have reported this to ActionAid, which is making it harder for them to catch the fish they need to feed their families and make a living. In Sesheke District, Zambia, where ActionAid supports women fishermen, there are fears of a sharp rise in poverty as the main source of livelihood, the Zambezi River, has seen a significant reduction in fish production compared to previous years.
It is alarming to learn that over 20 million individuals in southern Africa are currently grappling with a severe food crisis due to the drought caused by El Niño. The situation has escalated to the point where, on April 3, 2024, Zimbabwe declared a state of calamity and requested 2 billion dollars to address the hunger crisis. Malawi and Zambia are also in a similar predicament and are joining ActionAid in urgently appealing for assistance from the global community to combat the crisis. The waterfall drought is just one of the many visible consequences of the crisis. Still, it is not the most pressing issue threatening the survival of the communities in these countries.
The fish population in the river has significantly decreased, leading to drastic changes. Fishing communities that rely heavily on fish for sustenance and income are facing a crisis. While providing immediate food aid is essential, investing in long-term solutions to help these communities earn a livelihood and feed themselves in the future is also crucial.
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