There are numerous amazing facts and things to do in Victoria Falls. Anyone who has been there and knows its history can attest to this. This magical place is full of enjoyable and adventurous activities. It’s just a matter of deciding when and how you’ll spend your time in Africa’s Adventure Capital.
Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, has become a playground for those looking to test their physical limits. It’s also an idyllic vacation spot ideal for families, couples, and individuals looking for a memorable vacation.
Here are some fun facts about Victoria Falls, followed by compelling reasons to visit…
Fun, Amazing Facts about Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall, measuring 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) in width and 108 meters (354 feet) in height. It is rough twice the height of Niagara Falls in North America and much wider. It is a UNESCO heritage site and one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.
David Livingstone, a Scottish physician, missionary, and explorer, discovered Victoria Falls. At the very least, he was the first European to see them. He stood on what is now known as Livingstone Island, a land mass at the edge of Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia, to view the falls.
When was the discovery of Victoria Falls made? In 1855, David Livingstone saw the falls for the first time. To honor Queen Victoria, he named his sighting Mosi-oa-Tunya, though the native Lozi language name for the falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, is still in use today. It translates to “The Smoke That Thunders” in English.
Victoria Falls has a long history that predates Dr. Livingstone’s discovery. Indeed, archaeological sites near the falls show that the area has been occupied for approximately 3 million years. Stone artifacts from the time period and articles from the Late/Middle Stone Age have been discovered.
Every minute, millions of cubic meters of water cascade over the edge of Victoria Falls. It’s an incredible and somewhat humbling spectacle. The raging water cascades into a rocky gorge over 100 meters deep. The basalt cliffs that form the gorge are approximately the same height.
The Victoria Falls Rainforest is located on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and is teeming with plant and animal life. This is the only place where it rains every day, and the constant rain (from the spray of the falls) is necessary to sustain the forest’s flora and fauna.
Among the many interesting facts about Victoria Falls is that at night, tourists can see stunningly beautiful rainbows known as moonbows. These lunar rainbows are extremely rare and only occur regularly in a few locations around the world. When moonlight illuminates falling water drops in the atmosphere, they appear.
Fun Things to Do in Victoria Falls
If you’re a daredevil or thrill seeker, the many exciting adventure activities near Victoria Falls will not disappoint. Abseiling, bungee jumping, skydiving, bridge swinging, ziplining, white-water rafting, crocodile cage diving, and other activities are available. Those who are truly brave can swim in Devil’s Pool.
Victoria Falls offers horseback riding, walks with lions (yes, you can walk alongside and interact with these majestic creatures), and authentic wildlife safaris. Elephant back safaris for those less daring but appreciate nature still enjoy a good dose of adventure.
A helicopter or microlight aircraft is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see Victoria Falls. These activities, known as “The Flight of Angels,” provide visitors with a bird’s eye view of the world’s most giant sheet of falling water, and the views are spectacular. Helicopter rides can even take you upstream to see wildlife.
Victoria Falls isn’t just about adrenaline rushes. Relaxing, low-key activities abound in Victoria Falls, including scenic walking tours, Segway tours, bicycle tours, sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River, and Livingstone activities such as the Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train Tour.
There are numerous points of interest in and around Victoria Falls. Devil’s Cataract, the David Livingstone statue, The Boiling Pot, Danger Point, Livingstone Island, Victoria Falls Bridge, Knife Edge Bridge, Mosi-oa-Tunya Park, The Victoria Falls Hotel, and Royal Livingstone Hotel are just a few of the highlights.
When in Vic Falls, enjoy tasty outdoor lunches and breakfasts at The Lookout Café, which overlooks Batoka Gorge, and traditional African cuisine at The Boma Restaurant, accompanied by singers, dancers, and drummers. Of course, there are numerous other excellent dining options.
Other enjoyable activities in Victoria Falls… Interact with the inhabitants of a traditional Zimbabwean village. The Jafuta Heritage Centre teaches about the cultural heritage of Zimbabwe’s indigenous ethnic groups. Quality African curios can be found at Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village and other markets. Explore the town of Victoria Falls!
