Victoria Falls Facts

Formation of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is formed over the Zambezi River which is the fourth-largest river in the African continent and spans across six different nations – and cover an amazing distance of 2,700 km. 

During the ancient times, as a result of a volcanic activity a thick basalt deposit covered an extensive area in Southern Africa. When the lava solidified, there were cracks in the rock that, over the centuries, became filled with softer materials.

Moreover, shifting of plates in due course of time made the Zambezi River change its original way from running south-east to a more solid easterly direction. The River flowed over those hard basalts progressively eroded the softer sandstone and created cracks on the plateau resulted in Victoria waterfalls.

Major Victoria Falls Facts and Figures

• Width: 1 688 m
• Height: 108 m
• Elevation: 885m above sea level
• Flow rate: 1 088 m3/s
• Number of visitors annually: Approx. 1 million
• Flow of water per minute: 500 million litres
• Type: Cataract waterfall
• Number of Gorges: 6
• Underlying rock: Basalt
• Size of its source (Zambezi River): 2,574 km long
• Known as: Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders)
• Named after: Queen of Great Britain (Queen Victoria)
• National Park: Mosi-oa-Tunya

Geographical Presence Of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is positioned almost exactly half way on the mighty Zambezi River's journey of 2700 km from its source to the sea.

It is located along the boundary between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south in Southern Africa. Almost twice in size as of North America’s Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world is designated a World Heritage site in 1989. Victoria is only rivalled by South America's Iguazu Falls.

Location Coordinates: 17°55′24.05″S, 25°51′22.32″E

Found in two National Parks:

Due to its presence on the border of two countries Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is surrounded by two national parks - Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in the Zambian side and Victoria Falls National Park in the Zimbabwean side. And is easily accessible from either sides.

It is also worth mentioning that, 75% of the fall can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side.

The water on the fall is dependent on the flow of water in the Zambezi River.

The river experiences a wet season from late November to the beginning of April and dry season during the remaining part of the year.

During the rainy season, the waterfall is at its maximum flow and creates a thundering roar which forms a veil of mist.

The waterfall declines to its minimum flow during the dry season and experience a significant drop in the water flow especially during September to December.

Major Attractions & Activities in Victoria Falls

Apart from viewing the Falls from close proximity there are so many other activities to undertake during Victoria Falls Travel.

Scenic drives to nearby towns like Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe and get a chance to get along with the locals and learn about their unique culture and deep rooted traditions. Make sur to take permission before clicking pictures.

Visit the Livingstone Island in Zambia and get to know the stories about the discovery of Victoria Falls. Listening to different folktales versions regarding the place are also quite interesting.

Steam Train Tour Victoria Falls symbolises luxury with thrill! Get an ultimate chance to travel back in time in stately carriages. Get a view of the fall and the bridge enjoying high tea or a scrumptious lunch.

Hire a bike and explore the Zimbabwe side of the fall. The crafts market, restaurants, shops, Churches, Taverns etc. can be major stop points.

Do not miss the opportunity to go on Zambezi River cruise. You are assured to have excellent views of the sunsets and if lucky might see herd of elephant’s drinking water in the river shore.

Adrenalin raising water activities guarantees once in a lifetime experience. White water rafting in the lower Zambezi is filled with fun and excitement. Victoria Falls Activities like Bungee jumping off the cliff, Zip line, Flying Fox, Gorge Swing etc are also quite popular among the visitors.

Go for Victoria Falls Canopy Tours if you are a nature admirer. You would definitely love this walk in the wild and can have a wonderful wildlife experience.

Helicopter and Microlight flight rides is an excellent way to explore Victoria Falls from the top.

Safaris in the nearby national Parks like Chobe national park and Hwange national park are quite popular and are mostly tagged along with Victoria Falls Tour. Game drives give an opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitats.

Swimming to the edge of waterfalls in the Devil's Pool is another major attraction in Victoria Falls that keep attracting large number of visitors from all over the world.

Crocodile park visit, Siduli Hide trek, jet boating, elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, canoe trails, kayaking, walking trails etc. are among some of the major activities to explore in Victoria Falls.

There are a number of unique aspects to the region, which perhaps further explains its appeal. Here are some fascinating Victoria Falls Facts which may surprise you, or simply encourage you to see the area for yourself.