Victoria Falls History

Pre-colonial History

The History Of Victoria Falls is a journey that spans millions of years. It’s a tale that begins with the discovery of ancient tools from the era of Homo habilis, which are estimated to be around 3 million years old.

• As time passed, Victoria Falls witnessed the Middle Stone Age, a period from which 50,000-year-old tools have been found.
• The Late Stone Age followed, leaving behind weapons and digging tools that date back between 10,000 and 2,000 years.

In simpler terms, Victoria Falls has been a silent observer to the passage of ages, its history etched in the tools and artifacts left behind by our ancestors. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Victoria Falls History Facts.

The People and Names of Victoria Falls

Moving forward in Victoria Falls History, you will find that the land around the falls has been home to many people.  

Starting with the Khoisan who were skilled artisans in iron tool-making. These hunter-gatherers were early residents near the magnificent Victoria Falls. Their legacy is a significant part of Victoria Falls history and culture, showcasing their brilliance in tool-making.

They were eventually succeeded by the Batoka tribe, today recognized as the Southern Tonga people. This community has withstood the test of time, continuing to live in the area, enriching the Victoria Falls history in Zimbabwe with its enduring presence.

Over the centuries, Victoria Falls has been honoured with various names by different tribes, each name echoing the profound awe-inspired by its majestic beauty:

• The Southern Tonga people, or Batoka/Tokalea, called the falls Shungu na mutitima.
• The Matabele tribe referred to them as aManz’ aThunqayo.
• The Batswana and Makololo tribes, whose language influences the Lozi people, named it Mosi-oa-Tunya.

All these names translate to "the smoke that thunders," a reference to the misty spray from the falls that resembles smoke from a distance.

This imagery not only captures the falls’ powerful impression but also emphasizes Why Victoria Falls Is Important—for its significant impact on local cultures and communities.

As history unfolded, more tribes, including the Matabele and Makololo, found their way to this region.

These communities remain a vibrant part of the landscape, contributing to the rich cultural heritage that visitors explore through Victoria Falls Tours offered today.

Livingstone Names The Falls

In 1855, David Livingstone, guided by the Makololo tribe, became the first European to see Victoria Falls. This event is a key part of David Livingstone Victoria Falls History.

He named the falls after Queen Victoria, but local tribes already knew it as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "the smoke that thunders."

Livingstone was amazed by the falls, saying it was "the most wonderful sight I had witnessed in Africa." He felt the beauty was so incredible that it seemed like something angels would fly over to see.

His words, "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight," highlight why Victoria Falls is important—not just for its natural beauty but as a marvel that connects us to the awe of the natural world.

Even though Livingstone is often credited with discovering the falls, its discovery story is complex.

Early maps, like Nicolas de Fer’s from 1715 and Jacques Nicolas Bellin's from around 1750, show that the falls were known to locals.

It was possibly even known to Arab traders and Voortrekker hunters long before Livingstone's arrival, challenging the notion of who discovered Victoria Falls.

Whatever it may be, David Livingstone came back to Victoria Falls in 1860 with John Kirk to study it more closely. Other Europeans who visited the falls after him include:

• Serpa Pinto from Portugal, and Emil Holub from Czech, drew the first map of the falls area in 1875.
• Thomas Baines, a British artist, made some of the first paintings of the falls.

 Therefore, it can’t be denied that Livingstone’s naming of the falls and his detailed accounts brought Victoria Falls to the attention of the world.

Colonial Settlement

In the early 1900s, the area around Victoria Falls began to change significantly due to European influence. This shift was largely driven by Cecil Rhodes' ambition for expansion and development under the British South Africa Company. The key developments included:

Building of the Railway in 1905

This major project made the falls more accessible to Europeans, marking the start of increased visitor interest in the area.

Construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge

Inspired by Rhodes' vision of connecting the Cape to Cairo by rail, this Victoria Falls Bridge was strategically placed to allow passengers to experience the mist from the falls. Completed at the Second Gorge, it became a landmark of engineering and a symbol of colonial ambition.

The town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side developed into the main hub for tourists, thanks to these colonial efforts.

By the late 1990s, the falls attracted nearly 300,000 visitors annually, with expectations of numbers rising to over a million. This growth establishes why Victoria Falls is important not just for its natural beauty, but as a cultural and historical site.

Today, Victoria Falls Tours offers visitors the chance to explore this rich history, while the easy cross-border access between Zambia and Zimbabwe adds to the appeal, though travellers should always check the latest visa regulations.

Victoria Falls as A World Heritage Site

In 1989, Victoria Falls gained global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation by UNESCO underlines the importance of protecting and preserving sites that hold outstanding value to humanity.

• Being a World Heritage Site means Victoria Falls is considered a treasure for all people, regardless of where they live.
• It is a place for its shared heritage and is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and cultural importance.
• Additionally, it has been also recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

To appreciate the richness of history, we suggest booking our Victoria Falls Tour Packages. We will ensure that you not only experience the majesty but also engage with the Victoria Falls History and Culture, making your trip all the more enriching.

Victoria Falls, The Smoke That Thunders

As we close the chapter on Victoria Falls History it's clear that this natural wonder is much more than just water tumbling over cliffs. It's a storybook of nature, culture, and adventure that has unfolded over millions of years.

 The Zambezi River has shaped this place for ages. The misty view of the falls won the heart of David Livingstone, who named it. It’s a UNESCO site, a shared treasure that invites us to explore.

Want to see the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ yourself? Falcon Safaris can guide you. Our Victoria Falls Tours let you experience this great sight. History is not just to read about—it’s to experience!