We’ve created this list of over 125 fun facts about Victoria Falls!
In addition to over 125 fun facts about Victoria Falls, learn more about it’s geography, plants, animals, people, cultures, legends, and so much more!
Table of Contents
- About Victoria Falls
- Basic Facts
- Fun Facts About Victoria Falls
- Fun Facts About Victoria Falls for Kids
- Geography
- How It Was Named
- Plants
- Animals
- People and Cultures
- Legends of Victoria Falls
- Symbols of Victoria Falls
- Other Interesting Things About Victoria Falls
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – About Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a large waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The falls are known for their size and beauty, with the water cascading over a series of cliffs and creating a large mist cloud that can be seen from miles away.
The falls are approximately 1.7 km (1.1 mi) wide and 108 m (354 ft) tall, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Victoria Falls is also known by its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke that Thunders,” reflecting the sound and mist created by the falls.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – Basic Facts & History
The history of Victoria Falls dates back many centuries to the indigenous tribes who lived in the area and regarded the falls as a sacred site. The Tonga people who inhabited the region before the arrival of Europeans called the falls “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.”
The first European to discover Victoria Falls was David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, who arrived at the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria of England. Livingstone was amazed by the beauty of the falls and wrote about them in his journals, which helped to bring attention to the area.
The falls became a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century, with visitors from around the world traveling to see the natural wonder. In 1905, the Victoria Falls Bridge was built across the Zambezi River, connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe and providing easy access for tourists. The surrounding areas of the falls were also developed, with hotels, shops, and other amenities built to accommodate visitors.
Today, Victoria Falls remains a popular destination for tourists, and efforts have been made to protect the natural environment and wildlife in the area. The falls are a major source of hydroelectric power for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and there have been ongoing debates about how to balance the needs of energy production with conservation efforts to protect the falls and the surrounding ecosystem.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – 101 Fun Facts
Here are 101 fun facts about Victoria Falls:
- Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The falls are located on the Zambezi River, which is the fourth-longest river in Africa.
- The falls are situated between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Victoria Falls is over 1 mile wide.
- The falls are approximately 355 feet high.
- The indigenous name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke that Thunders.”
- The first European to see the falls was David Livingstone in 1855.
- The falls were named after Queen Victoria of England.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge was built across the Zambezi River in 1905.
- The bridge was designed by George Andrew Hobson of the consulting firm Sir Douglas Fox and Partners.
- The bridge was built to connect Zambia and Zimbabwe and to support the transportation of goods and people.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge was built in just 14 months.
- The bridge is 420 feet long and 300 feet high.
- Visitors can bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- Victoria Falls is considered to be one of the most dangerous natural swimming pools in the world due to the strong currents and crocodiles.
- The falls can be seen from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- The Zimbabwe side of the falls is considered to have the best view.
- The Devil’s Pool, located on the Zambia side, allows visitors to swim right at the edge of the falls.
- The falls are surrounded by a national park, which is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, baboons, and antelopes.
- The Victoria Falls National Park was established in 1934.
- The area around the falls is home to a number of traditional African villages.
- The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Victoria Falls Hotel, located in Zimbabwe, was built in 1904 and is considered to be one of the most iconic hotels in Africa.
- The hotel was designed by architects Herbert Baker and Francis Macey.
- The hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.
- Victoria Falls is a popular destination for adventure sports, including white-water rafting and zip-lining.
- The Zambezi River is home to one of the world’s largest man-made rapids, the “Boiling Pot.”
- The Victoria Falls Marathon takes place annually in June.
- The marathon route takes runners across the Victoria Falls Bridge and through the Victoria Falls National Park.
- The falls are surrounded by a rainforest, which is watered by the mist from the falls.
- The rainforest is home to a variety of plants and animals, including monkeys and exotic birds.
- The falls are part of the Zambezi National Park.
- The park is home to over 400 species of birds.
- The park is also home to a number of large mammals, including elephants, lions, and buffalos.
- The Zambezi River is home to a variety of fish, including tigerfish and bream.
- The falls are a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- The falls are often used as a backdrop for films and television shows.
- The falls were featured in the 1985 film “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”
- The falls were also featured in the 1951 film “The African Queen.”
- The Victoria Falls Carnival takes place annually in December.
- The carnival features music, food, and entertainment.
- Victoria Falls is known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ in the local language, which means ‘the smoke that thunders
- The falls are located on the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- The first European to see the falls was David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, in 1855.
- Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria of England.
- The falls are approximately twice the height of Niagara Falls and more than twice as wide.
- The mist from the falls can be seen from up to 30 miles away.
- During the wet season, the falls can produce a spray that rises up to 1,300 feet in the air.
- The spray from the falls helps to create a rainforest ecosystem in the surrounding area.
- The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The falls are part of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.
- The falls are a popular tourist destination and attract millions of visitors each year.
- Bungee jumping and white-water rafting are popular activities at Victoria Falls.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River, was built in 1905 and is still in use today.
- The bridge was designed by George Andrew Hobson, an engineer from England.
- The bridge was constructed by the British South Africa Company, which was owned by Cecil Rhodes.
- The Victoria Falls Hotel, which was built in 1904, is a famous landmark near the falls.
- The hotel was originally built to house workers who were building the bridge.
- The hotel has hosted many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Queen Elizabeth II.
- The falls have been featured in many movies, including “Mogambo” (1953) and “The Gods Must Be Crazy II” (1989).
- The falls have also been the inspiration for several books and poems.
- The falls were once used for sacrificial rituals by the local tribes.
- The falls were also used as a place of refuge during times of war.
- The falls were closed to visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since reopened with safety measures in place.
- The falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The falls have been called the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.
- The Zambezi River, which feeds the falls, is the fourth-longest river in Africa.
- The falls are located in a region known as the Zambezi Basin.
- The falls are surrounded by savannah and woodland habitats.
- The area around the falls is home to many species of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and lions.
- The falls are a source of hydroelectric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- The Kariba Dam, which is located downstream from the falls, is one of the largest dams in the world.
- The falls are an important source of water for agriculture and drinking.
- The falls are also a popular spot for fishing, with many species of fish found in the Zambezi River.
- The falls are a popular location for weddings and other special events.
- The falls have inspired many artists and photographers.
- The falls have been depicted on postage stamps from several countries.
- The Victoria Falls Marathon, a popular running event, takes place near the falls each year.
- The falls are surrounded by many small towns and villages, which are home to people from several different ethnic groups.
- David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, was the first European to discover Victoria Falls in 1855.
- Victoria Falls is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The Zambezi River, which feeds Victoria Falls, is the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the longest east-flowing river on the continent.
- The Batoka Gorge, which is located below Victoria Falls, is a popular spot for white-water rafting.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge, which was completed in 1905, was designed by George Hobson of the consulting firm Sir Douglas Fox and Partners. The bridge spans the Zambezi River and connects Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- The spray from Victoria Falls can be seen from up to 30 kilometers (19 miles) away.
- The water from Victoria Falls drops into a narrow gorge that is up to 108 meters (354 feet) deep.
- Victoria Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, vervet monkeys, and bushbucks.
- The first commercial bungee jumping operation in the world was launched from the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1990.
- Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and visitors can access the falls from both sides.
- The Victoria Falls National Park, which is located on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, covers an area of 23 square kilometers (9 square miles).
- The rainy season in Victoria Falls lasts from November to April, and the dry season lasts from May to October.
- The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you want to see and do. For example, the falls are at their fullest between February and May, while the dry season is a better time for activities like white-water rafting.
- The Zambezi River is home to over 75 species of fish, including tigerfish, catfish, and bream.
- The Victoria Falls area is home to a number of indigenous tribes, including the Tonga, who have lived in the area for over 2,000 years.
- Victoria Falls was once part of a vast lake system that covered much of southern Africa. Over time, the lake system dried up, leaving behind the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
- The first recorded European to see Victoria Falls was David Livingstone in 1855, who named the falls after Queen Victoria.
- Livingstone’s visit to Victoria Falls helped to make the waterfall famous in Europe and the United States.
- The area surrounding Victoria Falls is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and several species of antelope.
- The Zambezi River that feeds Victoria Falls is a popular spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
- Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a popular adventure activity.
- During the dry season, visitors can walk along the edge of the falls on the Zimbabwean side, allowing for up-close views of the water and the opportunity to feel the spray.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905, was considered a marvel of engineering at the time and still attracts visitors today.
- Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural beauty and geological significance.
- The Victoria Falls Rainforest is a unique ecosystem that is sustained by the mist from the falls, which supports a variety of plant and animal life.
- Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The Batoka Gorge, located downstream from Victoria Falls, is a popular spot for white-water rafting.
- The Zambezi River is home to a variety of fish, including the famous tiger fish, which is popular among anglers.
- The Victoria Falls area is home to a number of traditional villages, where visitors can learn about the local culture and way of life.
- The Victoria Falls Marathon, held annually in June, attracts runners from around the world to compete in a scenic race through the rainforest and along the Zambezi River.
- The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit works to protect wildlife in the area from poaching and other threats.
- The lunar rainbow, also known as the “moonbow,” is a rare phenomenon that can sometimes be seen at Victoria Falls during full moon.
- The Victoria Falls Steam Train is a vintage locomotive that offers scenic rides through the Zimbabwean countryside.
- Victoria Falls has been the inspiration for a number of works of art, including paintings, photographs, and literature.
- Victoria Falls has played a significant role in the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the area, including the Tonga and the Lozi.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – 25 Fun Facts for Kids
Here are 25 fun facts about Victoria Falls that kids might enjoy:
- Victoria Falls is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders” in the local Tonga language.
- It is located on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, based on the combined height and width of the falls.
- The falls are over a mile wide and drop more than 350 feet into a narrow gorge below.
- The water from Victoria Falls creates a constant mist, which can be seen from miles away and has created a rainforest ecosystem around the falls.
- The falls were first seen by Europeans in 1855, when Scottish explorer David Livingstone came upon them while on a mission to find the source of the Nile River.
- Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria of England.
- Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The falls are a popular tourist destination, known for activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, and helicopter tours.
- The Zambezi River that feeds Victoria Falls is one of the wildest and most dangerous rivers in the world, with crocodiles, hippos, and other dangerous wildlife.
- The area around Victoria Falls is home to many animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and zebras.
- The falls are an important source of hydroelectric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- The water level at Victoria Falls can vary widely depending on the season, with the highest flow typically occurring between March and May.
- The first person to swim across the Zambezi River at the base of Victoria Falls was a South African swimmer named Wayne Riddin in 2003.
- In 1965, a man named Kenneth Howells attempted to kayak over the falls, but was killed when his kayak got stuck in the current.
- Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The local Tonga people believe that the falls are inhabited by a powerful spirit called Nyaminyami, who can cause floods and droughts.
- There are several viewpoints from which visitors can view the falls, including the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
- During the dry season, the water flow at Victoria Falls can be so low that visitors can walk on the rocks at the base of the falls.
- The Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River just downstream from the falls, was built in 1905 and is a popular spot for bungee jumping.
- The spray from Victoria Falls can rise over 1,000 feet into the air.
- In 1953, a 16-year-old boy named Graham Sutherland was swept over the falls in a boat and survived with only minor injuries.
- Victoria Falls is known for its beautiful rainbows, which can often be seen in the mist around the falls.
- The Victoria Falls Hotel, which was built in 1904, is a historic hotel located near the falls that has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.
- Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder that is definitely worth adding to your bucket list!
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – Geography
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The falls themselves are situated in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.
The area surrounding the falls is characterized by dramatic gorges, cliffs, and rocky outcrops. The falls are part of the Zambezi River, which stretches more than 2,500 miles from its source in northwestern Zambia to the Indian Ocean.
The width of the falls is about 1,700 meters (5,580 feet) and they drop more than 100 meters (328 feet) into the gorge below. The volume of water flowing over the falls varies greatly depending on the season, with the highest flow occurring during the rainy season from March to May.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – Geology
Victoria Falls is situated on a plateau made of basalt rock, which was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The Zambezi River began to carve its way through this plateau about 100,000 years ago, forming a series of gorges and canyons. The falls themselves were created by a process of erosion, as the river gradually cut away at the soft underlying rock layers, leaving the harder basalt on top.
Over time, the falls have migrated upstream as the river continues to erode the underlying rock. The gorge below the falls is also constantly changing, as the force of the water scours away at the rock and creates new channels and formations.
The area surrounding the falls is also geologically interesting, with a variety of rock formations and minerals, including copper, cobalt, and nickel.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – How it Got It’s Name
Victoria Falls was named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who was the first European to see the falls in 1855. He named them in honor of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who was on the throne at the time.
The indigenous name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders” in the Tonga language, referring to the mist and roar created by the falls.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – Plants
The area around Victoria Falls is home to a diverse range of plant life, thanks to the abundant water supply and nutrient-rich soil. The region is characterized by a mix of grasslands, woodlands, and forests, with a variety of plant species adapted to different growing conditions.
Some of the notable plant species found in the area include:
Baobab trees, which can live for over 1,000 years and store thousands of gallons of water in their trunks.
Acacia trees, which have thorny branches and provide food and shelter for a variety of animals.
Zambezi teak trees, which are prized for their durable wood and used for furniture and construction.
Ilala palms, which are used by locals to make baskets, mats, and thatch roofs.
Wild date palms, which produce edible fruit and provide nesting sites for birds.
Elephant grass, which can grow up to 20 feet tall and provides food for elephants and other herbivores.
Wild ginger, which is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Devil’s claw, a medicinal plant with hook-shaped roots used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Papyrus reeds, which grow in marshy areas and are used to make paper, baskets, and mats.
Overall, the plant life around Victoria Falls is an important part of the region’s ecosystem, supporting a wide range of animal species and providing resources for local communities.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – Animals
Victoria Falls is home to a diverse array of animal species, both on land and in the water. Here are some of the animals you might encounter around Victoria Falls:
- African elephants – the largest land animals in the world
- Hippos – semi-aquatic mammals that spend most of their time in the water
- Crocodiles – large, predatory reptiles that live in the rivers around Victoria Falls
- Baboons – social primates that live in large groups
- Zebras – striped, horse-like animals that are native to Africa
- Giraffes – tall, long-necked herbivores that are the tallest animals in the world
- Warthogs – wild pigs with distinctive tusks that roam the grasslands around Victoria Falls
- Impalas – antelope-like animals that are fast runners and agile jumpers
- Cape buffalo – large, powerful herbivores that live in large herds
- Lions – apex predators that are at the top of the food chain in the African savannah
- Leopards – elusive predators that are masters of stealth and camouflage
- Hyenas – scavengers that are known for their distinctive laughter-like vocalizations
- African wild dogs – social, pack-hunting animals that are highly endangered
- Vervet monkeys – small primates that are known for their agility and playful behavior
- Rock hyrax – small, furry mammals that live in rocky areas and are sometimes called “rock rabbits”
- Bats – numerous species of bats live around Victoria Falls and play an important role in the local ecosystem.
In addition to these land animals, the rivers around Victoria Falls are also home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, tigerfish, and bream. The Zambezi River is also home to the rare and endangered freshwater eel. The waters of the Zambezi also attract a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and storks.
Fun Facts About Victoria Falls – People and Cultures
Victoria Falls is located in southern Africa, on the Zambezi River, which serves as a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The area around the falls is home to various indigenous communities, including the Tonga, the Lozi, and the BaTonga, who have lived there for centuries.
The Tonga people have a long history of living around the Zambezi River and have developed a deep understanding of the river’s ecology and the diverse animal and plant life in the area. They have a rich culture and have developed unique crafts, music, and dance forms, which attract tourists to the region.
In Zimbabwe, the local people, known as the Matabele, have a proud history of their resistance against British colonialism. The Matabele warriors, led by King Lobengula, fiercely fought against British imperialists, who eventually conquered the region, but not before the Matabele inflicted significant losses on the colonial forces.
In Zambia, the local people have a long history of fishing and farming. They have developed sophisticated irrigation systems to cultivate crops, including maize, millet, and sorghum. The people also have a rich oral tradition, with stories passed down from generation to generation.
Today, the people in the region are involved in tourism, working as guides, hotel staff, and other hospitality services. The tourism industry has helped to boost the local economy, providing jobs and generating income for the communities living around Victoria Falls.
About Victoria Falls – Legends
There are several legends associated with Victoria Falls.
One of the most popular is the legend of the Nyami Nyami, a river god worshipped by the Tonga people who live near the falls. The Tonga believe that the Nyami Nyami lives in the Zambezi River and takes the form of a giant serpent-like creature.
According to legend, the Nyami Nyami was separated from his wife by the construction of the Kariba Dam, which caused a flood that devastated the Tonga people. They believe that the Nyami Nyami is still waiting to be reunited with his wife and that until that happens, the region will continue to be plagued by natural disasters.
Another legend associated with the falls is that they are the location of the entrance to the spirit world, and that the spray from the falls is the smoke of the spirit world.
About Victoria Falls – Symbols
Victoria Falls has several symbols associated with it, including:
The spray from the falls: The mist and spray created by the falls are iconic symbols of Victoria Falls, visible from miles away.
The Victoria Falls Bridge: The bridge, which spans the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a popular symbol of Victoria Falls.
The “smoke that thunders”: This is a term often used to describe Victoria Falls, referring to the powerful spray that rises from the falls and creates a thundering sound.
The rainbow: The mist and spray from the falls often create rainbows, which are a symbol of hope and beauty.
The Zambezi River: The river that feeds Victoria Falls is an important symbol of life and vitality in the region.
The Baobab tree: This tree, which is common in the region, is a symbol of strength and longevity.
The elephant: Elephants are a common sight near Victoria Falls and are seen as symbols of power and grace.
The crocodile: Crocodiles can also be found in the area, and are seen as symbols of danger and strength.
The African fish eagle: This bird, which is often seen hunting in the waters around Victoria Falls, is a symbol of freedom and independence.
The lion: Lions are also found in the region, and are seen as symbols of courage and strength.
Other Interesting Things About Victoria Falls – Countries and Economies
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Both countries have significant economic activities in the area.
Zambia is a landlocked country with a developing economy heavily dependent on copper mining. The tourism industry around Victoria Falls is an important contributor to the country’s economy, as visitors come to see the falls and go on safari in nearby national parks.
Zimbabwe is also a landlocked country with a developing economy. Its economy is based on mining, agriculture, and tourism. Victoria Falls is a major tourist attraction in Zimbabwe, and the country has invested in infrastructure to support the tourism industry, such as building hotels and improving transportation to and around the falls.
In addition to Zambia and Zimbabwe, nearby countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa also have economies that benefit from tourism to Victoria Falls. These countries offer safari experiences and other attractions in conjunction with visits to the falls.
About Victoria Falls – Quotes
Here are some famous quotes about Victoria Falls:
“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” – David Livingstone
“It’s a place of the most awe-inspiring beauty, and we’re not supposed to swim in it. I thought, what a rare privilege to swim in a place that is one of the natural wonders of the world.” – Neil Gaiman
“The whole scene was extremely beautiful; the falls, the river above and below, and the opposite banks.” – Richard Lander
“The Zambezi River plunges 350 feet into a narrow chasm of black basalt rock, throwing up a cloud of mist that can be seen 20 miles away.” – Mark Twain
“Victoria Falls presents a spectacle of nature’s grandeur that cannot be surpassed.” – Archibald Baxter
“The immense width of the waterfall and the volume of water that poured down from it gave me the feeling of standing in the midst of a great mountain range, with a grand canyon at my feet.” – Edith Durham
“The smoke that thunders is the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.” – Charles Bruce
“It’s impossible to describe Victoria Falls, they must be seen to be appreciated.” – Sacheverell Sitwell
“It’s a wonderful sight, like the grandest thing you ever saw, only bigger than anything else.” – William Baldwin
“Victoria Falls is one of the great sights of the world. It is also one of the most remarkable proofs of the depth and power of nature’s work.” – John Hemmingway
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