SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Destination Livingstone

Destination Livingstone

Destination Livingstone

+260 (0) 976 862325
Email: info@destinationlivingstone.org

Destination Livingstone
Mosi-o-Tunya Rd, Livingstone, Zambia

  • LOGIN
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • WORKING GROUPS
      • Tourism Operators & Suppliers
      • Tourism & Heritage Development
      • Strategic Finances
      • Natural Resources
      • Community Engagement
      • City Facilities & Infrastructure
    • Our Team
    • About Livingstone
    • About Us
    • Friends of the Falls
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORY
  • BLOG
  • RESOURCES
    • Other Documents
    • Newsletter & Factsheets
  • CONTACT
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Blog
  • What’s so special about Victoria Falls?
March 25, 2023

What’s so special about Victoria Falls?

0
Friday, 26 March 2021 / Published in Blog

What’s so special about Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall on the planet when you factor in height and width. Together this creates the largest curtain of falling water in the world that can even be seen from space.

Victoria Falls has been classed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being a World Heritage Site. Victoria Falls is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But do you know why? Please keep reading to find out more about our Victoria Falls and why it is worth revisiting time and time again.

Why is Victoria Falls a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

UNESCO designates unique places on the planet as World Heritage Sites if they feel them to be of outstanding value to humanity for their cultural, scientific or historical value. These sites are worthy of legal protection for future generations to enjoy. Africa has 145 World Heritage Sites in 35 different countries. One is located in Zambia, with the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls being given the honour in 1989.

Why is Victoria Falls called Mosi-oa-Tunya?

The original local name for the waterfall was Mosi-oa-Tunya which roughly translates to ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Anyone that has gazed upon this stunning example of nature’s beauty can easily see why it was given this name. During high water, from about December through June annually, the mist from Victoria Falls can be seen from up to 50 kilometres away, and the thunderous roar is almost deafening. The mist and spray rise up to 400 metres into the air and can easily be seen from Livingstone town centre.

Why is Mosi-oa-Tunya called Victoria Falls?

On November 17th 1855, the intrepid explorer, doctor and missionary David Livingstone first gazed upon the world’s largest waterfall from the vantage point of Livingstone Island in present-day Zambia. He was so awe-struck that he named the waterfall after his reigning monarch, Queen Victoria.

What are the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World and their locations are listed below:

  • Victoria Falls – Zambia/Zimbabwe
  • Aurora Borealis – Arctic Circle including Norway, Greenland, Canada
  • Harbour of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
  • Grand Canyon – USA
  • Mount Everest – Nepal/Tibet
  • Great Barrier Reef – Australia
  • Paricutin Volcano – Mexico

How can I see Victoria Falls?

It is possible to fly into Zambia through the Harry Mwaanga Nkambula International Airport in Livingstone or the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. Once in Livingstone, you can see the Victoria Falls from the air in a microlight or helicopter. You can also swim on the edge of the Victoria Falls in the Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool located on Livingstone Island or swim underneath the Victoria Falls on an Under the Spray Tour. A visit to the Victoria Falls National Park is also a must for every visitor to Zambia and is open daily.

What is a lunar rainbow?

A lunar rainbow or moonbow is when the moon’s light interacts with the Victoria Falls spray, producing a faint mystical rainbow at night. Avid photographers should bring a tripod and test their skills at capturing this phenomenon in all its splendor. The Zambezi River’s water levels need to be high to produce the spray required to make the lunar rainbow, so it is best to be seen from December through June annually. A clear night is also necessary to get the full strength of the moon’s light, so if you are keen to see a moonbow, we recommend coming in April, May or June when the rains are likely to have finished.

Lunar rainbow

What you can read next

Recreate Zambezi Happy Hour at Home
Top 5 Reasons that Zambian Road Trips are the Best Vacations
Bungee
Test Your Limits in Livingstone, Africa’s Adrenaline Capital

RECENT POSTS

  • White Rhino

    Can We Save The Rhino?

    by Suwilanji Nachula White Rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tu...
  • FOREST OF FACES BOOKLET

    In 2019, through a series of stakeholder meetin...
  • Father’s Day Fun in Livingstone

    Father’s Day is celebrated in Zambia every year...
  • 10 Reasons to Book Budget Accommodation for Your Next Livingstone Vacation

    Are you desperate for a vacation? Does your inn...
  • How to Plan the Perfect Multi-generational Trip to Livingstone

    Have you ever heard of multi-generational trave...

POST CATEGORIES

  • Blog
  • Community Engagement
  • Natural Resources: Conservation & Wildlife
  • Tourism & Heritage Development
  • Tourism Operators & Suppliers

DIRECTORY CATEGORIES

Accommodation
Activities
Bars & Restaurants
Services
Tour Operator
Travel Agency

FOOTER MENU

  • Our Team
  • F.A.Q.
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Photo Gallery
Please enter your MailChimp API KEY in the theme options panel prior to using this widget.

Visit the govicfalls.com website or download the app from the Google Play Store (IOS on its way). Find out what is happening, where to go, where to stay, how to get around and lots more. Your Livingstone personal guide!

GET IN TOUCH

+260 (0)976 862325
Email: info@destinationlivingstone.org

Destination Livingstone
Mosi-0-Tunya Rd, Livingstone, Zambia

  • GET SOCIAL
Destination Livingstone

Website and apps developed by Bongwe Design

© 2021 All rights reserved.

TOP