A spectacular sight, the unforgettable scene of the “world’s largest falling water curtain” will mesmerize you. This is Victoria Falls a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is among the 7 wonders of the world. The locals call it “Mosi-Oa-Tunya meaning” which means “The Smoke That Thunders” because when can see it from miles away. This amazing fall because of its unique location on the Zambezi River in southern Africa makes it a very special place as it shares its boundary with two countries Zimbabwe and Zambia. This unique location gives it very exceptional geomorphological and geological features and makes it a natural habitat for several amazing and unique species. UNESCO has approved it as a world heritage site because of its great significance in below mentioned areas.
1.Biological Environment Significance
(i) Vegetation
The green vegetation that flourishes around the fall mainly comprises of rainforests nurtured by the mist spray from the falls. This contains rare-to-find plants like ebony, wild date palm, pod mahogany, batoko plum, lianas, and creepers. In the zone outside the area of the edge of fall the dominating trees are turpentine or butterfly trees, some smaller areas of grasslands subtropical, and shrublands as per the environmental condition of that area. The flora and fauna are the habitats for the different species of animals.
(ii) Wildlife
The National Park developed is the living place for a number of wildlife species, a huge population of elephants, giraffes, and buffalos, and a special species among the seven subspecies of zebra known as Grant’s Zebra the smallest one. The indigenous African species of even-toed ruminants, lions, African species of leopards and cheetahs, African vervet monkeys and baboons.
A large number of crocodiles and hippopotamus live in the river that flows above the fall. During the dry season, the river is crossed by a massive number of African Bush Elephants.
The small, sturdy Klipspringer, ratel or honey badgers, Groot Otter of African clawless otters can be seen in the beautiful green areas around the river. About 35 species of raptors make this place even more important. This is a breed place for Taita and Peregrine falcon, Augur buzzard, and Verreaux’s eagle. The numerous kinds of waterfowl, herons, and African fish eagles increase the significance of Victoria falls for environmentalists.
(iii) Aqua life
The place is significant from an aqua life point of view, as the river above the fall is home to 39 species of fish, whereas 84 fish species can be found below the falls. The fall acts as a divider between lower and upper Zambezi.
2.Historical Monuments and Engineering Structure Significance
About five different structures of historical importance are around this world heritage site. The sites are old drift monuments, boat club, the railway bridge of Victoria Falls, the Statue of David Livingstone and the War memorial. These monuments provide valuable information about the historical journey of the place and the country and act as an additional point of attraction for tourists.
3.Tourism Significance
- It is among the top seven natural wonders of the world.
- It is in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO since 1989.
4. Economic Significance
- A great destination for tourism, which attracts millions of tourists throughout the year.
- The major source of energy for a number of cities in Zambia and Zimbabwe is the lifeline for any country’s economic growth.
Facts about Victoria Falls
- It is also known as the largest water curtain of falling water in the world. When compared to Niagara Falls it is about 1.5 times broader and 2 times higher than Niagara Falls. It is 108m tall and 1708m wide.
- Its unusual and unique position makes it very significant for environmentalists as it becomes a habitat for a huge variety of plants, shrubs, aqua creatures etc, some of which are native to this place.
- The rainforest grown around this fall is the world’s only rainfall forest in the planet where it rains not only for the whole day but also every day! The falls water droplet in the form of mist falls every time over the forest as rain to flourish life.
- It is the part of Zambezi River which is the 4th largest river on the African continent. Victoria Falls is the divider of the upper and middle sections of the river Zambezi.
- It is the part of two National Parks i.e. Mosi-Oa-Tunya National park, which means “The Smoke That Thunders” and is a UNESCO-approved world heritage site. It is also the part of Victoria National Park.
- This fall is visible from two countries which are Zambia and Zimbabwe. Fall’s 75% part can be seen from Zimbabwe and the remaining 25% from Zambia.
- An unbelievable amount of water about 500 million litres cascades in every single minute. This is next to the once imagination number, which is equivalent to about 200 swimming pools of Olympics.
- The rarest place on the earth to have Moon Bows. It is among the only two places on the earth where Moon Bows can be seen, which is a lunar rainbow that is created when full moonlight falls over the falling water of the fall.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
The best time when you should plan to visit Victoria Falls is between February to May. Just after the rains of summer season, one can enjoy the flow of world’s largest curtain of falling water to its peak. The visit to the falls during the months of October to November is not recommended, as the water level remains at its lowest due to the end of dry winter season. The climatic conditions also remain very hot and humid during this time.
Weather Details:
Winter Season: May to Mid of August, the average high temperature range is 25°C to 27°C , whereas average low temperature range is 7°C to 10°C.
Summer Season: Mid of August to end of April, it remains very hot conditions, and during mid of November to April very wet due to rainy season. The average high and low temperature ranges are 32°C to 34°C and 15°C to 19°C respectively.
How to Reach Victoria Falls:
By Air:
There are international airports at Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) as well as at Livingstone Town (Zambia). A number of flights throughout the day are available from different destinations. Daily flights are being offered by the British airways and South African airways from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls airport. The major routes are:
- Flights are available Cape Town (South Africa) to Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls Town
- From Joma Kenyatta International Airport of Nairobi, Kenya to Victoria Falls Town.
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Ethiopia to Victoria Falls Town.
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls Town.
By Train:
A luxury train service is provided by Luxury Rovos Rail. It travels directly from South Africa to Victoria Falls. It is a 6-day journey and is very expensive.
Another service by Rovos rail known as Shongololo express is more affordable. The journey covers Mozambique, Swaziland and Victoria falls starting from Pretoria. It is a three-star luxury service. The railway station is just next to Kingdom Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe.
By Road:
Easily reachable by road from Botswana and South Africa. One has to keep in mind to carry enough cash and sufficient fuel to deal with emergencies, as Zimbabwe has a very strict restriction for the vehicles entering in the country.
The bus service from Harare to Victoria Falls is also available which is very affordable.
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