“Angels must have gazed upon such scenes” Dr David Livingstone wrote in 1855. He was the first European to see Victoria Falls. He named them after Queen Victoria. But the local people already knew this magnificent waterfall. They called it Mosi-oa-Tunya The Smoke That Thunders.
From our vantage point here at number 5 we can almost feel the raw power of the falls. Imagine the Zambezi River a mighty waterway 2700 km long. It flows from its source to the sea. Here at Victoria Falls it plunges into a 100m chasm. This creates the world’s biggest curtain of falling water.
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders. In 1958 it reached its highest flow ever recorded. Over 700 000 cubic meters of water thundered over the edge each minute. The water in the gorges rose 18 meters above its normal level.
The Zambezi’s relentless power has carved eight successive precipices over millennia. A ninth is starting to form. Our ancestors 1.5 million years ago saw a very different Victoria Falls. They witnessed a spectacle of nature in its own unique form. This changed over millions of years.
This constant pounding by the Zambezi’s currents continues to shape Victoria Falls. The sheer scale is breathtaking. The spray can rise 1650 feet into the air. The falls are over 1700m wide. The height varies from 80-108 meters. It is wider than Niagara Falls and twice as high.
The falls are a spectacular sight. Their beauty is captivating. Their power is awesome. Even the sound is overwhelming. The constant roar vibrates through your body. The spray refreshes your face. The rainbows shimmer.
The Victoria Falls are truly awe-inspiring. They have drawn interest from humans for ages. This place is rich in history and mystery. You are standing at a truly special place. Take a moment to absorb the wonder and power. Remember this experience.