Zambia

What thundering applause greets you as you stand before the mighty Zambia? It’s not for me, but for the breathtaking spectacle of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls were identified by the Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1855. He named them after Queen Victoria. But the indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, more accurately captures the raw power and majesty of this natural wonder. Imagine the Zambezi River, a mile wide, suddenly plummeting into a chasm over 350 feet deep. The sheer volume of water is astounding. During peak season, over 17 million cubic feet of water cascade over the edge every minute. The resulting spray can rise over 1,300 feet into the air, creating a mist visible for miles. This mist creates a unique rainforest environment, supporting plants like pod mahogany, ebony, ivory palm, and wild date palm that are rare to the region. Within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambia side and Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side, a diverse range of wildlife thrives. You might spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs also roam the area. Hippos and crocodiles populate the Zambezi River, while klipspringers, honey badgers, and clawless otters can be found in the gorges. The falls create a natural barrier in the Zambezi, with 39 fish species found below the falls and 84 species above it. The Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the Second Gorge, is another marvel. Completed in 1905, it was part of Cecil Rhodes’ vision for a Cape-to-Cairo railway. It offers a unique perspective of the falls and the Boiling Pot, the turbulent pool where the river churns after its descent. Today, the bridge is also a hub for adventure activities, including bungee jumping. From the Zambian side, during low-water season, you can even swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool perched right on the lip of the falls. Zambia offers an exceptionally close-up view of the falls and the thrill of activities like white-water rafting. The nearby town of Livingstone provides a taste of Zambian culture. As we conclude our visit to Zambia and the mighty Victoria Falls, let the memory of Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” resonate within you. This natural wonder, with its raw power, stunning beauty, and rich biodiversity, is truly a testament to the incredible forces of nature.