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:: Victoria Falls
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These spectacular waterfalls are a designated World Heritage Site as well as being one of the natural wonders of the world. Ever since their existence was publicized by David Livingstone in 1855, visitors have traveled from all over the world to witness this amazing natural phenomenon. The falls are 1.7 km wide and have an average height of 100m.
The volume of water passing over the falls is 550,000 square meters per minute on average, although this can increase dramatically during the high water period between March and May. The geology of this area is fascinating, the original falls were actually 8km downstream of the present ones. Erosion over millions of years, combined with weaknesses in the basalt rock perpendicular to the flow of the Zambezi have gradually worn away the previous seven sets of falls and have led to the magnificent gorge system that visitors see today.
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In the first years of the 20th century, the growing village of Victoria Falls was put on the map by Cecil Rhodes' British South African Company plans to attempt the construction of a Cape to Cairo railway line. Although the line was never completed, the track still runs through Victoria Falls and luxury trains, offering
opulent service as well as breathtaking views, travel through this station in addition to the regular Zimbabwean Railway service. The famous Victoria Falls Hotel was originally built in 1904 and was extended many times throughout the last century. The hotel initially catered for travelers entering the Falls by rail and has since developed into one of Africa's most luxurious facilities, offering a taste of times past.
The Falls can also be viewed from the Zambian town of Livingstone where visitors are able to get spectacularly close to the edge of the river gorge! Many adventure activities can be arranged from the town of Victoria Falls, varying from bungee jumping, gorge swinging, micro-lighting and white water rafting to more leisurely boat cruises on the upper stretches of the river.
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