Victoria Falls, Natural waterfall at Zambezi River, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, where water drops sharply into a narrow gorge below. The river breaks over a wide edge and creates one of the world's largest cascades, producing enormous clouds of mist that can be seen from miles away.
A Scottish explorer arrived at this location in 1855 and named it after a European monarch, bringing international attention to the falls. This naming marked the beginning of European awareness of this natural wonder in southern Africa.
Local communities call this place Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke that Thunders, a name that captures the constant mist rising from the chasm and the roaring sound echoing through the gorge. This reflects how the falls have shaped the way people in the region think about and relate to this landscape.
The falls can be visited from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, each offering different viewpoints and pathways. Water volume changes seasonally, so the visibility and experience vary depending on when you visit during the year.
At certain times of year, a natural pool forms at the edge where visitors can swim while water plunges over the side just beyond them. This pool only exists under specific water conditions and creates one of the most unusual swimming experiences anywhere.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
