What do the natives call Victoria Falls?

What do the natives call Victoria Falls? Long before the Scottish missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone 'discovered' the Falls in 1855, the local Batonga people had named them Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders'. Livingstone named them for his queen.

What is the nickname for the Victoria Falls?

The falls are nicknamed Mosi-oa-Tunya; which means 'The smoke that thunders', by the locals, due to the billowing clouds of mist that rise up and drench everything and everyone in its reach when the river is in flood.

Who owns Victoria Falls?

The Zambezi River forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is why Zambia and Zimbabwe share Victoria Falls, with roughly two-thirds of the Falls lying on the Zimbabwe side.

Why is Victoria Falls sacred?

For them, the Falls represents a place to reflect on the transcendental nature of life, to honour those who have gone before, and to try and honour their memory with personal purity.

Is Victoria Falls deeper than Niagara Falls?

Approximately twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls, the waterfall spans the entire breadth of the Zambezi River at one of its widest points (more than 5,500 feet [1,700 metres]). At the falls, the river plunges over a sheer precipice to a maximum drop of 355 feet (108 metres).

Is it safe to visit Victoria Falls Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean.

Which country has the best view of Victoria Falls?

Approximately two thirds of the Victoria Falls lies in Zimbabwe – so for the most comprehensive view of the falls Zimbabwe wins with its various viewpoints within the Victoria Falls National Park including the Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and well-named Rainbow Falls.

Which is better Victoria Falls or Iguazu Falls?

If experience and exploration is more up your alley, then head over to Victoria Falls where there will be plenty of animals roaming and you can spot big game animals and there are parks and game reserves to explore. However, if you prefer nature walks or birdwatching, then Iguazu may be more suited for you.

What do locals call to Victoria Falls?

Locals still refer to the Falls as Mosi Oa Tunya and the area continues to be revered as a sacred site among the local tribes. David Livingstone was obviously not the first person to see the Victoria Falls, although he is always credited as having discovered it. Many locals feel they should be rebranded Mosi Oa Tunya.

Is Victoria Falls bigger than Niagara?

In comparison, Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water and is almost double the height of Niagara Falls and half a kilometer wider. In the wet season, the spray from Victoria Falls can rise 400m above the falls and can be seen from up to 48km away.

Is Iguazu bigger than Victoria Falls?

Located on the border dividing the Argentine province of Misiones from the Brazilian state of Paraná, Iguazu Falls is the largest system of waterfalls in the world. It's taller than Niagara Falls (269 feet) and 3,000 feet wider than Victoria Falls, with a majestic beauty that can only be described as jaw-dropping.

Is Victoria Falls a wonder of the world?

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the largest waterfall in the world. This recognition comes from combining the height and width together to create the largest single sheet of flowing water.

Can you swim in Victoria Falls?

It is possible to swim in the rock pools right underneath the waterfalls at certain times of the year ('low water'). This is an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth!

What are 3 facts about Victoria Falls?