Victoria Falls

Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("the smoke that thunders") at an altitude of 914m is one of the world's most spectacular natural scenic attractions and Zimbabwe's major tourist destination.  The Falls were probably visited by early Portuguese traders and Boer hunters before Livingston visited them in 1855.  He named the falls after England's queen - Vistoria.  Livingstone wrote in his diary: "It has never been seen before by European eyes but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

The Falls are 1700m side and 92m high.  545 million litres of water per minute pour into the gorge during the peak season (April - May) and the spray rises 500m into the air.  During the Rhodesian/Zimbabwe War (1967-1980) the Falls were almost deserted by tourists.  During 1950 and 1960, tourist accommodation and facilities were situated in Livingstone and Zimbabwean side had only the Victoria Falls Hotel and Soper's Curios.