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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Introduction

Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in southern Africa. The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract millions of tourists each year. They consist of a series of large waterfalls, with the largest one being the Devil's Pool, which drops over 100 meters into the Zambezi Gorge.

Key Facts

  • Geography: Victoria Falls is situated near the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, approximately 110 miles (177 kilometers) from the Indian Ocean.
  • River: The falls are fed by the Zambezi River, one of Africa's longest rivers.
  • Height: The falls drop over a distance of about 100 meters (328 feet), creating a mist that can be seen from up to 12 miles (19 kilometers) away.
  • Power: The water flow is so strong that it creates an enormous amount of spray and foam, with some areas reaching heights of up to 400 feet (122 meters).
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located nearby the falls.
    • Victoria Falls Bridge: A pedestrian bridge that spans the Zambezi River and offers stunning views of the falls.

Historical Context

The area around Victoria Falls has been inhabited by various indigenous tribes for thousands of years. The first European to visit the falls was David Livingstone in 1855, who named them "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which means "the smoke that thunders". In the late 19th century, the British built a series of dams and power stations to harness the energy of the falls.

Significant Contributions

  • Tourism: Victoria Falls has become one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations, with millions of visitors each year.
  • Economic Growth: The falls have contributed significantly to Zimbabwe's and Zambia's economies through tourism, agriculture, and mining industries.
  • Environmental Conservation: Efforts are being made to conserve the surrounding environment and protect the unique ecosystem of Victoria Falls.

Notable Attractions

Devil's Pool

  • Location: Located on the edge of Victoria Falls, accessible via a 7.8-kilometer-long (4.9-mile-long) boardwalk.
  • Features:
    • The pool is a natural hole in the rock face that drops over 100 meters into the Zambezi G

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-03 05:33:07
  • Keywords: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/victoria-falls-zimbabwezambia