Victoria Falls is widely recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and for anyone who visits, it becomes immediately clear why. Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this extraordinary waterfall is not simply impressive in size but overwhelming in presence. It is a place where nature asserts itself with sound, movement, and scale in a way few destinations on Earth can match.
What makes Victoria Falls truly unique is the way it combines width and height into a single uninterrupted sheet of falling water. Stretching roughly 1.7 kilometres across and plunging more than 100 metres into the Batoka Gorge below, it forms the largest continuous curtain of water in the world. During peak flow, the Zambezi River sends more than a million litres of water over the edge every second. The resulting spray rises high into the air, visible from many kilometres away, and the deep roar of the falls can be heard long before they come into view.
Long before the falls were known internationally, local communities named them Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke That Thunders. This name remains one of the most accurate descriptions of the experience. The constant mist creates drifting clouds that resemble smoke, while the thunderous sound of water crashing into the gorge below reverberates through the surrounding landscape. Standing near the falls is a full sensory experience. The ground subtly vibrates beneath your feet, the air feels alive with moisture, and rainbows often appear without warning as sunlight cuts through the spray.
Geologically, Victoria Falls is a masterpiece shaped over millions of years. The Zambezi River flows across a vast basalt plateau that developed natural fractures over time. As water exploited these weaknesses, erosion carved deep gorges into the rock. The waterfall has slowly retreated upstream, leaving behind a series of dramatic zigzagging gorges that stretch for more than 100 kilometres downstream. This ongoing process means Victoria Falls is still changing today, reminding visitors that this wonder is not frozen in time but part of a living, evolving landscape.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Victoria Falls is how dramatically it transforms throughout the year. During the high-water months, typically from late summer into early winter, the falls are at their most powerful. Visibility from certain viewpoints may be limited by mist, but the sheer force and energy on display are unforgettable. In the drier months, the water levels drop, revealing intricate rock formations and allowing visitors to see individual cascades more clearly. Each season offers a different perspective, making Victoria Falls a destination that rewards repeat visits.
The falls also hold a unique position as a shared natural treasure between two countries. Zimbabwe offers expansive panoramic views that showcase the majority of the falls, while Zambia provides closer access to the water and opportunities for more intimate encounters with the river. Together, they form a symbol of shared heritage and cooperation, reinforcing the falls’ global significance.
Internationally, Victoria Falls is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. These titles reflect not only its beauty but its ecological importance, cultural history, and role in sustainable tourism. The surrounding national parks protect diverse wildlife and plant life, while tourism supports conservation efforts and provides vital income for local communities along the Zambezi River.
For many visitors, Victoria Falls is not just something to see but something to feel. Walking through the mist-soaked rainforest, watching the river gather itself before the plunge, and standing at viewpoints carved into ancient rock creates a deep sense of connection to the natural world. It is a place that humbles, educates, and inspires all at once.
The cover image for this blog was captured by Liz D’Amato while on safari with Bushtrails, perfectly reflecting the raw beauty and scale that make Victoria Falls one of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet.
If Victoria Falls is on your travel wish list, Bushtrails offers expertly guided safaris and journeys that bring you closer to Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Explore our safari experiences, get in touch with our team, and let us help you plan a journey where natural wonders like Victoria Falls are not just visited, but truly experienced.