Victoria Falls: Exploring The Jewel of Africa
Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. The falls, which are the largest curtain of falling water in the world, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination.
History of Victoria Falls
The area around Victoria Falls has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The first European to see the falls was David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, in 1855. Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria.
In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the falls’ beauty and the potential for trade. The town of Victoria Falls was founded in 1905, and it quickly became a popular tourist destination.
Geography
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, which flows between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are approximately 1.7 kilometers wide and 108 meters high. The water in the falls plunges into a deep gorge and then flows through a series of rapids.
Distance from Harare City Centre to Victoria Falls
Harare, located at -17.83 latitude and 31.03 longitude, is about 549 km (341.3 miles) away from Victoria Falls. The driving distance is approximately 709 km (440.9 miles), requiring a travel time of around 14 hours and 9 minutes.
Distance from Victoria Falls to Mutare
When traveling from Victoria Falls to Mutare, covering a distance of about 456 km (283 miles), the estimated travel time is 4 hours and 58 minutes.
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Climate
Victoria Falls has a tropical savanna climate. The temperatures are warm year-round, with average highs ranging from 25°C to 33°C. The wet season is from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October.
Population
The population of Victoria Falls is approximately 109,660 (2020). The majority of the population is of African descent, and the main languages spoken are English, Ndebele and Shona.
Victoria Falls: Exploring The Jewel of Africa | image credit @WorldAtlas facebook page
Contacting Victoria Falls Town Council Contact Details
Main Offices
- Phone: +263 83 284 4311
- Phone: +263 83 284 4210
- Phone: +263 83 284 3531-3
Emergency Numbers (Fire and Ambulances)
- Phone: +263 83 284 4400
- Toll-Free: 993
Sewer Services
- Phone: +263 713 618 345
Water Services
- Phone: +263 773 462 422
- Phone: +263 712 448 599
Physical Address:
Main Offices, Cnr Livingstone Way & Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Postal Address:
P. O. Box 41, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Schools in Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls Primary School
- Mkhosana Adventist Secondary School
- Mosi-Oa-Tunya High School
Economy
The economy of Victoria Falls is based on tourism. The town is home to a number of hotels, lodges, and restaurants, as well as a variety of adventure activities, such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides.
Things to Do in Victoria Falls
There are a number of things to see and do in Victoria Falls. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Viewing the falls: There are a number of viewpoints from which you can see the falls. The best way to see the falls is to take a boat ride on the Zambezi River.
- Bungee jumping: Bungee jumping is one of the most popular adventure activities in Victoria Falls. There are a number of companies that offer bungee jumping, and the jumps range from 111 meters to 198 meters.
- White-water rafting: White-water rafting is another popular adventure activity in Victoria Falls. There are a number of companies that offer white-water rafting trips, and the trips range from one day to three days.
- Helicopter rides: Helicopter rides are a great way to see the falls from a different perspective. There are a number of companies that offer helicopter rides, and the flights typically last 15-20 minutes.
- Exploring the surrounding area: There are a number of other things to see and do in the surrounding area, such as visiting the Zambezi National Park, hiking to the top of the falls, and visiting the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Victoria Falls: A Must-Visit Destination
Victoria Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in natural wonders and adventure activities. The falls are truly one of a kind, and the surrounding area offers a variety of activities for people of all ages and interests.
References:
- https://www.booking.com/lodges/city/zw/victoria-falls.html
- https://www.zimbabweyp.com/category/Schools/city:Victoria_Falls
- https://vfcc.co.zw/index.php/contact-us/
- https://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/history-of-victoria-falls.html
