Formation
The Zambezi River flows across a plateau of basalt,
which contains cracks made of weaker sandstone. As the water exploits
and erodes the cracks, it creates a chasm, then a cliff over which the
water flows, then finally a gorge. As the Zambezi slowly recedes, the
process repeats itself again and again; Victoria Falls' current point
actually represents the tenth time the process has been repeated: the
zig-zaging gorges downriver are evidence of previous erosion of the
sandstone cracks.
Human History
Archaeological evidence around the Falls indicates
that Stone Age hunter-gatherers were some of the first inhabitants of
the area. Europeans first came upon the Falls in 1855, when David
Livingstone discovered them during his exploration of the Zambezi River.
Railway service in the area began in 1905 with the completion of the
Victoria Falls Bridge. War between Zimbabwe and Rhodesia disrupted
activity around the Falls starting in 1964, and the government did not
allow civilians to enter the area again until 1980. Since then, tourism
to the Falls has steadily risen.
Features
Victoria Falls drops from a plateau, measuring 262
feet high on the Falls’ western edge and stretching to 360 feet on the
eastern edge. Two islands – Livingstone Island and Boaruka Island –
cleave the falls at the base and separate it into individual streams.
The rainy season takes place between November and April; at its peak,
some 19 million cubic feet of water passes over the Falls each minute.
This amount drops considerably during the dry season. A plume of spray
from the Falls rises up to 1,300 feet in the air during peak flow times.
National Parks
Two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and
Victoria Falls National Park, protect the area. Both extend into the
rain forest surrounding the falls, providing refuge for elephants,
zebra, antelope, giraffe, rhinoceros, water buffalo and gazelle.
Crocodiles and hippopotami inhabit the river above the falls, and the
dry season facilitates river crossings for the elephants as well. Both
parks contain lodges, fishing sites and camping sites, as well as
walking tours along several jungle paths.
Visiting
Visitors can access the Falls through the town of
Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side and the town of Livingstone on the
Zambian side. Victoria Falls Bridge provides a view of the Falls and the
river below, while Knife Edge Bridge provides panoramas further along
the river. Both National Parks contain walking paths which afford views
of the Falls, and helicopter charters are available from United Air
Charters.
For tours to Zimbabwe click HERE
Regards
Jana :)
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