History and Discovery of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world, has captivated the hearts and minds of explorers, travelers, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this majestic waterfall is a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. At Nextgen Safaris Africa, we believe that understanding the rich history and discovery of Victoria Falls enhances the experience for every visitor. Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of this iconic site.

Early History and Indigenous Significance

Long before the arrival of European explorers, Victoria Falls was known to the indigenous peoples of the region. The local Tonga people referred to it as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which means “The Smoke That Thunders.” This name perfectly captures the essence of the falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges over a precipice, creating a towering column of mist that can be seen from miles away.

For the Tonga people and other nearby communities, the falls held spiritual significance. They believed it was the dwelling place of spirits and conducted rituals and ceremonies to honor the natural forces they revered. The area around Victoria Falls was a vibrant hub of cultural and social activity, with the river providing sustenance and transportation for the people who lived along its banks.

European Discovery

The Western world first learned of Victoria Falls through the explorations of David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer. On November 16, 1855, Livingstone became the first European to set eyes on the magnificent falls. He was guided by local tribesmen to an island on the edge of the falls, now known as Livingstone Island. Overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the sight before him, Livingstone famously wrote in his journal, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, cementing its place in the annals of European exploration. His accounts of Victoria Falls captured the imagination of people back home and spurred further expeditions to this remote and enigmatic region.

Subsequent Exploration and Mapping

Following Livingstone’s discovery, Victoria Falls became a focal point for subsequent explorers and adventurers. In the late 19th century, explorers such as Thomas Baines and Edward Mohr conducted detailed surveys and produced some of the earliest maps and illustrations of the falls. Their work contributed to a greater understanding of the region’s geography and natural features.

The construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge in 1905, designed by George Andrew Hobson and built by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company, further opened up the area to exploration and tourism. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls, the bridge became an iconic landmark and a testament to human engineering prowess.

Development as a Tourist Destination

With increased accessibility, Victoria Falls began to attract tourists from around the world. The establishment of the Victoria Falls Hotel in 1904 provided luxurious accommodations for travelers, making it one of the earliest tourist establishments in the area. The hotel, with its colonial charm and breathtaking views, became a gateway for visitors eager to experience the wonder of the falls.

Throughout the 20th century, Victoria Falls continued to grow as a premier tourist destination. Infrastructure improvements, such as the development of road and rail networks, further facilitated travel to the area. Today, Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Modern-Day Significance

Victoria Falls remains a symbol of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It stands as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the indigenous peoples who first discovered and revered this awe-inspiring natural wonder. For visitors, it offers a chance to connect with nature, experience the thrill of adventure, and learn about the fascinating history that has shaped this iconic landmark.

At Nextgen Safaris Africa, we are proud to share the story of Victoria Falls with our guests. Our expertly curated tours provide not only breathtaking views and thrilling activities but also a deep appreciation for the history and significance of this incredible site. Join us on a journey to Victoria Falls and discover the magic that has captivated explorers and travelers for generations.

History and Discovery of Victoria Falls-Conclusion

Victoria Falls is more than just a waterfall; it is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of nature. Its history, from the reverence of indigenous peoples to its discovery by European explorers, adds layers of meaning to every visit. At Nextgen Safaris Africa, we invite you to explore Victoria Falls with us and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of its history and discovery. Witness the “Smoke That Thunders” and create your own unforgettable memories at one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Victoria Falls must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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