Victoria Falls

　　    The Zambezi River, which flows gently through southern Africa, is the fourth-largest river on the African continent after the Nile, the Congo, and the Niger. Its source is in Angola, where it cuts through western Zambia, forming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia before emptying into the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean. Victoria Falls is situated on the middle section of the Zambezi River. Along with Iguazu Falls in South America and Niagara Falls in North America, it is known as one of the world’s three most famous waterfalls.

　　     Victoria Falls was discovered in 1855 by the British explorer David Livingstone. It was originally named "Victoria Falls" after the then Queen of England, but is now also called "Mosi-oa-Tunya." In the local language, this means "the smoke that thunders." The reason behind this name becomes immediately clear when you visit. As the slowly flowing waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the falls with a deafening roar, the resulting spray rises more than 150 meters into the air. During the rainy season, the mist can feel like rainfall overhead. The sight is truly breathtaking.

　　      Today, it has become a major tourist attraction for Zimbabwe. It seems as though no tourist visits Zimbabwe without seeing Victoria Falls. Because of this, the surrounding area has gradually developed into a tourism hub in recent years. Luxury resorts have been built in competition with one another, and local tour companies vie fiercely for business. As a result, prices here are naturally higher than in other cities. However, the natural landscape—the river, the falls, and the gorges—remains unchanged from when Livingstone first discovered it over a century ago. Hippos leisurely rest along the banks, while crocodiles lurk beneath the surface. The pristine riverside environment from the old days persists today and will continue to do so.

　　 Harare, Zimbabwe