Yes indeed, Victoria Falls, which graces both Zimbabwe and Zambia, holds the title of the world’s largest waterfall. A common question among those coming for Victoria Falls Tours is, “Is Victoria Falls the largest waterfall in the world?” The answer is intriguing.
This grand waterfall might not hold the record for being the tallest or widest, but due to its incredible flow rate, it’s often regarded as the largest and most impressive curtain of falling water on the planet. It may sound surprising to some, but the majestic Victoria Falls even surpasses giants like Niagara Falls, and Iguacu Falls, except during the long dry season in Southern Africa pear deck join.
| Table Of Contents
1. Victoria Falls Statistics 2. Comparison with other major waterfalls in the world 3. Width of Victoria Falls 4. Height of Victoria Falls 5. Come, witness the Spectacular Majesty of Victoria Falls |
Victoria Falls Statistics
The unique combination of height and width which produces this world’s most substantial sheet of falling water has earned Victoria Falls the accolade of being the largest waterfall in the world.
So, if you are someone who is planning Victoria Falls Excursions, you need to understand some facts just to put into perspective the grandeur you are about to experience.
- Dimensions of the Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls stretches impressively across 1,708m (5,604 ft). However, the Height of Victoria Falls is not uniform across its length.
Starting from the western side at the Devil’s Cataract, it stands at around 70m (233 ft). As you move towards the Eastern Cataract on the far east side during your Tour of Victoria Falls, the height gradually increases to about 108m (360 ft).
- Flow Rates
Understanding the flow rates will enhance your Victoria Falls Tour experience as you grasp the waterfall’s mighty power. The mean annual flow rate is 1088 cubic meters per second (38,430 cu ft/s), with the highest mean maximum flow rate recorded at 3000 cu m/s (105,944 cu ft/s).
Some interesting Victoria Falls Facts:
- The highest flow ever recorded at Victoria Falls was a staggering 9,500 cubic meters per second in 1958, a time when the Kariba Dam was still under construction.
- Contrastingly, the lowest flow was recorded during the 1995-1996 season, with a mere 390 cubic meters per second thestaurant.
Comparison with other major waterfalls in the world
Let’s delve into a comparative analysis of Victoria Falls alongside other notable waterfalls worldwide, illuminating why Victoria Falls has earned its title as the largest waterfall in the world.
| Waterfall Parameters | Victoria Falls | Niagara Falls | Angel Falls | Iguazu Falls |
| Height | 108 m (360 ft) | 51 m (167 ft) | 979m (3,212ft) | 64-82m (210-269ft) |
| Width | 1708 m (5603 ft) | 1203 (3947 ft) | 150m (500ft) | 2,700m (8,858ft) |
| Flow Rate (Annual Mean per second) | 1088 m3 (38422 cu ft) | 2406 m3 (85000 cu ft) | 662 m3 (23,400cu ft) | 1,745m3 (61,659cu ft) |
- When it comes to Niagara Falls in the United States, it has the most water flowing over it, but it isn’t very high.
- Angel Fallsin Venezuela is known for being the tallest, but it’s not very wide and doesn’t have a lot of water flowing over it.
- Iguazu Fallsat the border of Argentina province outdoes the rest in terms of its width.
However, when we look at Victoria Falls, it’s the combination of its height and width, along with a good amount of water flow, that makes it the biggest and largest waterfall in the world.
| Special Note: In recent years, Victoria Falls has seen a surge in visits from notable celebrities. Hollywood figures like Will Smith, Paris Hilton, and the power couple, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, have all graced the region.
Interestingly, Will Smith didn’t just stop at a visit; he even dared to bungee jump off the renowned Victoria Falls Bridge! If you’re curious about more celebrity experiences at Victoria Falls, we discovered a website that features Victoria Falls as a celebrity destination, detailing all star-studded encounters. |
Width of Victoria Falls
A common query among travellers is How Wide is Victoria Falls?
Well, Victoria Falls, proudly stretching across the Zambezi River, has an impressive width of 1700m.
This expansive waterfall is divided into five distinct sections. In Zimbabwe, we find The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Over in Zambia, we have the fifth segment, the Eastern Cataract.
Height of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls presents a sight to behold as the calm Zambezi River dramatically tumbles down a cliff into a slim canyon below. The Height of Victoria Falls is not constant – it ranges from 70 m (233ft) to a towering 108m (360ft). So, How Tall Is Victoria Falls exactly? Let’s break it down.
- Devil’s Cataract – 70 meters
The “Devil’s Cataract”, standing at 70 meters, gets its name from a close island where local tribes performed rites. When missionaries arrived, they described these activities as “devilish,” leading to the naming of this segment.
- Main Falls – 93 meters
Next is the “Main Falls,” with a height of 93 meters. It is indeed the most majestic part, with an immense volume of water creating a beautiful mist as it hits the ground.
- Horseshoe Falls -95 meters
Then, there’s the “Horseshoe Falls,” standing tall at 95 meters. It’s named for its shape, and interestingly, it dries up between October and November due to its lower water volume.
- Rainbow Falls -108 meters
“Rainbow Falls,” reaching the highest at 108 meters, offers a treat for the eyes. A lovely rainbow typically forms here on clear days, and during full moon nights, you might even see a lunar rainbow.
- Eastern Cataract -101 meters
Lastly, the “Eastern Cataract” stands second in height at 101 meters. Although it’s located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, you can still enjoy a splendid view from the Zimbabwean side.
Come, witness the Spectacular Majesty of Victoria Falls
In sum, each of these segments contributes to the overall height of Victoria Falls, making it the largest waterfall in the world. That is why when anyone asks, “Is Victoria Falls the largest waterfall in the world?” the answer is a resounding yes!
Want to see the power of this giant yourself? Join one of our Victoria Falls Tours and feel the spray on your face. Start planning today!
