Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, a waterfall in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls, higher and wider than Niagara Falls, measure one mile (1,600 m) across and drop about 350 feet (107 m) in some parts. Several islets are situated at the crest, dividing the flow of water. The amount of water going over the falls varies with the season.
The Boiling Pot, the gorge through which the river flows just below the falls, is spanned by a rail and highway bridge more than 400 feet (120 m) above the water. The bridge, which is 650 feet (198 m) long, connects Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with Maramba, Zambia. There is a wild animal preserve along the northern bank of the river. A hydroelectric plant was opened in 1938, but the market for electricity is limited and only a small proportion of the available power is used. David Livingstone reached the falls in 1855 and named them for Queen Victoria.