IN THE distance I can see a great white plume billowing up from the solid green of the southern African bush. I have just arrived in Zimbabwe and fear a big blaze is about to erupt. But stupid me, I’ve failed to link the striking spectacle to where I am – Victoria Falls.
That hazy spiral is actually spray of a very special sort, sent up to the heavens by the all-powerful falls, the largest body of falling water on the planet and one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
Set in Zimbabwe’s north-western tip, the mile-wide, volcanic masterpiece, fringed by rainforest, funnels the flow of the mighty Zambezi river as it forms the country’s border with Zambia.
Carving out a zigzag of jagged gorges, ferocious cataracts and boiling pools, the torrents topple over precipices, plunging 350ft into chasms sprinkled with iridescent rainbows and the odd night time moonbow too.
Devout Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone, the first European to see the landmark, was so moved he thought it had been touched by angels and in 1855 named it in honour of his queen.
But its original local name, the poetic Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) perhaps best evokes the crescendo awestruck visitors experience.
In April, usually peak flow time although climate change is making the seasons more variable, 83,000 cubic metres of water can cascade every minute, and during my visit in February the gushing was on glorious form. The falls are an ever-present on must-see
Eco projects are a game-changer
This story is from the March 22, 2020 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 22, 2020 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Putin speech sees NATO refresh 'Cold War' project
COLD War plans prepared in case of an attack by the Soviet Union are being “refreshed” in light of growing tensions with Russia, it was revealed yesterday.
"Time to ban under-16s from social media'
YOUNG teenagers should be banned from social media, a Tory MP says.
'Microplastics' in water and food can accelerate cancer
TINY pieces of plastic ingested in food and water can cause cancer to spread at a faster rate in the body, research has found.
How we invested in 'golden era' of British television
WE ARE living in a golden British age for television and tonight's TV BAFTAs will showcase the very best we have to offer.
Queen hails 'wonderful' hospital for seriously ill children
THE Queen has praised nurses at Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity for the \"wonderful work\" they do looking after seriously ill children.
Akshata: My mission to open up Number 10
RISHI Sunak’s wife says that curious children have asked her if she has “a chandelier” or even some “gold taps” in No10.
‘Crunching migration numbers must be PM's priority'
RISHI Sunak should use the time he has left before the election to drive net migration down towards the tens of thousands, a former immigration minister has warned.
"Tories can still win this election'
TORY chairman Richard Holden insists the Conservatives are still “100 per cent” capable of winning the General Election.
Sour notes as Eurovision hit by protest and scandal
EUROVISION was plunged into turmoil before it even started last night after being plagued by a series of controversies and a mass demonstration against Israel.
LABOUR'S £225 'COUNCIL TAX BOMBSHELL'
Angela Rayner's French-style plan to boost union rights 'will hurt families'