This article explores the debate of whether or not the water from Victoria Falls ends up in Lake Victoria. There is an ongoing discussion over this, but the most accepted view is that Victoria Falls originates as a part of the Zambezi River and, as the Zambezi flows east, most of the water flows away from Lake Victoria and goes into the Indian Ocean. The rest of it is spread across other rivers, wetlands and lagoons, like Chobe and Zambezi Lagoons.
The argument for Victoria Falls flowing into Lake Victoria centers on the chance that the water of the Zambezi River could re-direct and travel from the falls, into the lake. There is evidence to support this idea, with some rivers located south of the falls feeding into the lake. For example, Kafue River, which starts in the northern part of Zambia, has a branch that runs south to the south and winds its way through the Kafue National Park, before ending up in Lake Victoria.
The likelihood of the water from Victoria Falls travelling to the lake instead of the Indian Ocean is further enhanced by the flat terrain around the falls, which makes it possible for the water to flow in any direction. Additionally, the orientation of the falls—north to south— places the lake in the same direction towards the end of its course.
In contrast, the argument against the water from Victoria Falls ending in Lake Victoria hinges on the geographical distance between the two locations. The Lake is over 500 miles away from the Falls – an amount of distance that would take upwards of two weeks to travel by car. To move the amount of water needed to fill the lake from Victoria Falls to Lake Victoria, it would take years.
Regardless of the debate, the unique qualities of Victoria Falls have fascinated travelers for centuries. The inspirational view of the cascading column of water brings in tourists from all parts of the world. In fact, in the early twentieth century, the lake’s shores became a place of residence for people who wanted to experience the grandeur of the falls in a peaceful, remote location.
The area’s atmosphere is enriched by its wildlife: crocodiles, hippopotamuses, antelopes, monkeys, and a large variety of birds.
There is no denying that Victoria Falls is an incredible sight, but the source of its water remains a mystery. While some geologists and researchers are adamant that the water is coming from Lake Victoria, the official stance of the Victoria Falls authorities is still uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the majestic cascades of water has earned its place among one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The watershed of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is part of the Zambezi River watershed, which covers 800,000 square kilometres and includes parts of Zambia, Angola, Colombia, Botswana, Malawi, and Namibia. The Zambezi River is the fourth longest river in Africa, stretching for 4,700 kilometres and draining into the Indian Ocean at Mozambique.
Victoria Falls is the point where the river drainage divides, with the majority of the water flowing eastward towards the ocean and the rest traveling south-west, feeding into the Kafue and Zambezi rivers, both of which wind their way to the south before going north to feed Lake Victoria.
This drainage divide is made up of a combination of various natural landscapes. South of Victoria Falls there’s a wide-open savannah and deciduous forest, home to a large portion of the national park’s wildlife, while the north has the Chobe River, which eventually makes its way to the falls.
The watershed not only supplies resources to the local communities, but also provides a significant source of hydroelectric power to the region.
The combination of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the national park has created a breathtaking and awe-inspiring place for people to visit and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Environmental impact of Victoria Falls
The environmental impact of Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi River in general, has been of some concern since the river basin is home to several large hydroelectric power plants.
While the dams have helped to provide electricity to the countries surrounding the lake, there has been some evidence to suggest that the dams have caused a decrease in the fish population in Lake Victoria. This has been partially attributed to the blockage of the water flow between the lake and the sea, which is an important process for the health of the lake’s ecosystem.
The disruption of the natural flow of the river has also influenced the sediment load of the lake, which has caused it to rise significantly. This, in turn, has led to a decrease in the amount of viable land around the lake.
In addition to this, the dams have caused a decrease in the amount of water and nutrients flowing downstream, which has affected the water quality downstream. This has had a number of negative consequences, including the destruction of habitats and a decrease in the biodiversity of the area.
Given the ecological importance of the Zambezi River and its watershed, local conservation organisations have been fighting to protect the river and its natural habitats by campaigning for sustainable development policies.
Uses of Water from Victoria Falls
The water from Victoria Falls is used in a number of ways. The most common use is hydropower, which is generated by the dams located along the Zambezi River. This energy is then distributed throughout the region, providing electricity to homes and businesses.
In addition to this, the water is also used for irrigation, particularly in the agricultural sector. This, coupled with the fertile soil from the sediment carried downstream from Victoria Falls, has resulted in the region becoming a major food producer for the region.
The Zambezi River also provides a number of recreational opportunities for tourists, such as fishing, rafting, and canoeing. This has resulted in an increase in tourist numbers, which has had a positive impact on the local economy.
Finally, the Zambezi River is the source of sustenance for the region’s diverse wildlife. It is home to a variety of different species, including fish, birds, reptiles, and more.
The Future of Victoria Falls
As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic natural attractions on the planet and it is important to ensure that it is maintained and preserved for future generations.
The region is currently working to address the various environmental issues associated with the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, in hopes of preserving the area for future generations. There are plans to limit the number of dams on the river, increase the efficiency of the existing dams, and create environmental protection zones to ensure the preservation of the region’s natural habitats.
The region is also looking to increase investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as improving the efficiency of the existing hydropower plants.
These efforts are not only important for the preservation of the region’s natural resources, but also for the economic development of the region and the improvement of the lives of the people who live there.
Sustaining the Falls
The Zambezi River watershed is home to numerous communities and it is important to ensure that these communities have access to the resources of the region in order to sustain their livelihoods.
Local organisations have been working with the regional governments to help create sustainable development plans that are tailored to the needs of the local communities. These plans have focused on creating access to clean water, improving infrastructure such as roads and communications, and promoting initiatives that promote sustainability such as sustainable farming practices.
In addition to this, the region has implemented policies to encourage eco-tourism and the preservation of traditional cultures and customs. These policies have helped to create a vibrant tourism-based industry in the region, while also helping to preserve the traditional culture of the local people.
The conservation of the Zambezi River, and Victoria Falls specifically, is of paramount importance to the region and the world at large. The efforts to protect the region are in full swing, and it looks promising that we will be able to continue to visit this world-famous site for years to come.
