Victoria Falls is formed by the Zambezi River and marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The waterfall cuts across a basalt plateau through a series of narrow gorges. After plunging over the main lip, the river travels through a zigzagging gorge system rather than continuing across a broad open plain. This unusual geology gives Victoria Falls both its broad curtain and its dramatic downstream channels.
The falls' flow varies greatly during the year. At high water, spray can obscure much of the precipice and produce rainbows, while low water reveals more of the rock formations and separate channels. The Zambezi's seasonal flood pulse is therefore central to the visitor experience.
Although “Victoria Falls” is the best-known English name, Mosi-oa-Tunya is the local name used in the region and means “The Smoke That Thunders.” The waterfall is protected by national parks in both countries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.