Waterfalls of Livingstone (Congo, Africa): description

It is necessary to get acquainted with the personalities of the famous Scottish missionary Livingston, whose name is to this day cascading system of free fall of water, and the English explorer Stanley, before looking at the famous waterfalls of Africa. Two passionate lovers of the exotic continent of the traveler once made a joint expedition to the lake, after which they parted forever.

History of the discovery of the cascade

Surprisingly, he studied the upper reaches of the Congo - the deepest river in the world - the Scotsman never visited the cascade located in the lower reaches, which was called the "Livingstone Falls" only thanks to Stanley. He opened this extensive site, consisting of 32 picturesque gutters, 4 years after the death of the first European who crossed Africa in the hope of opening it to Christian preachers.

The English researcher, in a sign of deep respect, immortalized the name of his colleague. By the way, now renewed for fans to tickle the nerves is a very risky tourist route in Africa, passing in the footsteps of the expedition of Stanley.

The wild river of Congo

Considered to be the largest in terms of water consumption for 1 second, the waterfalls of Livingston, stretching for 350 kilometers along the river Congo, end in the village of Matadi. A powerful river, officially called Zaire for more than 30 years, has always admired and terrified its wild appearance. At one time it was vividly described as a ruthless force that draws a vengeful glance to everyone.

The mountainous relief of the Congo River is sometimes replaced by a plain, because of this it often spills, forming a nearly 20-kilometer valley. Surprisingly the force flows into the Atlantic Ocean, passing through one of the waterfalls of Livingstone - Devil's Cauldron.

Strategic Object

Included in the group of cascades located on the Congo River, captivating beauty Inga waterfall is considered one of the largest in the world. This is not the highest natural creation, but for the economy of the African state it is extremely important: it produces electricity for the whole country. Always interesting for the government of the republic is the tremendous potential of an unusually powerful waterfall. For a long time, the Congo has been busy with preparing the construction on the thresholds of the Inga, a unique strategic project - the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.

Waterfalls of Livingston: unforgettable routes

It organizes fascinating tourist routes, like walking, repeating part of the Stanley expedition, and helicopter rides over an unusual natural creation that leave an unforgettable impression. Amazing spectacle freely falling from the impressive height of water, splitting into small sprays, and roaring noise make you survive unusual emotions.

And those wishing to test themselves undergo steep, boiling rapids on kayaks or rafts, however, this requires a beautiful physical form and special equipment.

A natural miracle bearing the name of the English queen

Speaking about the waterfalls of Livingstone, which are only named after the great traveler, while he himself did not visit this picturesque virgin land, it is worth mentioning the legendary landmark that is on the list of natural wonders of the world that the Scottish explorer discovered. Later he wrote in his diaries that he had not seen a spectacle more beautiful than this.

For the whole world, the miracle of nature on the Zambezi River was discovered in the middle of the 19th century by David Livingston. Victoria Falls, named after the British Queen, surprises with its special grandeur, and even 30 kilometers from the natural sight one can see the rising clouds of steam from the splashing spray, resembling thick smoke. The vast territory of the waterfall, protected by UNESCO, looks best from a bird's eye view.

Amazing and unusual effects

Only at the Victoria Falls there is an incredible natural phenomenon - a lunar rainbow. This rare phenomenon arises quite often, but it is especially beautiful in the moments of the Zambezi river's full-water, which happens twice a year.

Visitors to the local landmark note the splendor of the water dust sparkling in the rays of the sun going down the horizon. Its rays paint a huge cloud, consisting of the smallest spray, in golden-pink hues, and then over the water flare huge bright torches, striking viewers with a unique and fantastic view.

A beautiful view, worthy of angels

The amazing power of the waterfall, in which 500 million liters of water crash into an incredibly narrow and bottomless abyss, overwhelms every traveler. It is not for nothing that the missionary admitted that only angels flying over Victoria used to admire such picturesque views.

By the way, Livingston's brother, who passed the way of the famous relative and visited Victoria, described the monstrously huge waterfalls of Africa, whose water spray compared with miniature comets, whose flowing tails leave a white foamy trail. And poetically called the falling drops of water sliding beads, reminiscent of mercury balls ...

Obstacle to missionaries

A surprising fact, but shocked by the spectacle of raging water, the missionary was not at all happy. Thinking first of all about the conversion of the inhabitants of the country to the Christian faith, Livingston saw in the smoking and roaring wall a real obstacle for the preachers, not allowing to move to the heart of the mainland. But, despite the annoyance, the Scotsman recognized the stunning beauty of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Tourism: from prosperity to calm

Situated on the border between two states - Zambia and Zimbabwe - the extensive system of waterfalls Victoria until the beginning of the XX century was little known to foreign tourists. And only after the construction of the railway the flow of travelers began to increase, and in our turbulent times the ongoing unrest within the states has reduced the number of visits to the amazing beauty of the world.

Dangerous types of rest

They come here not only to enjoy beautiful views, but also to take part in extreme types of recreation, jumping down from the bridge dividing the country, surfing and rafting on a very dangerous stretch of gutters and rapids.

And on the very edge of the Victoria Falls is a kind of "chair", called the Devil's Pool. There they bathe in dangerous proximity from the very point after which the swift water streams fall into a terrible abyss. And here the life of several brave souls was interrupted, and the raging current swept away. Visit this impressive place can only be from Zambia, and then only in the safe autumn months, when the water level is minimal.

Modern problems of waterfalls

The authorities of Zimbabwe two years ago decided to rename the Victoria Falls in Mosi-oa-tunja - the name given to it by local residents, and this was done with the aim of prohibiting the glorification of colonialism.

And due to excessive commercialization of the Zambian authorities, who raised the price per night at the hotel to $ 600 and higher, the status of the waterfall, included in UNESCO's heritage lists, may soon be canceled. In addition, there are serious problems with waste disposal, which causes quite understandable concern.