The Smoke that Thunders ...derived from the towering column of spray when the Zambezi River runs high, this is the name that Zimbabwe’s local people have given to this awesome natural phenomenon. The name is probably more appropriate and descriptive than “Victoria”, which has a far too calm and composed ring to it to do justice to the masses of thundering, swirling water of these spectacular Falls. But all Dr David Livingstone probably thought of when he named the Falls after his Queen in 1855 was his royal duty. Five separate falls make up this incredible spectacle that plunges more than 100 m into a sheer-sided chasm which separates Zimbabwe from Zambia.