Culture and history info

Indigenous History

The area surrounding Victoria Falls was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Tonga and Lozi people. These communities revered the Falls as a spiritual and sacred place, associating its powerful mist and thundering sound with divine forces. The Tonga people gave it the name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which is still used in Zambia today. They lived off the land, fishing from the Zambezi River and farming in nearby areas, with the Falls playing a central role in their mythology and rituals.

In 1855, the famous European explorer David Livingstone became the first European to witness the Falls, naming them after Queen Victoria. This event marked the beginning of increased European interest in the region, leading to the area’s development as a tourist destination. Despite this, the cultural significance of the Falls to the local people has endured, and they continue to regard it as a sacred place.

Colonial and Post-Colonial Era

During the colonial period, both the Zimbabwean (then Southern Rhodesia) and Zambian (then Northern Rhodesia) sides of the Falls became significant in tourism development. The Victoria Falls Bridge was constructed in 1905, connecting the two countries and facilitating trade and travel. After gaining independence, Zimbabwe in 1980 and Zambia in 1964, both countries worked toward preserving the Falls as a cultural and natural landmark. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year while maintaining its importance to the local communities.

Cultural Experiences Today

The indigenous culture is still vibrant around Victoria Falls. Visitors can engage with local communities, such as the Tonga and Lozi, to learn about their traditional customs, music, and dance. Cultural tours often include visits to local villages, where tourists can observe traditional lifestyles, and hear stories passed down through generations about the spiritual and historical significance of the Falls.

On the Zambian side, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park includes the Falls and surrounding wildlife areas, preserving both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Languages Spoken

The languages spoken by the indigenous communities around Victoria Falls reflect the cultural diversity of both Zimbabwe and Zambia:

Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Side)

• Shona – This is the most widely spoken language in Zimbabwe. The Shona people make up the majority of the population and have a rich cultural history tied to the country.
• Ndebele – Another major language spoken in Zimbabwe, particularly in the western part of the country, including near Victoria Falls. The Ndebele people have strong historical and cultural ties to the region.

Zambia (Mosi-oa-Tunya Side)

• Tonga – This is the main language spoken by the Tonga people, who have lived in the Zambezi River region for centuries. They were the first to name the Falls "Mosi-oa-Tunya" and have a deep spiritual connection to the area.
• Lozi – Another language spoken by communities in Zambia, especially in the western parts of the country. The Lozi people are closely tied to the Zambezi River and its surrounding landscapes.
• Bemba – A widely spoken language in Zambia, though more common in other parts of the country, some Bemba speakers are also present in the region.

In both Zimbabwe and Zambia, English is widely spoken as an official language, especially in tourism and business. It makes communication easy for visitors, but the indigenous languages remain crucial to the cultural identity of the local people.