Islands Near The Falls

On 15th November 1855, Dr. David Livingstone reached the Kalai Island on which he saw Chief Sekute’s burial site which was surrounded by a fence of seventy large elephant tusks.

The Islands

1. Livingstone Island (Namakabwa)

Lying between the main and rain-bow falls, it is here that Livingstone had his first view of the falls and it was called after him by the colonialists. However, the Island was originally called Namakabwa (Overseer) of the Bedyango and Chief Mukuni. Village Headmen were stationed here to watch over the falls, the greater spiritual outline of the Leya People of Mukuni.

2. Cataract Island (Boaruka)

This Island supports the rest of the falls which are on the Zimbabwean side, giving the westernmost section the name Devils Cataract. The Local name appears to have origins in Zimbabwe.

3. Princess Victoria (Nanyati)

Named after one of the British Royalties, this big Island was originally known as Nanyati due to the constant presence of Buffaloes ( Nyati) at the Island.

4. Princess Helena Victoria (Namvumvu)

Also named after a British Royalty, the Island was originally known as Namvuvu due to the Great schools of Hippos (Mvumvu) which used to patronize the Island.

5. Long Island (Siloka or Lwando)

The Longest of the Islands in the vicinity of the falls, it got its European name from its characteristic length. Chief Siloka I Mukuni, XIV and Bedyango established their village and second capital there and was interred there. Therefore, it became known as the Siloka Island. Before that, it was known as the Lwando- one of Mukuni’s areas.

6. Queen Elizabeth Island (Kalai Island)

Named after Queen Elizabeth, the Island was originally known as the Kalai Island. This was the Praise Place of one the Mukuni Chiefs who used to swim to the Kalai Island.

7. Princess Island (Nansefu)

Given a collective name of Princess, the island was originally known as Nansefu due to herds of Antelopes that used to be found on the Island.

8. Kakunka

One of the Islands whose original name was through corruption of Kakunka by Europeans that never changed.

9. Kalunda

Just below south of Siloka Island. The Kalunda Island has maintained its original name.