Description

Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("Thundering Smoke"), is one of the world's largest waterfalls, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. With a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet), it creates the largest sheet of falling water. Known to locals for centuries, it was officially named by Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1855 after Queen Victoria. The site has since become a major tourist attraction, with national parks on both sides of the falls. Research suggests that climate change could impact its flow patterns due to variability in precipitation.

The falls are formed as the Zambezi River plunges into a basalt chasm, creating a vertical drop of up to 108 meters (354 feet) into what is called the First Gorge. Several islands divide the water flow, with the Devil’s Cataract and Rainbow Falls among the main sections. During the rainy season, the falls produce a visible spray that can rise over 400 meters (1,300 feet), while in the dry season, parts of the rocky face are exposed.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi, date above and country name in Chichewa below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

2006
UNITY AND FREEDOM
MALAŴI

Reverse

Depicts a multicolored Bradfield's hornbill on a tree branch in front of the "Devil's Pool", denomination below.

Bradfield's hornbill (Lophoceros bradfieldi) is a medium-sized African bird, measuring 50–57 cm (20–22 in) in length, with black back and wings, a white belly, and white-tipped tail feathers. Females are smaller than males and have turquoise facial skin, while both sexes have yellow eyes and a long red beak without a casque. This hornbill inhabits mopane woodlands and mixed thorn fields in northeastern Namibia, northern Botswana, southern Angola, and eastern Zimbabwe. Its diet includes fruits, large insects, nuts, and small reptiles. The species is named after South African naturalist R. D. Bradfield (1882–1949).

A well-known attraction at Victoria Falls is the "Devil's Pool," a natural infinity pool located at the edge of the falls on the Zambian side, near the western tip of Livingstone Island. Between September and December, when the river flow is at the right level, a rock barrier creates a calm eddy with minimal current. This allows thrill-seekers to swim safely near the brink of the waterfall before the water plunges over the edge.

JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICA
5
KWACHA

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic
KM# 166
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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