A striking image of a waterfall glowing with fiery orange hues has gone viral on social media, with various posts on Facebook claiming that the photo shows Victoria Falls in Zambia. However, this claim is incorrect.

The Truth: This Image is of Horsetail Fall in Yosemite, California

The waterfall in the photo is not Victoria Falls, but rather Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Known as the “Firefall,” this natural phenomenon occurs annually in February, when the setting sun aligns perfectly to light up the water cascading down the cliff, giving it a glowing appearance that resembles molten lava. This effect only happens during certain conditions, including clear skies and adequate water flow, making it a rare sight.

Key Differences Between Victoria Falls and Horsetail Fall:

1. Location and Geography:

• Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, spanning over a mile in width.

• Horsetail Fall is much smaller, situated in Yosemite National Park, and is a seasonal waterfall that flows only in the winter and early spring.

2. Appearance and Timing:

• The “Firefall” effect at Horsetail Fall can be observed briefly each February when sunlight illuminates the water. Victoria Falls does not display this kind of phenomenon.

3. Conditions for Firefall Effect:

• The glow at Horsetail Fall is created by the angle of the setting sun hitting the fall’s water at a specific time. This does not occur at Victoria Falls, which is illuminated differently due to its latitude and surroundings.

Conclusion:

The viral image circulating on Facebook is misidentified as Victoria Falls when it is, in fact, Horsetail Fall in Yosemite, California. The “Firefall” effect is unique to Yosemite, and the image does not represent any natural occurrence at Victoria Falls.