In 1855, Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone achieved a monumental milestone in his travels through southern Africa by becoming the first European to see Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Livingstone had journeyed deep into Africa in search of a navigable route along the Zambezi River, with hopes of linking central Africa to the ocean and facilitating trade. His exploration aimed not only to discover geographical landmarks but also to spread Christianity and combat the slave trade. Upon reaching the falls, which are situated on the border between what is now Zambia and Zimbabwe, Livingstone was overwhelmed by their majesty. He named it Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria, although the indigenous Kololo people called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning 'the smoke that thunders.' Livingstone carefully documented his findings in letters and journals, ensuring that the grandeur and scale of the falls were recorded for future explorers and adventurers. His discovery ignited European interest in the interior of Africa and bolstered the notion of African exploration among various nations in the 19th century.