Waterfalls in Zambia
ZAMBIA’S SPECTACUALR WATERFALLS
Zambia is one of the most water-rich countries in Africa and her many rivers cascade into fabulous displays of falling water as they wind over the undulating landscape. The most spectacular is of course the not-to-be-missed Victoria Falls, but there are 17 other beautiful falls dotted around the country. Waterfall Tours are becoming a popular trip providing access to these out of the way delights as well as opportunities to see rural village life in Zambia.
NORTHERN WATERFALLS
The northern provinces of Zambia are very remote and uncommercialised. A two or three-week self-drive circuit from Lusaka is the only practical way to explore these off the beaten track areas of the country. The northern waterfalls are like finding the treasure chest from a secret map. Many of them have no tarred roads leading to them so it is quite an adventure locating them. The local villagers are always helpful and will tell you what they know about the traditional lore behind each waterfall, all of which are viewed as sacred places. Several operators offer tours around these areas and include visits to local villages to get a feel of authentic rural life in the beautiful unspoiled Zambian countryside.
MAJOR WATERFALLS
THE KALAMBO FALLS
The impressive Kalambo Falls can be found in the Northern Province, 33 kilometers from Mbala on the Kalambo River, which forms the border between Zambia and Tanzania. This spectacular jet of water falls in a single uninterrupted stream 221 meters down into the gorge below and then on into Lake Tanganyika. They are the second highest falls in Africa and the twelfth highest in the world. The rare Maribou stork nests in the gorge below the falls.
THE KUNDALILA FALLS
East of the Great North Road near Kanona in Central Province, in an area of spectacular scenic beauty, the Kaombe River falls 70 meters, breaking into thin veils and nourishing a natural botanical garden that surrounds the Falls. Visitors may swim in the deep natural pool at the foot of the falls and there is a camping site nearby.
THE LUMANGWE FALLS
Near the Chipembe Pontoon in the Northern Province, an astounding drop in the middle of nowhere creates what looks like a smaller version of Victoria Falls. 35m high and 100m across, the falls nourish a small rain forest on the Kalungwishi River. They are quite magnificent and well worth the 9km detour off the main road from Kawambwa to Mporokoso.
THE NGONYE FALLS
Also known as Sioma Falls because these Falls are near the village of Sioma. These beautiful Falls mark the transition point of the Zambezi Rivers’ flow from Kalahari sand floodplain to basalt dyke – the latter eventually contributing to the magnificent gorges of the Victoria Falls. The horseshoe-shaped Ngonye Falls are mostly impressive because of the sheer volume of water that cascades over the staggered, twenty meter drop. An interesting aspect is that the river flows underneath the rock on either side of the falls. It is quite remarkable to stand upon them, feeling and hearing the underground flow.
THE VICTORIA FALLS
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometres, into a gorge over one hundred meters below.
SMALLER WATERFALLS
CHIPEMBE FALLS
Chipepe Falls, like Lumangwe, is on the Kalungwishi River. Chimpepe means something overhanging or sticking out. These falls are home to tasty bream fish for the locals.
CHIPOMA FALLS
In the Chinsali district in Northern Province, reached by turning west of the Great North rd about 24kms south of the the Chinsali turn-off at Two Leopards. The Chimanabwe River flows through an attractive series of rapids and cascades averaging about five meters each but the total drop over a distance of 500m is forty meters. The Chipoma Falls in January are at their maximum height. Their name in Bemba conveys the reverberating rush of falling water because you can hear the sound of the falls long before they are in sight.
CHISIMBA FALLS
Fed by the Luombe River, Chishimba Falls are actually a combination of three successive falls, incorporating Mutumena Falls and Kaela Rapids as well as Chishimba itself. The spot is situated about 33 kms from the town of Kasama, in the Northern Province. The impressive main part of the falls is around 20 metres high.
KABWELUMA FALLS
Five kms down the Kalungwishi river from the Lumangwe Falls (above) you’ll find this group of three powerful cascades, each spilling into the next. The Falls are a revered shrine for the local people. Many frogs are seen here which locals say they are the earthly forms of snake spirits. The Spirits do not allow the building of houses or any frivolity nearby. Beneath the falls there is a thickly wooded ravine and some ancient paintings adorning nearby rock faces beneath a permanent rainbow.
KUNDABWIKA FALLS
On the Kalungwishi River, 95kms from Mporokoso. Two small waterfalls, the main one being twenty five meters high and in the flood season , seventy meters wide. A revered shrine for local people. There is a traditional custodian appointed by the Chief who looks after the area. Locals believe that ignoring ritual and prayer at the falls brings about bad luck.
MUMBULUMA FALLS
Mumbuluma Falls, situated 33km from Mansa town, cascades down in two steps on the Mumbuluma River. The temple for the protective spirits, Makumba and his sister Ngosa, are situated some distance south of the Falls. The temple has a sacred fire which never goes out and is tended by the priests. According to legend, Makumba and Ngosa fell from the sky.
MUTUMUNA FALLS
Mutumuna is above the Chishimba Falls and it is believed the spirit of Mutumuna resides here. The High Priest of Mutumuna is Chitemenwe and makes regular offerings. Because of the sacred nature of the Falls no sexual intercourse, arrogance and quarrelsomeness is allowed in the vicinity of the Falls.
NTUMBACHUSHI FALLS
A series of water pools and rapids culminating in the main falls about 30m high on the Ng’ona River. This very picturesque waterfall was believed to be a sanctuary of spirits while the waters of the Ng’ona River are used for bathing chiefs before they are installed on the throne so as to cleanse them of bad luck and misfortune. Situated between Kazembe and Kawambwa in the Luapula Province. An ideal site for camping.
NYAMBWEZI FALLS
In the North-Western province, 204 kms south of the Solwezi – Mwinilunga rd on the Nyambwezu River is a 20 m high waterfall. There is a rock shelter close to the lip of the falls decorated with prehistoric engravings and evidence of late Stone Age occupation. It is possible to camp here.
