NGONYE
FALLS
Also
known as Sioma Falls, being just outside 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
metre drop. An interesting aspect is that the river flows underneath the rock on either
side of the falls. It’s quite remarkable to stand upon them, feeling and hearing the
underground flow.
Directly below the falls are a series of
rapids that make for a good day’s white-water rafting offered by the nearby Maziba
Bay Lodge.
Getting
there
The best option is to spend the night at the nearby Maziba
Bay Lodge and they will take you to the falls. They can be found five kilometres south of
the town of Sioma. There are a couple of simple camps at Senanga which also offer guided
trips to the falls.
Alternatively, get to the village of Sioma and ask for a
guide to take you to the falls. It is best viewed by walking about 2 kilometres downstream
of Sioma. There is usually a dugout canoe that will ferry you across the Zambezi, then a
further two kilometre walk back upstream will take you to the falls’ best vantage
point.
Where to Stay
Mutemwa Camp on the banks of the Zambezi, 50
kilometres north of Sesheke also offer trips to the falls as wells as excellent fishing
for tiger fish and bream.
Sakazima Island Camp, is 70 kilometres from the
falls, but an excellent stopover for good fishing and birdwatching along the riverine
jungle and mid river islands. You can find them 25 kilometres north of Katima Mulilo.
Senanga Safari Lodge in Senanga offers simple
accommodation for low budget travellers and has conference facilities and fishing safaris.
When to go
The Falls provide great photo opportunities at any time of
the year, but the optimum time is around June or July
Rafting is best from February to May after the rains.
Wildlife is best viewed from July to November, when water is scarce and the animals are
forced to come to the water holes or down to the river to drink.
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