| THE SOUTH | VICTORIA FALLS |
 Known locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, meaning ‘the Smoke that
Thunders’ Victoria falls on the Zambezi River in Southern Province is a spectacular
1600m wide drop of 100m falling into a deep zig zagging gorge below. At the height of the
floods this is the largest sheet of falling water in the world with over 545 million
litres a minute cascading over the rocky edge. |
| THE WEST | NGONYE FALLS |
 In the west near the Village of Sioma on the
Zambezi River lie the Ngonye Falls. Although not very
high, the volume of water thundering over the rocks is second only to the Victoria Falls.
The falls can be seen from Sioma but if you cross the river 2 km downstream in the dugout
canoe ferry there and take a path back upstream, the full magnitude of these spectacular
falls can be seen. |
| 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. |
|
THE NORTH |
KALAMBO FALLS |
 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 single uninterrupted stream 221 m 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. |
| KUNDALILA FALLS |
 East of the Great North Rd near Kanona in Central province, in an area of spectacular scenic beauty, the Kaombe River falls 70m, breaking into thin veils of 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 top of these falls offer one of the most spectacular views over the vast Luangwa Valley, while at the foot is a delightful natural pool of great scenic beauty famed for its wild flowers. The name means “cooing dove”, one of the many bird sounds you will hear in this tranquil setting. |
|
| LUMANGWE FALLS |
 Near the Chipembe
pontoon in the Northern Province are a miniature Victoria Falls that nourish a small rain
forest on the Kalungwishi River. These falls are quite magnificent and well worth the 9km
detour of the main road from Kawambwa to Mporokoso in the Northern Province. An ideal spot
for camping, although there are no facilities - but then that's the beauty of the place.
You're sure to be the only ones there. The Falls are said to be the
home of the Great Snake Spirit called Lumangwe. In the olden days, this
snake was said to have stretched itself between the Lumangwe and Kabweluma
Falls, a distance of 5km. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| CHISIMBA FALLS |
 A combination of about three successive falls
about 33 kms from Kasama, in the Northern Province. On the Eastern bank of the river just
above the falls is a camp site. There is a rain forest on the Western Bank.
The Bemba people regard the Chishimba Falls
as one of the most sacred places of power. The nature spirit Chishimba
resides in the cave below the Falls which is a place of prayer and honour.
No insults, curses, words of vengeance or hatred may be uttered in the
vicinity of the caves. |
|
| CHIMPEPE FALLS |
 Chimpepe
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| CHIPOMA FALLS |
 In
January these Falls are at their height and live up to their name which in
Bemba conveys the reverberating rush of falling water that can be heard long
before the Falls are in sight. |
|
| KABWELUMA FALLS |
 There
are three sections, 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
Several Tour Operators offer guided tours to a selection of these falls in the Northern Province
along with other places of interest. It's a great journey through remote parts of the country and
engaging with villagers along the way is part of the experience of the real Africa.
