Zambia - Waterfall Wonderland

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WATERFALL WONDERLAND

Like nowhere else on earth, Zambia offers a fabulous assortment of waterfalls, cascades, rapids, cateracts and flumes on its many waterways. A wonderland to those who appreciate the beauty and raw powerful force of waterfalls as they thunder over the rocks on their way to lower ground. 12 of the larger ones are described here. The tour operators on the right offer package tours including several of the best falls, and other places of interest in the region.

VICTORIA FALLS Click for detailed info on Victoria Falls, pictures,
activities, where to stay, what to see.

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 can be seen. They are 12 m high but spread around a broad crescent. In the winter 'dry' season they provide a pleasant picnic spot and in full flood, they become a broad, roaring, surging, thundering force.

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.

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 an astounding drop in the middle of nowhere creates what looks like a smaller version of Victoria Falls. 35m high and 100 m across, the falls nourish a small rain forest on the Kalungwishi River. They are quite magnificent and well worth the 9km detour of the main road from Kawambwa to Mporokoso. 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.