Africa has incredible natural water attractions from lakes and rivers to estuaries, wetlands and waterfalls. This blog looks at 10 of the best African waterfalls worth visiting on your travels.
From famous waterfalls like Victoria Falls to off-the-beaten-track gems like Sipi Falls in Uganda, and Kalandula Falls in Angola, you will be amazed at what the continent offers.
South Africa is the top destination for waterfalls in Africa with 4 of the best waterfalls on our list, while Uganda has 2, and the rest come from Angola, Lesotho, Zambia / Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia.
108m / 354 ft tall and 1708 m / 5604 ft wide
Victoria Falls is Africa’s most famous waterfall and a must-see on any safari to southern Africa. Set along the mighty Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls can be visited from either country. Known widely as the adventure capital of Africa, Vic Falls has activities ranging from bungee jumping and bridge swinging to hiking, helicopter rides, and white water rafting. One of the best Victoria Falls activities is swimming in Devil's Pool, on the Zambian side.
Named "The Victoria Falls" by David Livingstone in 1855, and known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders" in Chitonga, Victoria Falls is, by volume, the largest waterfall in the world. At 1,708 m / 5,604 ft wide, and 108 meters / 354 ft tall it is also one of the world's seven natural wonders. The mist from this powerful African waterfall can be seen from up to 50km / 30 miles away.
Victoria Falls is protected by the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National of Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Victoria Falls is at its awe-inspiring best in the rainy season, the mist sent up by the cascading torrents can make visibility poor, and activities like swimming in Devil's Pool and white water rafting are unavailable. For an in-depth guide to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia) read the Great Victoria Falls Debate.
3110 ft / 948 m
The Tugela Falls is the tallest waterfall in Africa and second only to Venezuela’s Angel Falls. At a dizzying 948 m / 3110 ft, the Tugela Falls plummets over a series of tiers in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa.
Located in the uKhahlahamba-Drakensberg Mountains, the Tugela Falls are part of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers to the uKhahlahamba-Drakensberg can climb, kayak, and paraglide to mention only a few activities. But the real draw card when visiting Tugela Falls is the hiking.
For spectacular views of the Tugela Falls, visit the Royal Natal National Park. Guests can hike up the Tugela Valley Hiking Trail, or summit Mount Aux Sources via the precarious chain ladder on the Sentinel Trail. The Tugela Valley Trail will lead you to the base of the falls, while the Sentinal Trail offers the best views. Both trails can be done in a day, though the Sentinal Trail is more challenging.
The Zulu name for the falls is Thukela Falls which means sudden or startling, a testament to the arresting spectacle of this African waterfall.
Have a look at our free South Africa travel guide.
630 ft / 192 m
The Maletsunyane Falls in the Kingdom of Lesotho is famous for 2 world records. In 2005 the Guinness Book of World Records credited them as the site of the highest commercially operated abseil in the world, 204 m and in 2017, the YouTube channel How Ridiculous broke the record for the world's highest basketball shot of 200m at Maletsunyane Falls.
The Maletsunyane Falls are located near the village of Semokeng. The underlying basalt layer of rock dates back to the Triassic-Jurassic periods, and the water falls off a natural V and into the pool below. This is southern Africa’s highest single-drop waterfall. Locals believe that the continuous (and deafening) roar from the impact of the water belongs to souls that have perished at the falls.
When visiting the Maletsunyane you can do pony treks and group hikes where you can find the best vantage points to see the falls. The falls lie at the end of a scenic 5 km hike along the Maletsunyane River. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa and is well worth the visit.
For more information about this small African kingdom, check out our free Lesotho guide.
344 ft / 105 m and 1300 ft / 396 m long
The Kalandula Falls are located in the Melanje Province of Angola. Lying 400 km / 240 miles from Angola’s capital, Luanda, they offer breathtaking views from both above and below.
The Kalandula Falls are not well-known and as such are still a hidden gem. Visitors can feel the power of this African waterfall from the parking lot. Guests approach the falls from the top edge, which provides a lasting impression of the scale of the falls. To get the full experience, however, venture down the rocky 30-minute trail to the base of the falls. From below, the horseshoe-shaped waterfall almost surrounds the viewer providing a stunning backdrop of cascading water.
Spanning an impressive 400 m /1300 ft, the Kalandula Falls is known as a spiritual place where, in days gone by, ceremonies would be held to appease angry spirits.
328 ft / 100 m
The Sipi Falls are actually a series of 3 waterfalls each with their own allure. They are located in the Kapchorwa Province just outside Mount Elgon National Park, roughly 5 hours drive from Kampala.
Lush and beautiful, visiting the Sipi Falls is all about hiking. The Lower Sipi Falls are the main attraction with a spectacular 100m / 328ft drop. The Middle Falls, or Simba Falls are only 65 meters but come with a unique feature, a small cave behind the cascading water. The Upper Sipi Falls or Ngasire Falls is 85 meters long and can be powerful, especially after rains.
The Sipi Falls are surrounded by coffee plantations, small villages, and stunning scenery. Visiting the area it is worth taking your time to engage with some of the attractions like coffee tours, community projects, and extensive hiking!
Check out our free Uganda travel guide.
310 ft / 94.4 m
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, on the Umgeni River, the Howick Falls are shrouded in local folklore.
The start of the Midlands Meander, which links Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg Mountains, the town of Howick is filled with excellent places to stay and fun things to do. At the centre of the town is the majestic Howick Falls waterfall.
Picturesque, the Howick Falls is a popular picnic site. It is possible to walk to the base of the falls but do so at your own peril. Legend has it that a giant serpent known as Inkanyamba resides in the turbulent pool and that only traditional healers, known as sangomas, can approach the pool safely.
308 ft / 93.8 m
The Panorama Route is a popular route between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. Renowned for its scenic wonders like the Three Rondavels, the Blye River Canyon, and God’s Window. It is also known as 'waterfall country' and includes the Mac Mac Falls, Berlin Falls, Lone Creek Falls, and Forest Falls.
However, Lisbon Falls, named after the capital of Portugal, and Lisbon Creek, is the most beautiful of them all. Located near the town of Graskop in the Mpumalanga Province, the Lisbon Falls are an impressive 93 m / 308 ft tall. The falls split into two cascades making it one of the most scenic waterfalls in the area.
Pack a picnic and relax under the shady trees at this charming South African waterfall destination.
140 ft high / 42.6m
Located in Masindi, Uganda, the Murchison Falls lie between Lake Albert and Lake Kwania on the Victoria Nile River.
Visitors must enter the Murchison Falls National Park to see the Victoria Nile squeeze through an 8m wide gorge and plunge into the “Devils Cauldron”. This amazing Africa waterfall is best seen from a riverboat.
The Murchison Falls National Park delivers a savannah safari experience that includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and more.
A boat cruise offers not only the best views of the falls but also ample opportunity to spot crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife.
140 ft / 42.6 m
Located in Tissisat, Ethiopia, the Blue Nile Falls is located on the Blue Nile that flows out from Lake Tana.
Known as ‘Tis Abay’, the Nile that Smokes to locals, the Blue Nile Falls crashes 42 meters creating a vibrant display of rainbows and mist. The falls are at their most impressive during the rainy season from May to September. Unfortunately, due to a hydroelectric project upstream, from January to March, the falls are now known as the Blue Nile Shower.
An impressive African waterfall, there are some excellent hiking trails that lead to the falls, and give visitors a feel for the surrounding countryside. One of these trails leads over a 17th-century stone bridge, the first to span the Blue Nile.
Curious? View our free Ethiopia travel guide.
183 feet / 56 m in height
The Augrabies Falls is the only major waterfall on South Africa’s Orange River. Rising in the highlands of Lesotho and running along the border with Namibia, the Orange River is South Africa’s longest river.
Situated in the Northern Cape Provence in the Augrabies National Park, the thunderous falls are out of place against the backdrop of this arid landscape. The original Khoi people called it “Aukoerebis” the place of great noise, a reference to the falls in full flood. Today there is an excellent series of boardwalks that allow visitors to get close to the waterfall, and to wander along the gorge. Between 8 and 10 in the evening, the falls are floodlit in the desert darkness.
Legend has it that the largest cache of alluvial diamonds, swept by the Orange River, lies in the raging plunge pool below the falls.
If you like the sound of these African waterfalls, contact African Budget Safaris and see how many we can include in your safari itinerary. Talk to one of our experienced safari consultants today.
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