“When a monotonously flowing river comes to a cliff, it screams of joy as it falls down, and we call those adventurous screams a waterfall!”
― Mehmet Murat Ildan
Although Southern Africa is best known for being a premier safari destination, once you start looking into the attractions close to where you will be holidaying, you might just be blown away to discover that Africa is so much more than a place to see wildlife.
So much of Southern Africa has an almost mystical mountainous and forested landscape, that you would be far from the first traveller to mistake it for being more suited to Europe.
Many of the earliest European explorers actually had similar thoughts and would end up settling in these places that looked like home (but which had far more comfortable weather!)
Southern Africa’s truly unique geography creates the perfect conditions for the formation of numerous breathtaking waterfalls.
From the majestic Victoria Falls to lesser-known but equally enchanting smaller cascades, Southern Africa’s waterfalls are something to behold, and well worth adding to your next African safari!
The Waterfalls of Southern Africa That You Have To See
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia)
The Victoria Falls never fail to move those who set their eyes on these rapid cascades for the first time.
The Victoria Falls, a colossal waterfall carved by nature, is where the Zambezi River takes a dramatic plunge into a chasm of sheer rock before flowing into neighbouring Zimbabwe.
This isn’t just a waterfall; it’s a certified natural world wonder, a deafening symphony of power and beauty that has entranced every traveller who has ever seen it. When standing on the brink, watching as millions of gallons of water crash into the gorge below, the sensation can feel almost overwhelming, as though you are being pulled into the chaos.
A visit to these falls is a sensory overload that you’ll never forget!
Travel Difficulty
Getting to this natural spectacle is incredibly easy, especially if you are booking a Zimbabwe tour that will include a trip to the falls.
Many travellers will fly to either of the international airports (there’s one in Livingstone in Zambia and one close to the falls in Zimbabwe), and from there, it’s just a short hop to the Victoria Falls.
As for the best time to visit, the dry season (July to October) has stunning views but the falls will not be in full flow. To get the full experience, it can be best to visit during the wet season (November to April) when the falls deliver a thunderous show.
Must-See Surrounding Places
While in the area you can explore the untamed wilderness of Zambezi National Park, where elephants roam freely and the Big Five are often seen during a game drive. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, there’s bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge or a heart-pounding white-water rafting expedition. And don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Livingstone Island, below the falls.
Augrabies Falls (South Africa)
While reading this, close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself in South Africa’s arid Northern Cape, a place that can be so dry and so desolate that it appears as though nothing could grow here. Suddenly, what sounds like thunder erupts from the desert, interrupting the utter quiet.
That thunder is the Augrabies Falls.
Carving its way through a barren landscape, these falls create a sight that will leave you breathless, especially if you are lucky enough to visit after the flood season.
The Augrabies Falls is a surprise package. It’s a place where the unexpected happens, where the desert comes alive and for those who travel here, it’s a journey off the beaten path that will undoubtedly reward you with the sight of a natural wonder that’s truly out of this world.
Travel Difficulty
Reaching Augrabies is an adventure in itself because these falls are quite well away from the rest of civilisation. The closest city is Upington and you have the choice of travelling here on your own or on a tour.
While the falls are impressive year-round, the wet season is generally the best time to see the falls.
Must-See Surrounding Places
Augrabies Falls National Park, Moon Rock, and the Quiver Tree Forest are all up there on the list of places to see when you are visiting the area.
Tugela Falls (South Africa)
A trek to the Tugela Falls, in the Drakensberg Mountains, is more than just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage to a place where the world seems to end and begin again.
The Tugela Falls are a titan of nature. This behemoth of a waterfall, one of the world’s tallest, has five distinct drops that defy gravity, plummeting into a chasm that seems to pierce the earth. To see it is to understand the raw power of water, and its ability to sculpt rock over millennia.
Travel Difficulty
Those who wish to see these falls must know that getting there is no leisurely stroll.
A challenging hike is required to access this natural wonder but the reward is well-worth the aches and pains.
The best time to visit is during the wetter months when the falls are in full force.
Must-See Surrounding Places
The falls are within the majestic Royal Natal National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for those seeking solitude. The park gives visitors a wealth of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying themselves in the beauty of the Drakensberg.
Epupa Falls (Namibia/Angola)
Tucked away in Namibia, where the Kunene River carves its path through ancient rocky landscapes, you’ll find the enchanting Epupa Falls.
This series of cascades, one that everyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure will appreciate seeing, is quite an unbelievable sighting. The falls are like a living, breathing entity, one that shifts and changes with the seasons, giving every visitor a unique experience.
Travel Difficulty
Reaching Epupa is an expedition in itself, requiring a sturdy vehicle and a spirit of adventure. While the journey is as rewarding as the destination, if you are not keen on tackling the bumpy roads yourself, you can always book a guided Namibia tour instead.
The dry season will treat you to a clear view of the falls, while the wet season transforms the area into a lush, verdant paradise.
Must-See Surrounding Places
Just beyond the falls, you will encounter the enigmatic Himba people, who are easily recognisable by their ochre body paint, and you will be able to explore the dramatic Kunene River Gorge, a geological formation that will leave you speechless. A guided tour might be the better option if you want to see all that this place has to offer.
Maletsunyane Falls (Lesotho)
This single-drop behemoth, plummeting hundreds of meters into a dramatic gorge below, is a spectacle well worth seeing if you will be travelling to Lesotho. It’s a waterfall that seems to defy gravity, a liquid torrent that roars its defiance against the mountainside, making it something that you will certainly hear before you see.
Travel Difficulty
Reaching this natural wonder requires some adventuring. The falls are located near the town of Semonkong and accessing the falls involves a journey up a high-altitude terrain, which, while breathtaking, can be challenging.
Must-See Surrounding Places
Pony trekking adventures, a stay at Semonkong Lodge, and cultural experiences with local Basotho people are all other attractions that you can enjoy when in the area.
Kalandula Falls (Angola)
The Kalandula Falls in Angola is ranked among Africa’s most voluminous waterfalls.
The falls can be found in Angola’s Malanje Province, and at 105 meters high and 400 meters wide, spending time at the falls can be quite the sensory overload, one that will leave you breathless (and your SD card full of images).
Travel Difficulty
Reaching Kalandula requires some effort and an adventurous spirit.
The infrastructure that will take you to the falls, such as the roads, are still being developed, making it essential to enlist the services of a local guide. While the journey is part of the experience, your safety must always be your biggest priority and concern, especially during the rainy season when the falls are at their most powerful and the terrain slippery.
Must-See Surrounding Places
The enigmatic Pedras Negras is a must-visit and for wildlife enthusiasts, Cangandala National Park is another destination worth going to, while you are in the area. And don’t forget to explore the historic town of Pungo Andongo. It is steeped in fascinating Angolan history that very few travellers get to learn about.
Other Noteworthy Waterfalls
South Africa, in particular South Africa’s northeastern corner, is full of stunning little waterfalls.
Those who are going on a Kruger Park safari or a Panorama Route tour of the area can see a wide variety of beautiful, and mostly hidden away waterfalls. There are 7 waterfalls on the Panorama Route alone, some of which are free to visit while others require an entry fee to see. But the really cool thing about the waterfalls in this part of the world is that they can all be seen in a single day!
Here’s where you should go if you are in the area:
- Mac Mac Falls
- Lisbon Falls
- Horseshoe
- Lone Creek
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Forest Falls (A permit is required to see these falls)
- Berlin Falls
- Maria Shires Falls (These falls are not often mentioned on the Panorama Route waterfall trail. You will need to do a bit of a hike into a forest and up the side of a mountain to get to them.)