Zambia is considered to possess the largest water resources in the whole of Southern Africa.

This is because the country has a wide assortment of rivers both big and small, all across the country. From these rivers hail not less than twenty awe inspiring waterfalls that make Zambia’s landscape look like illustrations of the Garden of Eden.

The thunderous roar of the steady flowing waterfalls as water goes over their rocky edged cliffs is one of the most powerful sounds of nature. Various hotels offer tours, picnics and brunches at various waterfall sites. If your Zambia hotel does not have this, you can pack up a basket and have your own perfect little picnic.

Except for stubborn little monkeys and baboons, the sites of the falls are fairly safe as long as you keep off the waterfall edges.

The most remarkable of these falls is the glorious Victoria Falls Zambia which falls on the Southern Province. The Victoria Falls hails from the Zambezi River and is classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It covers a spectacular 1600m over a 100m high drop. The falls provide five vantage points; the devils cataract, horse shoe falls, rainbow falls, the main falls and the Eastern falls.

Each of these viewing points is an experience all on its own. If you happen to view the falls at sunset, then you will have no doubt that you are in the presence of a world wonder; sunset at the Victoria Falls has often been described as the most beautiful sight in the world.

Another beautiful cascade also falling on the Zambezi is the Ngonye falls. The falls is a wide spread of water falling 12m down below. Though Ngonye falls are not so high, the magnitude of falling water is close to that of the Victoria Falls. Ngonye falls are placed on the Western Province of Zambia and provide a wonderful picnic site.

Equally beautiful is the 20m high Nyambwezi Falls  situated in the Western Province on the Nyambwezi River. The falls provide a most unique camping site which is located under a natural rock shelter. The shelter contains pre-historic wall engravings and rock paintings among other evidence of late stone-age human existence in the area.

All the other popular waterfalls are located in the Northern Province of Zambia and make for interesting Zambia tours and safari. The most spectacular waterfall in this province is the Kalambo Falls which at 221m high is the second highest waterfall in Africa. The Kalambo falls are located on the Kalambo River which forms the border between Zambia and Tanzania. The falls are also home to the rare marabou stork as well as an array of many other creatures. 

Also in the Northern Province is the Lumangwe falls on the Kalungwishi River. The Lumangwe Falls are a small scaled version of the Victoria Falls. The beautiful falls occupy a 100m wide cliff and are 35m high. The locals around this area believe that the waterfall is the home of a great snake spirit called Lumangwe. Apart from the Lumangwe falls, there are two other waterfalls on the Kalungwishi River. Five kilometers downstream of the Lumangwe is the Kabweluma Falls. The Kabweluma Falls comprises of three flat bed waterfalls each spilling into the next. The first and main cascade is 25m high followed by two smaller cascades. Locals believe that this falls are the home of yet another snake spirit that lives under the rainbow which is in view at any time of day. The Chimpepe Falls come next down the Kalangwishi River. A lot of fishing is done on the Chimpepe falls and fish are in plenty here.

The Ntumbasuchi Falls comprises of a series of white water streams and pools along the Ng’ona River which then culminate to form the 30m high sacred waterfall. The waters of Ntumbasuchi are believed to be sacred by locals and are used to bathe chiefs, newborns and in the olden days, warriors just before they took off to war. The locals believe that the water cleanses a person’s spirit and protects them from bad fortune.

The Chipoma Falls also comprises a series of falls formed by rapids similar to those of the Ntumbasuchi falls. The Chipoma Falls are on the Chimanabwe River where a series of mini falls of forceful rapids each about 5m high form an overall 40m high waterfall.

Another sacred waterfall on the Northern Province is the Mumbuluma Falls on the Mumbuluma River. The Mumbuluma falls are formed by a two step cascade which plays the background of the temple of the protective sibling spirits Makumba and Ngosa, who are believed to have fallen from the sky and into the river.

The last of the waterfalls in the Northern Province are the Chisimba, Mutumuna and Kevala Falls. These falls are made up of three successive sheets flowing down a wide cliff. The three falls are separated by very shot distances and although they are named separately, most people refer to the whole setting as one waterfall. During the peak of the rainy season, the heavy floods merge the three falls into one wide roaring force. The falls are regarded as sacred and spirits are believed to reside within the caves behind the waterfalls.

And in the Eastern Province of Zambia along the Kaombe River hails the Kundalila falls. The falls are 70m high and spray down to natural pool which is popular for diving and swimming. If you are not brave enough to get into the water, you can take a canoe which will ferry you out almost to the very foot of the falls. However the falls are not the only eye treats in this area.

The vast Luangwa valley which has the best view from the top of the waterfall is legendary for its delightful display of wild flowers spread out as far as the eye can see. There are also more than two hundred species of birds and butterflies in this area.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 8:44 am and is filed under Africa. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.