From the thunderous power of Victoria Falls to the sky-high drop of Tugela Falls, Africa is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls.
These cascades are not just breathtaking, they are accessible via well-maintained trails, viewing platforms, offerring an unforgettable close-up experience to their brute force.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, here are the top waterfalls in Africa worth knowing — and a map to help you choose your next adventure.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Zambia
Victoria Falls stands as Africa’s largest waterfall, spanning 5,604 feet wide and plunging 355 feet into the Zambezi Gorge. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During peak flow, 145 million gallons are cascading per minute down the cliff. The spray rises 1,312 feet high, visible from 31 miles away, earning its local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ — The Smoke that Thunders.
The falls sit 11 miles from Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, but there are entrance gates both in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
In Zimbabwe, access starts at the Victoria Falls National Park entrance ($50 for international visitors), leading to a paved walkway through rainforest. The 1-mile trail features 16 viewpoints, including the Devil’s Cataract and Danger Point at the end.
The Victoria Falls Guide give you detailed tips on when to visit the falls if you want the best views and perfect rainbows. Tip: the heaviest flow during the spring does not mean the best time to visit the falls.
In Zambia, the access is at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. After paying the entrance fee ($20 for international visitors) you have to follow a pathway that includes the Boiling Pot all the way to Knife’s Edge at the end. This side of the Falls is completely dry during fall and early winter.
The Devil’s Pool near Livingstone Island is where you see people swimming at the edge of the falls and lie there. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a unique experience not a lot of locations offer.
Tugela Falls, South Africa
Tugela Falls stands as the second-highest waterfall in the world, plunging 3,110-feet down the Amphitheatre cliff face in the Royal Natal National Park.
Located in the Drakensberg Mountains, this seasonal cascade creates a spectacular five-tiered drop against the basalt rock face. After heavy rains, visitors can see up to 18 waterfalls. However, during winter months, the falls transform into stunning ice columns.
The trek to Tugela Falls starts at the Sentinel Car Park, accessible via a gravel road from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. One-way transfer to the car park from the lodge is R137.50 per person and it takes 45 minutes. Park entrance costs R45 per adult.
The 7.5-mile hike to the summit is typically a 7-8 hour-long round trip. Soul Adventures recommends two-day hike with overnight camping.
Augrabies Falls, South Africa
Augrabies Falls plunges 184 feet into an 11-mile granite gorge along the Orange River. This powerful waterfall ranks among Africa’s largest by water volume, reaching 14,300 cubic feet per second during peak flood seasons.
The name comes from the Khoi word ‘Ankoerebis,’ meaning “place of big noises,” a fitting description for the thunderous sound created by the falling water.
The falls are located within Augrabies Falls National Park, accessible via a paved road from the closest airport in Upington, about 75 miles away. However, tour operators offer day trips from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
A well-maintained 5-mile trail leads visitors through a gorge overlooking the falls. Park entrance costs R293 for international visitors. The best viewing times are early morning or late afternoon when the sun creates stunning rainbow effects.
Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
Maletsunyane Falls stands as Africa’s highest single-drop waterfall, plunging 670 feet into a spectacular gorge near Semonkong. The thundering cascade creates a permanent mist cloud visible from miles away.
During winter months, the spray freezes into dramatic ice formations along the cliff faces. However, Dotti and Zandy from Explore Travel Oasis recommends visiting the falls in spring.
The falls can be accessed via a 45-minute drive from Semonkong Lodge along a dirt road, followed by a moderate 1.2-mile hiking trail. The path winds through rugged highland terrain and requires good hiking boots.
Visitors can rappel down the 670 feet waterfall, which is not only a bucket list adventure, but it is a Guinness World Records-certified abseil. According to Semonkong Lodge’s website 7,000 people have already done it.
Local guides are mandatory and can be hired at the lodge for LSL 2,200 per person that includes abseiling.
Lumangwe Falls, Zambia
Lumangwe Falls thunders down a 328-foot-wide across the Kalungwishi River, creating a spectacular curtain of water that mirrors the shape and power of Victoria Falls.
This hidden gem in northern Zambia drops 115 feet into a misty pool below, where visitors can take a refreshing swim during the dry season. The dense spray creates a permanent rainbow, making it a photographer’s paradise.
While its famous sister cascades along the southern border, Lumangwe Falls is at northern Zambia, about 68 miles from Mporokoso town, accessible via a dirt road that requires a 4×4 vehicle.
From the parking area, a short 10-minute walk leads to viewing platforms overlooking the cascade. The trail is well-maintained but can get slippery from the mist. Entry costs $15 per person for international travels and an additional $5 vehicle fee.
Kalambo Falls, Tanzania – Zambia
Kalambo Falls stands as Africa’s second-highest single-drop waterfall, plunging over 770 feet down a sheer cliff face. The largest flow is expected around May and June after the rainy season ends in April. By autumn and winter, the waterfall loses significantly from its appeal.
Located on the border of Tanzania and Zambia, this powerful cascade creates a spectacular mist that fills the gorge below. The falls feed into the Kalambo River before joining Lake Tanganyika, offering excellent photo opportunities from several designated viewpoints.
The falls sit 25 miles north of Mbala, Zambia. Access requires a 4×4 vehicle to reach the parking area, followed by a moderate 30-minute hike through woodland trails.
Local guides lead visitors to the safest viewing spots. The entrance fee is $10 per person, payable at the ranger station near the trailhead.
Materuni Waterfalls, Tanzania
Materuni Waterfalls cascades 150 feet down the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating a misty spectacle in Tanzania’s lush forest. The crystal-clear pool at the base invites visitors to swim and cool off.
This waterfall in Africa is one of the most accessible waterfall experiences near Moshi, with its powerful spray creating natural rainbows on sunny days.
The trailhead starts in Materuni Village, a 30-minute drive from Moshi town. A moderate 40-minute hike through coffee plantations and forest paths leads to the falls.
Local guides are required for the trek, with entrance fees of $15 per person. The path can be slippery during rainy seasons, so proper hiking shoes are recommended.
Owu Falls, Nigeria
Owu Falls stands as Nigeria’s tallest waterfall, dropping 330 feet into a crystal-clear pool below. Visitors can swim in the cool, refreshing pool at the base during dry season.
The falls lie near Owa-Kajola village in Kwara State, about 3 hours from Ilorin city.
A 3.2-minute hike through dense forest leads to the falls, with local guides available for hire at the entrance point. The access fee is 500-1000 Naira (approximately $2 USD) per person.
Murchison Falls, Uganda
Murchison Falls stands as Africa’s most powerful waterfall, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a 23-foot gap in the rocks, plunging 148 feet with explosive force.
The thundering cascade releases 12,000 cubic feet of water per second, creating a permanent rainbow and misty spectacle that’s earned its nickname “The Devil’s Cauldron.”
The falls sit inside Murchison Falls National Park, accessible via a 5-hour drive from Kampala. It is also home of some of the Big 5 safari animals such as elephants and buffaloes and other iconic African animals like the Nile crocodile and giraffes. Safari tours often include a boat ride on the Nile River up to the waterfall.
From the north bank parking area a moderate 45-minute hike leads to viewing platforms at the top of the falls. Park entrance costs $45 for international visitors, with guided hikes available for an additional $25.
Sipi Falls, Uganda
Located on Mount Elgon’s slopes, Sipi Falls cascades down three spectacular tiers of ancient volcanic rock, 279 feet, 213 feet and 328 feet respectively. The main waterfall creates a misty veil that sparkles in the sunlight, while smaller cascades offer perfect spots for swimming and photography.
The surrounding coffee plantations and mountain views make this one of Eastern Uganda’s most beautiful natural attractions.
The falls sit 35 miles north of Mbale town. Access requires a 30-minute drive from Mbale to Kapchorwa, followed by 3–4 hours walk on a marked trail.
The entrance fee is 50,000 Ugandan shillings, with local guides available at the visitor center to lead tours along the well-maintained paths (for 10,000–20,000 UGX).
Epupa Falls, Namibia
Epupa Falls creates a stunning display where the Kunene River drops 131 feet across a series of parallel channels spanning about a mile wide.
The scattered cascades form small pools between the rocks, perfect for a refreshing swim with views of Angola on the opposite bank. Wild fig trees and makalani palms frame these magnificent falls, making them one of Namibia’s most photogenic natural wonders.
The falls sit 112 miles north of Opuwo, accessible via a graded gravel road suitable for 4×4 vehicles.
Local guides offer 1-2 hour walking tours from Epupa Falls Lodge for N$200-300 per person, leading visitors along well-marked paths to multiple viewpoints during sunrise or sunset.
The best time to visit is between March and May when water levels remain high but crowds stay low.
Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia
The Blue Nile Falls ranks as Ethiopia’s most impressive natural spectacle, dropping 150 feet across a width of 1,312 feet. The cascading water splits into multiple channels, creating a dramatic scene as it crashes over volcanic rock formations.
During peak flow season between June and September, the falls create a thunderous mist that earned its local name ‘Tis Abay‘ (meaning ‘great smoke’).
A 30-minute drive from Bahir Dar city leads to the trailhead at Tis Abay village. The moderate 1.5-mile hiking trail costs 50 Ethiopian birr for entrance and includes crossing a 17th-century Portuguese bridge.
Guided tours, often include a boat ride to nearby Lake Tana, lead visitors through coffee plantations and across a suspension footbridge that offers prime photography spots of the waterfalls.
Kalandula Falls, Angola
Kalandula Falls stands as Angola’s largest waterfall, dropping 344 feet across a spectacular 1,300-foot horseshoe formation.
The falls thunder down the Lucala River, creating a misty spectacle visible from several viewing platforms. During the dry season, visitors can swim in the natural pools at the base, where the water runs clearer and calmer.
The falls sit 53 miles from Malanje city. A drive would take for approx. 2 hours on partially paved roads.
The entrance costs 2,000 kwanza, with guided tours available charging around 5,000 kwanza. A short 10-minute walk from the parking area leads to multiple viewing points, including a steep but manageable path to the base of the falls.
Ouzoud Falls, Morocco
The spectacular Ouzoud Falls stands approx. 360 feet tall in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, making it North Africa’s and Morocco’s highest waterfall.
The water cascades down three tiers of rust-colored cliffs, creating a refreshing mist and permanent rainbow. Swimming in the natural pool is possible at the base during summer months, where the cool mountain water provides perfect relief from the Moroccan heat.
The falls sit approx. 90 miles from Marrakech, with direct buses running daily to Ouzoud village. However, most visitors opt for group tours that includes transport and entrance.
According to Nico from Journal of Nomads, it is a popular natural attractions in Morocco, so visitors should expect crowds even in low season. He also highlights that self-guided tours are possible and locals saying otherwise may be a scam.
Chamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius
Chamarel Waterfalls stands as Mauritius’s highest waterfall, with twin cascades plunging 328 feet down a dramatic volcanic cliff face. Its peak flow rate can reach up to 1.4 million cubic feet per minute.
The streams split into parallel flows, creating a mesmerizing sight against the black and brown rock face. The distinctive dark volcanic rocks frame the pristine white waters, making this natural wonder a photographer’s dream, particularly during morning hours when rainbows frequently appear in the mist.
The falls sit within the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Chamarel, Mauritius, about 29 miles from Port Louis and 34 miles from the international airport.
It takes approx. 3 hours to walk the trail, but arriving at the falls also means visitors can swim in the pool underneath it. Many choose to join a guided tour to get the most out of the day.
Entry costs 600 Mauritian rupees for international travelers and includes access to the nearby Seven Colored Earth geological formation.
More waterfalls around the world
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.
