luangwablondes | A guide for the overseas self drive, self sufficient, vehicle dependent visitor in Africa

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

Waterfalls of Zambia

New Go to the "Placemarks in Google Earth" page for a download of placemarks for most of the Zambian waterfalls in GE listed below.

Many of the waterfalls sites offer camping opportunities, good hiking. ...........Any tracks accompanying a waterfall location is not a T4A verified route. It has been traced off a topo map and most likely observed also in GE. Things change, and the topo maps are not the most current.

www.imwanza.com/

http://www.lowdown.co.zm/genericfiles/waterfalls001.htm

Bulalo Falls

on Lufubu River

Chaka Falls

on Lufubu River

Changwena Falls

40km N of Mkushi on Changwena River . from Mkushi turn right 0.7km beyond the filling station, cross a small river, take the next left through the market. After another 14km turn right, enter the National Forest after a further 12km, bear right after another 7km and reach the Changwena after another 4km (cf Pete Leonard, pers. comm.) scenic little fall within miombo woodland Comment: the North Swaka Forest area good for birding, camping possible (there is a basic campsite), 3hr walk to Fort Elwes or Mt Mumpu

Chavuma Falls

Chinkwazi Falls

on Kalomo R. Gorge near Munali Village, 60km NE of L'stone + 5hr walk . The best route in is to drive (4wd) to Munali Village and then a hike from there very circuitously around the many steep hills and gulleys - allow one day) at: 17deg 42.909S 026deg 08.198 But this village is one of those 'area' villages with small collections of huts sometime a few kilometers apart, so it will be necessary for you to drive from settlement to settlement (all part of to so-called Munali Village) until you get to the allegedly nearest point (co-ords above). Then some local knowledge needed to walk you around rather than over/thru all the hills and gulleys. Don't follow your GPS direct route for the walk, or you will be in for some hard, time consuming hiking & climbing. Chinkwazi Falls is a 'height of rains' visit, to see it in full glory. A hard climb down into the Kalomo Gorge and very limited space to camp down there (major rocks). Back track and use the tributary stream gulleys to get down into the main Kalomo Gorge and down to the river. There is a lovely little beach at the foot of the falls and this is ideal for a camp - as long as you are aware that the river surges overnight and rises to inundate the beach, or most of it, within a very short time! The gorge is steep sided and the rocks and stones and vegetation are very loose

Chimpembi Falls

It was envisaged then that it was feasible to provide a power station, which would utilise the confluence of Lumangwe, Kabwelume and Chimpempe falls that is 140 metres deep

Chipoma Falls

Cascades, rapids, then waterfall - very scenic - the river drops 40m over a distance of 500m. Entry K2180 pp/car, super for camping w/facilities. Nice walking/clambering area.

Chipopoma Falls

on Mwaleshi River.Cascades ending in hippo pool A popular hike from Kutandala, good for swimming and picnic lunches

Chirombo Falls

Chishimba falls

The first falls, Mutumuna, is a broad fall of c 20m height; the second, Kepala, more rapids than falls; the third, the big one, Chishimba (also spelt Chisimba), a dramatic 3-drop fall into a deep rocky canyon. Comment: Good camping facilities. Entry: K2180 pp/car - no extra charge for camping. Even though power station and dam are visible, the area has not been too badly disturbed. Walkways to the upper and lower falls have been fixed up and signposted, and viewing shelters built. Great for picnics and camping.

Chongwe Falls

Chusa Falls

11km from Kapishya Hotsprings (or 7km walk). Cascades and rapids. Popular day-outing from Kapishya Hot Springs.

Fumbesi Falls

on the Fumbeshi River. Walk from Kaumba Mountain Wilderness under guidance for c. 5 hrs" cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.24 "The Fumbeshi River splashed and tumbled through huge granite boulders, adding pink, brown, russet blobs to the white white waters as it tumbled into the Luangwa Valley" Requires serious scramble/long walk � not for the fainthearted

Izimponda Falls

near Mpulungu/Mbala on Izi River off Mbete Bay near Tanganyika Lodge. The falls are visible from the lake only, a 1/2hr boat ride from Tanganyika Bay Lodge (located 8km W of Mporokoso - very modest - K60,000 pp no food), and can be approached from Mbete or Kapako Village in a 2hr climb . No car/road access.

Izi Falls

Kabwelume Falls

Very well known falls. Of the three falls (and actually all northern waterfalls) , Kabweluma the most beautiful and dramatic.. Possible hydroelectric plant to be developed in the area. http://zambiaconservation.blogspot.com/

Kalambo Falls

At 221m high (twice as high as the Victoria Falls and second highest in Africa), the Kalambo Falls are a popular tourist destination on the Tanzania border (the river marks the border). The Falls lie 8km from the Kalambo River's estuary into Lake Tanganyika, and, in a sheer vertical fall, drop into a rocky gorge 300m deep. The cliff-face ledges are one of the rare nesting places of the marabou stork. The Falls' area proper is well maintained, has clearly visible walking paths to viewpoints, and cemented steps plus viewing platforms. This is a fenced National Heritage Site (Early Stone Age archaeological site). There is a caretaker who charges a day entrance fee of K2180 ($3 for foreigners) and a camping fee of K15,000/$10. The campground is basic with pit-latrines and stand-pipe, a nsaka and picnic benches. There is a cliff path along the south side of the gorge, leading to a viewpoint directly opposite the falls, and a steep one to the bottom of the falls on the north side (for the fit only). The Falls' caretaker can be hired as guide. Climbers and abseilers are free to use the cliff-face for their sport.

Kapamba Falls on Munyamadzi River

"Turn right towards Katibunga on the Mpika-Shiwa road, then towards Sankula and ask directions. A lot of guiding is required" cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.20 : "The river, separated into streams and channels, slides down huge rocks to a crocodile-infested pool below" Another long walk?!

Kapuma Falls

On the Mutoloshi River. Small but delightful falls, cascading over scattered rocks. Road ends on a private farm; if someone there, ask permission to see the falls. Great picnic spot, popular with towns people on Sundays.

Kaudina Falls

on the Muswema River. Ask for directions from Emmanuel, caretaker at Kundalila Falls, who'll take you "along a terrible road 9.4km over the Muswema, turning into an oxcart track to Diana's village for 2km, then walk past Ilunga to Chikasa Hill up to falls" cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.25 : "White water, deep green pools, tree ferns clinging to rocky sides, fabulous colours" Allen says it's a pleasant walk, the road difficult to find on your own

Kaumba Falls

a.k.a. Kabumba Falls on the Boma River. Turn into Lusiwasi Power Station road - good gravel - turn left after 21km for another 32km, then 13km to Kaumba Mountain Wilderness lodge, then walk. Tumbling down the Muchinga Escarpment splayed to a nice swimming pool cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.23. About 1 hour hike, initially along an unfinished road (that once was to connect the plateau with the Luangwa/Kapamba Rivers). The lodge is closed at present but able to accommodate self-catering visitors, either camping or in (very) basic chalets

Kavuna Falls

on Lufubu R. (on all maps) 700m from Keso falls. it's just a miserable rapid though there's a pleasant short walk/path leading up to it.

Keso Falls

on Lufubu R. (on no map). nice scenic falls near Keso Village, camping possible. Upstream used to be the crossing of the road up from Nkamba Bay/Sumbu NP, road now impassable. (I have heard a bridge may have been built recently)??

Kundabwika Falls

This is the last major fall on the Kalungwishi River (after Lumangwe and Kabweluma) before it flows into Lake Mweru. It consists of upper and main falls, with a series of rapids inbetween. The river here is c. 25m wide. Camping superb - quiet and safe - no villages nearby, just the occasional fisherman

Kundalila Falls(Crying Dove)

Kaombe River. A narrow but tall (c 80m) fall, split in two at the top and disintegrating into mist at the bottom. Entry K2180 pp/car; camping ok, basic facilities (beware of thieving white-necked ravens); good walks to base of falls or upstream (dambo) birding. - Chilindi Chipususha Falls on the Musumpu River Ask for directions from Emmanuel, caretaker at Kundalila Falls "A beautiful fall with steep descent in tree-fringed gorge, c. 20m deep". cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.20 Allen says it's well worth the 1 hour walk

Lumangwe falls

Beautiful falls Camping available $5 http://www.chiefsofzambia.homestead.com/LumangweFalls.html Possible hydro electric plant to be developed in the area. http://zambiaconservation.blogspot.com/

Lunzua Falls

Lunzua is a ZESCO hydro-electric scheme, quite easily accessible from Mbala. The Lunzua River drops, in a series of waterfalls, 200m in c. 2km. The top falls are accessible (beginning of head-race) by car, with footpaths and cement-steps for easy access. The lower falls are inaccessible. This is one of the unknown/undeveloped but wonderful waterfalls that Zambia specialises in. It would be an interesting but serious scramble to explore this river. Camping is possible at the parking lot near the upper falls/head-race.

Lunzua II Falls

downstream from Lunzua I, inbetween top falls and Power Station Accommodation in Mpulungu: Kasakalawi Lodge, 3km W of town, Pisembo camping (next to K. Lodge), Nkupi Lodge E of harbour near Niamkolo Church

Lupupa Falls

W out of Mporokoso on rd to Njalamimba: 28km ok dirt, then 10km on to Chandalala, thereafter N 3km 'motorable' footpaths to falls, then cross river on foot to view falls. Alternatively: 33km W on Kawambwa Rd, turn N at crossroads at Angelo Village (09 26.771S 029 49.511E), go for 14km to Chandalala and onwards on footpaths Bridal-veil-like fall in deep gorge with wonderful views - down into pool, along the gorge following the winding Mukubwe, and over the hills to where the Yangumwila Falls are. A nice day's outing can be made of a combined Lupupa/Mumbuluma Falls trip - with lunch at the former and camping at the latter.

Lwitikila Falls

On the Lwitikila River.

Mambilima Falls

a.k.a Chutes Johnstone on the Luapula River. 4km S of Mambilima Mission (good viewpoint on main road) A long series of large rapids/minor falls on a scenic 5km stretch of river. A footpath leads to the river for close-ups of some of the larger rapids/falls.

Mbulomotuta Falls

on the Kalungwishi River. Drive down the Kalabwe School road to the Luangwa Ferry stop - across at Kang'tanga village ask for Lewis Chanda or another guide and a safe place to park. Walk three hours there and three hours back". cf Allen "Northern Waterfalls Trip", p.10

Mulembo Falls

a.k.a Mulumbo Falls on the Mulembo River. Turn-off at Kalwa Farm sign 12km N of Serenje turnoff, drive 4km to just short of self-catering guesthouse, turn left and immediately right for 5.2km (past/around domed rock), then 6.2km to falls (right track leads to falls, straight on to river). Rather small, narrow falls, cascading spectacularly in several stages through rocky escarpment outcrops. Camping possible (someone tried to establish a proper camping place cum chalets but left the project half done).

Mulungushi Falls

on Mulungushi River. downstream from Dam, 80km E of Kabwe. Drive to dam, then walk ~ 1km

Mumbuluma Falls I

On the Luafumu River. A two-stage drop of 30m width, inbetween rapids and deep pool at bottom. Camping possible (good spot 100m E of falls); village nearby. Ku-mbuluma allegedly means "to growl, to roar" in IchiBemba.

Mumbuluma Falls II

a.k.a Mwesa Rapids on the Kalungwishi River. 3km from Kundabwika Falls turnoff, between Nyausa and Lumpa villages just before Nyausa School and just past Kakoma Stream, winding footpath to falls of less than 1km Little more than a rapid but quite scenic, with view of Lusenga Plains Game Park (one of Zambia's unattended parks, i.e. very empty of game). Not really worthwhile doing.

Mumbuluma Falls III

On the other Luangwa River. 33km W out of Mporokoso up to Angelo Village (09 26.771S 029 49.511E), turn S for 14km, turn W for another 4km, look for footpath to falls (across clearing). Main falls a low wide curtain of water reaching right across the river, broken by an island in the middle (cf Allen, p.9) Amazingly impressive falls especially considering that neither they nor the river, the 'other' Luangwa, are well known. Good for camping, no villages

Musonda Falls

On the Luongo River. On main road into Luapula Province. Stop at bridge, ask ZESCO security to see falls Scattered cascades. Not much to be seen due to the river disappearing into the Power Station's head race.

Mutinondo Wilderness Falls

Choso Falls, Ndubaluba Falls, Mulinso Falls, and the Paradise Pools Rapids on the Musamfushi River. From Mutinondo Lodge take footpath along the river. Well signposted. This is a beautiful 2 hr walk from the lodge that leads to all the above falls plus other destinations (cf their brochures/maps for other great walks).

Mwepe Falls

On Lifubu River, & kms west of Keso falls. 2 hour walk

Namundela Falls

On the Mansha River. 28km W from Kapishya Hotsprings, N at Chilombo School (11 13.525S 031 24.624E) for 13km, up to Anderson Farm (11 07.861S 031 26.542E) then 3km beyond up to Kapololwe homestead (cf GPS reading above), thereafter a c. 5km walk along the Mansha River (crossing some dambo areas) to falls. Said to be a splendid double fall. From Kapishya calculate an 8hr return trip, including 1 1/2hr walk to falls along Mansha River.

Ngozya Falls

Ngozya Falls --viewpoint

View point of Ngozya Falls on Chika River. the falls are visible from this Viewpoint - c. 5km walk from Kambole Village (old LMS mission station, now in ruins) - guide needed. The view from Ngozye is splendid, overlooking Yendwe Valley, Lufubu R. with L. Tanganyika/Nkamba Bay in the distance. Distance from view to falls c. 2km

Ntumbachushi falls

40m-drop bridal-veil fall with second cataract alongside. Footpath to above-falls' area of rapids, small falls and deep pools. Entry: K2180 pp, same for car. Camping possible and secure, no extra fee. Nearby, on another small stream, are said to be the Witch Doctor's Falls - rainy season only - so called because there used to be ng'anga shrines at its base, one containing millet, the other a model canoe carved from bone

Pule Falls

(a.k.a. Chipulwe Falls on the other Luangwa River) Go for 24km SE of Mporokoso, turn-off E after Luangwa bridge onto motorable path 1km, footpath to falls 1/2km (through cassava fields, banana plantation and dambo area). Very scenic though not very deep falls, c 15m drop. Definitely worth the c. 2hr trip from Mporokoso

Sanzye Falls

on Kalambo R. upstream from Kalambo Falls. Unexpectedly scenic and big falls, 15km from Musipazi turnoff 08 43.817S 031 25.968S, 1639m past Musipazi and Chilipula Schools, up to Mpunga Village, park car, then c. 2km walk to top of falls + another km or so to bottom

Senkele Falls

On the Mansha River. Go 3.5km E from Mpika-Kasama Rd at "Shiwa turn-off", turn N at 11 11.712S 031 18.903E for 10km, keep N at fork (right fork goes to "that Lozi man's farm") for 2km through high grass, park at ruined house; walk 100m to falls. Geographic falls; c 15m drop on wide Mansha River. Camping easily possible.

Sioma Falls (upper)

Victoria Falls

Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls

Yangumwila Falls

on the Itabu River. Cascades over boulders into a deep gorge. "From Lumangwe Falls head towards Mporokoso. After Itabu River ask for Davis Bwalya to show you the bad road or walk for three hours one way from Chiwala Primary School".

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