These 15 large and iconic waterfalls in the African continent are today’s feature. Waterfalls symbolize life for Africa’s people and hold unbound beauty and power. Some waterfalls highlighted are famous for their height or width. Some of the feature waterfalls also have stories as to how the names were achieved, and what facets of nature are personified. If visiting Africa, a map of some local waterfalls may help on your journey. And as well, there are many waterfalls with national recognition. Many national state parks carry names related to the falls.
Types of Waterfalls
There are 12 different types of waterfalls. Their individual characteristic features related to height, volume of flow and the presence of a plunge pool factor into how classified. Keep in mind, there are many examples of various types of waterfalls in today’s features.
1 Victoria Falls
Aerial View of Victoria Falls.
©Eva Mont/Shutterstock.com
Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria by the British, is classified as the largest waterfall in Africa. It has a combined width of 1708 meters (5,604 feet) and height of 1088 meters (354 feet). This waterfall has recognition as being as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. When visiting, look for a “Moonbow”. A special and unique phenomenon that creates a lunar rainbow.
2 Tugela Falls
Long Distance View of Tugela Falls.
©Robin Runck/Shutterstock.com
Tugela Falls is located in South Africa. It is on the list of the world’s tallest waterfalls with a total water drop of 948 meters (3110 feet) from top of the Drakensberg Mountains.
3 Gurara Falls
The impressive width of Gurara Falls.
Gurara Falls, which tops approximately 30 meters (98 feet) may not be the largest waterfall, but it still deserves a mention. The waterfall was a discovery in 1745. Its name is a combination of 2 gods known as Gura and rara. Also, the Gurara Falls was utilized by the Nigerian people when offering sacrifices to the falls in return for answered prayers. In 1925, the waterfall became a recreational area and is used as such since.
4 Howick Falls
Howick Falls in South Africa is a site to behold.
©LIOSphotos/Shutterstock.com
This waterfall has a sheer drop of approximately 94 meters (310 feet). The falls got the name KwaNogqaza, which translates to the “Place of the Tall One”. Listen to the sounds of powerful rushing water, as well as enjoy a visit to the home of numerous crowned eagles. The local lore tells of a serpent-like beast in the basin below the falls, for an interesting and memorable trip.
5 Blue Nile Falls
The majestic Blue Nile Falls.
©Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com
Blue Nile Falls is located in Ethiopia and is approximated to measure 42 meters (138 feet) in height. Locals know this three-prong waterfall as ‘Tis Abay’ meaning ‘Great Smoke’. It is especially impressive to visit the falls during the rainy season from June to Early September.
6 Lumangwe Falls
View of Lumangwe Falls from lower viewing platform.
©Nicholas Case Wightman/Shutterstock.com
Lumangwe Falls has an approximate 30-40 meters (98-131 feet) water drop with a width of over 160 meters (525 feet) and sustains a small rainforest on the Kalungwishi River. The name of this waterfall comes from a snake spirit called ‘Lumangwe’. It is said to have stretched between the Lumangwe Falls and the Kabwelume Falls in Africa.
7 Kundalila Falls
Kundalila water falls and mounts in Zambia.
©vennela aravind/Shutterstock.com
Zambia is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and its waterfalls. Kundalila Falls, water flow drops approximately from 30 meters (98 feet). To the local Bema (indigenous people of Zambia) it means “crying dove”. Zambia is a wonderful spot for the aquaphile and a great spot for twitchers (birdwatchers) alike.
8 Karuru Falls
Tall Karuru Fall inside of Aberdare National Park.
©Carleen Chumba/Shutterstock.com
Karuru waterfall is a natural wonder located inside Aberdare National Park. This large and iconic waterfall is amongst the highest and tallest with 3 water drops in Kenya. Not only is it one of the tallest contenders with an approximate 117 meters (384 feet) high water drop, but it is followed by a smaller 26 meters and finally a 130 meters (427 feet) drop to the plunge pool.
9 Kalambo Falls
The long water drop at Kalambo Fall.
©Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock.com
The mesmerizing Kalambo Falls is one of the largest and most iconic waterfalls in Africa due to its height. Therefore, the water drops in a single uninterrupted stream 221 meters (725 feet) down into a gorge below and then on into Lake Tanganyika. As well as also an important archeological site recently identified, and is an exciting discovery.
10 Murchison Falls
A rainbow over the enchanting Murchison Falls.
©Efimova Anna/Shutterstock.com
Murchison Falls is located in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. This is a popular stop to view wildlife as well. As well, visitors can’t miss that the river flows through a narrow gorge that measures just 7 meters (23 feet) in width. Most importantly, it then falls 43 meters (141 feet) into the Devil’s Cauldron. This iconic waterfall has a strong water flow and deposits close to 187 million liters of water flowing over its cliff face each minute.
11 Kalandula Falls
Animals grazing near Kalandula Falls.
©Miguel Almeida/Shutterstock.com
Kanlandula Falls is located in Calandula, Angola. It is proudly present at 105 meters (344 feet) in height and 396 meters (300 feet) in width. It is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall with many cataracts. By definition a cataract is a large and powerful waterfall with multi-steps at roughly the same size, each having its sunken plunge pool. If visiting toward the end of the rainy season from February to April you will see it in its most impressive state. Visitors are also allowed to swim in the bottom pool.
12 Maletsunyane Falls
Panoramic views over the great Maletsunyane Falls.
©mbrand85/Shutterstock.com
The Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho has a water flow that plunges in an unbroken cascade over a 192 meter (630 foot) precipice located at the point of a natural V in green rolling cliffs from above. It is one of the highest single dropping waterfalls located in Africa. And, not to be forgotten, legend has it that the echo due to the plunging water is actually the wailing of souls that have drowned in the falls. Semonkong Lodge located nearby has guided hikes to the falls.
13 Wli Falls
Wli Falls in eastern Ghana.
©trevor kittelty/Shutterstock.com
Wli Falls is located in Ghana and stands at 80 meters (262 feet) high. The best time to visit is between April and October. Swimming pools naturally exist at the basins if you care to take a dip. A bonus for the nature lover is the presence of Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, and complete with a colony of wild fruit bats. There are over 200 species of birds in the immediate area, and it is a Birders paradise.
14 Bridal Veil Falls
Water at this water fall reminds you of a “bridal veil”, henceforth the name Bridal Veil Falls.
©Tawanda Kapikinyu/Shutterstock.com
Bridal Veil Falls at 70 meters (230 feet) its location is in South Africa, and is the best place to get your feet wet. Although, there is still a steep hike to the falls to consider. Visitors say it is worth it. The little town of Sabie is only six kilometers away.
15 Magwa Falls
The unforgettable water drop at Magwa Falls.
©living-southafrica/Shutterstock.com
Magwa Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in South Africa, just less visited and well nestled in a narrow canyon. It has an approximate 144 meter (472 foot) water drop with a clear pool at the bottom.
Summary of the Featured African Waterfalls
| 1 | Victoria Falls | Border between Zambia/Zimbabwe |
| 2 | Tugela Falls | KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa |
| 3 | Gurara Falls | Niger State, North Central Nigeria |
| 4 | Howick Falls | KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa |
| 5 | Blue Nile Falls | West Gojjam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia |
| 6 | Lumangwe Falls | Northern Zambia |
| 7 | Kundalila Falls | Central Province |
| 8 | Karuru Falls | East Africa (Inside Aberdare National Park, 180 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya) |
| 9 | Kalambo Falls | Northern Province – forms the border between Zambia and Tanzania |
| 10 | Murchison Falls | Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) north-western Uganda |
| 11 | Kalandula Falls | Calandula, Malanje Province, Angola |
| 12 | Maletsunyane Falls | Lesotho in South Africa |
| 13 | Wli Falls | Ghana |
| 14 | Bridal Veil Falls | Sabie, Mpumalanga in South Africa |
| 15 | Magwa Falls | Eastern Cape Province in South Africa |
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