Top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Africa

Africa is known for its magnificent landscapes and incredible wildlife, but for the people of Africa, waterfalls represent life. Nothing better illustrates the fact that water is essential to life than an active African waterfall during the prime season!

People find it difficult to stare at a waterfall and not be moved by its captivating beauty and strength. A river digging its way through the earth, roaring loudly and thunderously over the top before tumbling down and continuing on its determined course

From the world’s longest river to its second-largest desert, the African continent is home to many extraordinary natural wonders. These Greatest Waterfalls in Africa should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting the continent.

Below are the top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Africa:

1. Victoria Falls – Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is the Greatest waterfall in Africa, Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, It is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, measuring 5,604 feet wide and 354 feet tall.

The Zambezi River is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya because of the spray that is produced as the river’s waters plunge. This spray may be visible from 30 miles away. More than 500 million liters of water pour over the lip of Victoria Falls per minute during the flood season (from February to May) when this phenomenon is most striking.

From vantage points at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia or Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, you may take in this magnificent sight. Zimbabwe offers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view two-thirds of the falls, while Zambia provides the opportunity to swim in a natural pool on the edge of the falls known as Devils Pool

Millions of visitors come from all over the world to marvel at its immense size.

With almost 5 million cubic meters of water pouring over every minute during the peak season, Victoria Falls has the most water falling!

Its status as the largest waterfall in the world is a result of this.

2. Lumangwe Falls – Zambia

Lumangwe Falls, another greatest waterfalls and also a traditional block-type waterfall, is frequently mistaken for Victoria Falls due to its striking similarity to the latter. At 115 feet in height and 328 feet in breadth. It is the tallest waterfall that can be found entirely within the borders of Zambia.

The spray created by the Kalungwishi River’s vast veil of falling water rises 328 feet into the air, supporting a small rainforest on the downstream river banks.

The waterfall is called after the Great Snake Spirit, Lumangwe, which according to local folklore extends between the falls at Lumangwe and Kabweluma. It is said to be at its strongest in April and May at the end of the rainy season. Take the clearly marked deviation from the main road from Kawambwa to Mporokoso to get to the falls.

A number of views from the top and the other side of the river, as well as a campsite for those who want to stay overnight.

The water falls from a height of 130 feet, and the falls span 525 feet in width. The best viewpoints are from the upper cliff at the riverbank or from a high cliff directly opposite the falls.

3. Blue Nile Falls – Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the Blue Nile River empties into the Blue Nile Falls. Four streams merged during the rainy season to form the nearly 140-foot-high falls.

It is around 170 feet tall and is where four streams that formerly joined to form a 1,312-foot width during the wet season come together. Even though a hydroelectric station constructed in 2003 now captures a large portion of the waterfall’s energy, the peak flood months of August and September still provide an amazing spectacle.

There are two separate hiking trails that go to the waterfall. The first involves crossing a stone bridge from the 17th century the first in Ethiopia to watch the main waterfall perspectives on the other side of the river, while the second involves taking a brief boat ride to the base of the falls.

4. Murchison Falls – Uganda

Murchison Falls is particularly known for its Shoebill Storks, it is also called Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall on the Victoria Nile in Uganda that is situated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert. The Nile plunges 43 meters down Murchison Falls before forcing its way through a 7-meter-wide crack in the rocks and pouring into Lake Albert to the west.

However, the most notable feature of Murchison Falls National Park is the world’s most powerful waterfall. 200 bathtubs worth of water is pushed through a gorge that is only seven paces wide per second. The ground surrounding it trembles because of the pressure.

The park’s diverse wildlife, includes elephants, buffalo, lions, and the critically endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, as you travel.

5. Ouzoud Falls – Morocco

Ouzoud Falls is one of the most exquisite and greatest waterfalls in the entire world, according to the locals.

Falling over the El-Abid River and the Atlas Mountains before plunging 110 meters down their craggy cliffs.

One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the entire area, with convenient access for people.

Travel through the Atlas Mountains, then take a leisurely stroll along well-traveled routes to the edge of the waterfall.

Behold the majestic splendor, deafening roars, and the spray of the Might Falls, which are filled with a variety of native fauna, including Barbary apes.

6. Maletsunyane Falls – Lesotho

Maletsunyane Falls is one of the greatest waterfalls in Africa and it is ideal in terms of pure beauty.

The Maletsunyane River plunges over a 630-foot precipice at the point of a natural V in the rolling green cliffs above in an uninterrupted cascade in the village of Semonkong in Lesotho, which translates to “The Place of Smoke.

” One local tradition is that the echoes created by the sound of tumbling water are actually the wailing of spirits who have drowned in the falls.

It is one of the highest single-dropping falls in Africa. Pony trekking escorted hikes to the falls, and an abseiling route is all available at Semonkong Lodge from the top, and it currently holds the record for the longest single-drop commercial abseil in history.

7. Owu Falls – Nigeria

Owa Falls is one of the greatest waterfalls in Africa and the tallest waterfall in all of West Africa, it cascades down five various levels over its rocky walls before emptying into a pool of ice-cold water at the base.

It is a popular tourist destination for the area and one of the most naturally gorgeous waterfalls in the vicinity. The spray is at its best during the prime season when the water flow is high. The volume of its roar can be heard first, frequently quite a distance away, due to the dense bush along its sides and the height from which the water drops.

It also provides a stunning natural setting for ecotourism. There is a wealth of local fauna in the thick greenery that lines the waterfall’s slopes.

While the region has a lot to offer nature lovers, yet even in months of drought, this waterfall is distinguished by its ice-cold water.

8. Wli Waterfall – Ghana

Wli waterfall is one of the greatest in Africa and possibly the biggest waterfall in all of West Africa, and unquestionably the biggest in Ghana. it has an upper fall and a lower fall, two separate levels.

Locals refer to this waterfall as “Agumatsa Falls,” which means “Let me follow.” A well-known tourist destination close to the Togo border offers two distinct experiences: the easier-to-access lower falls and the more challenging trek up the side to the upper falls.

Each fall’s bottom features crystal-clear, gurgling pools that beckon visitors to cool down.

Between April and October is the water flow’s peak season, when it is at its largest volume. surrounded by thick rainforest on all sides, rich with fauna, and distinguished by the presence of tens of thousands of fruit bats that are nesting on adjacent cliffs.

9. Kalandula Falls – Angola

One of Angola’s most well-known natural attractions is Kalandula Falls. One of the greatest waterfalls on the continent in terms of volume, it is located on the Lucala River in Malanje Province and is 1,300 feet in breadth and 344 feet in height. It is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the border of a thick forest that resembles its larger sister, Victoria Falls. It has numerous distinct cataracts and sprays plumes that are raised by the falling water. Visitors are welcome to swim in the pool at the bottom, and it is most impressive around the end of the wet season from February to April.

From Calendula hamlet, Kalandula Falls may be reached in ten minutes by cab. The trip to Luanda takes about five hours. Make reservations at Pousada Calendula to stay at a hotel at the top of the falls to catch a glimpse of them at dawn and dusk.

10. Lofoi Falls – Congo

Lofoi Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in Central Africa, with a 340-meter uninterrupted water drop from its crest.

A well-liked adventure tourism spot that even allows camping at the top of the waterfall so visitors may enjoy breathtaking vistas and the abundance of nature all around them.

Water flow varies seasonally, reaching extremely high levels during the peak season and producing a thick mist.

It is one of the largest waterfalls in Central Africa. The waters of the Lofoi are a tributary of the Lufira River.

Read Also: Top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Nigeria

Summary

Here is a summary list of the top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Africa:

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
2.  Lumangwe Falls, Zambia
3. Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia
4. Murchison Falls, Uganda
5. Tugela Falls, South Africa
6.  Kalandula Falls, Angola
7.  Owa Falls – Nigeria
8. Wli Waterfall – Ghana
9. Blue Nile Falls – Ethiopia
10.  Lofoi Falls – Congo