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Waterfalls You Have to See in Zambia That Aren't Victoria Falls

Mutanda Falls in North Western Province
Mutanda Falls in North Western Province | © Ngosa Chungu

While many visitors come to Zambia to see Victoria Falls, dotted around the country are hundreds of other waterfalls that also have a special charm. If you’re planning a trip and want to know where to check out the best, take a look at our handy guide.

Kundalila Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Kundalila Falls stand within the beautiful escarpments of Muchinga in Kanona town in Serenje, Central Province. The view from the top of the falls takes in the hills, while at the bottom of the falls, there is a plunge pool surrounded by various types of wild flowers. The nearby forest can be explored for those wanting to see blue monkeys, which often make an appearance. Visitors can camp at the premises – facilities include a long drop toilet and showers. The international entrance fee is USD$15 and camping is USD$15 as well.

Chishimba Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Chishimba Falls in Northern Province
© Lwanga Mwilu

Chishimba Falls in the Northern Province are a combination of three waterfalls; Chishimba, Mutumena and the Kaela rapids. The Bemba tribe that are resident to the area consider the falls to be a sacred site with the spirit of Chishimba residing there. There are walkways laid out as well as several viewpoints. Be sure to wear appropriate walking shoes, as the rocks and walkway can be slippery. International entrance fee is USD$15 per person. Guides are available at the site. There is also a picnic area and restaurant.

Ngonye Falls

Natural Feature

Also known as ‘Sioma Falls’ as they are located in the town of Sioma in Western province of Zambia, Ngonye Falls are sometimes likened to Victoria Falls due to the volume of water that cascades over its 0.6 miles (1 km) width. June or July is the best time to visit as the falls are full then, and animals that use the Zambezi river as a water source can be seen. The entrance fees to the waterfalls are USD$5 per person and USD$15 for vehicles. Lodges in the Senanga area offer guided tours to the falls, as do residents of Sioma village.

Ntumbachusi Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Ntumbachusi Falls are a series of pools flowing off the Ng’onga river in the Luapula province of Zambia. As with many bodies of water in Zambia, the communities that reside in and around the area believe that the falls are sacred. In the case of Ntumbachusi, local chiefs bathe in the water of the falls to rid themselves of bad luck. International entrance fees are USD$15 for adults, USD$7 for children, USD$5 for vehicles and USD$15 per day for camping. Rock paintings that may date back over 10,000 years can be seen a short walk away. Camping is permitted.

Mutanda Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Mutanda Falls in North Western Province
© Ngosa Chungu

Mutanda Falls are located about approximately 19 miles (30km) from Solwezi town in the North Western Province. The Mutanda river which gives the falls their name is perfect for kayaking, swimming and fishing which can be arranged by the nearby Georgie’s Pub and Grill. International entrance is USD$10 per adult, USD$5 for children, and USD$5 for vehicles. While in North Western Province, be sure to visit Nyambwezi Falls, a 65 feet (20 metre)-high waterfall approximately approximately 126 miles (203 km) from the Solwezi -Mwinilunga road. Entrance to Nyambwezi falls is USD$15 and USD$15 for camping. The falls seem to have once been a prehistoric settlement during the Stone Age, as there is a cave with engravings.

Lumangwe Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Lumangwe Falls in the Northern Province of Zambia
© Lwanga Mwilu

Known as a smaller version of Victoria Falls, Lumangwe Falls can be found in the Northern Province off the main road from Kawambwa and Mporokoso, by the Kalungwishi river. The local myth surrounding the falls is that it was the residence of a snake spirit of the same name which stretched itself to the neighboring Kabweluma waterfall. Kabweluma Falls is made up of three cascading falls and has nearby rock paintings. For an impressive view of Lumangwe Falls, go down the steps in the rainforest. The international entrance and camping fee is USD$15 per person and USD$5 for vehicles.

Kalambo Falls

Forest, Natural Feature

Kalambo Falls is the second highest waterfall in Africa. Located approximately 2o miles (32 km) from Mbala town in Northern Province, it is a single uninterrupted stream of water that flows 725 feet (220 metres) from the Kalabo river into a gorge. The hike up to the top of the falls can take between two to four hours depending on physical fitness. Comfortable and appropriate footwear is recommended as the hike trail passes through the bush. Kalambo Falls is considered an important archaeological stone age site. Entrance to the falls is USD$15, and there is a campsite with facilities.

Chinsokolo Falls

Botanical Garden, Natural Feature

Lwitikila-Falls1
© Chipo Chitambi

Also known as ‘Lwitikila Falls’, Chinsokolo Falls can be found in Mpika, Muchinga Province. Hike up the nearby hills to take advantage of the view, or explore the botanical garden fed by the falls. As the falls are located near Lwitikila High School, expect to find it busy on weekends with students or people having parties and weddings there. The entrance fee is the same for locals and internationals at ZMW 5, which is approximately USD$0.50. There is an added ZMW 15 for vehicles which is approximately USD$1.50, and ZMW 3 for children, which is approximately USD$0.30. And if you want to check out another waterfall to visit while in Muchinga Province, you can’t go far wrong with the unique Chipoma Falls.

About the author

Freelance writer from Lusaka, Zambia

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