Africa’s Waterfalls

Africa abounds with rich natural sites that have historically contributed to its legends, and now contribute to tourism.

Let’s take a look at some of Africa’s waterfalls

 

Victoria Falls – Zambia

 

Zambia’s pride, and one of the most popular waterfalls in the world, the Victoria Falls is a spectacle to behold.

 

It flows into the Zambezi River, which is located on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border. It is said to be the largest waterfall in the world, with a width size of some 1708 metres and height of 108 metres.

 

A natural wonder, it plays host to thousands of visitors every year. Legend has it that David Livingstone, a Scottish Missionary, was first to view the Victoria Falls in 1855.

 

Wli Falls – Ghana

 

Ghana’s highest, and West Africa’s tallest, Wli (pronounced Vlee), is one of the many rich natural sites in Ghana.

 

Located in a tropical forest, it sits in the Hohoe District of the Volta Region of Ghana, which is also close to neighbouring Togo.

 

Its beauty is simply awesome, with an incredible view that has managed to attract scores of tourists over the years.

 

Wli is just a short three hour drive from the national capital, Accra.

 

Tugela Falls – South Africa

Currently considered the world’s second largest waterfall, the Tugela Falls are situated in the Dragons Mountains in the Royal Natal Park of the Kwa-zulu Natal Province, in South Africa.

 

Some schools of thought believe it is the world’s second highest waterfall, with others maintaining, it is the tallest in the world.

 

It gets its source from the Mount-Aux-Sources plateau.

 

It remains one of nature’s most beautiful landmarks, with a total height of 0.91440 metres, and an average drop of 410.87 metres.

 

Blue Nile Falls – Ethiopia

Located on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia, the Blue Nile Falls, also known as Smoking Water, consists of four streams.

 

An Ethiopian delight, the Blue Nile Falls is estimated to be some 45 metres high.

 

It gained some international attention this year when the Ethiopian government’s plans of building a 4.7 billion dollars dam on its tributary, didn’t sit well with Egypt, one of the many countries who benefit from its deep wealth of water resource.

 

Mutarazi Falls – Zimbabwe

The Mutarazi Falls is located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It is 761.70 metres high, said to be the 17th highest in the world, and second highest in Africa.

 

It is one of Zimbabwe’s popular tourist sites. It is usually busy (in terms of flow) from the month of February to April, and shrinks in October, locals say.

 

Its flow has been described as “impressive” when at its peak, and “much reduced” during the dry season.

 

Boyoma Falls – DR Congo

Consisting of seven cascades, the Bayoma Falls, formerly referred to as Stanley Falls, have a combined drop of 60.960 metres. The fall is about 730 metres wide.

 

It reaches the Lualaba River, located in and around the Orientale Province of Central Congo (Kinshasa).

 

A predominantly busy fishing area, it connects the Ubundu and Kisangani river ports.

 

Thomson’s Falls – Kenya

A busy tourist site, which rakes in a lot of revenue for local authorities, the Thompson’s Falls is one of Kenya’s go-to natural sites.

 

It is 74.066 metres high, and located in Central Kenya.

 

It feeds heavily on the Ewaso Ngiro River, and keeps the Aberdare Mountain Range active all year.

 

A Scottish geologist Joseph Thompson is believed to be the first European to reach the Thompson’s Falls in 1883.