We all associate South Africa with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Southern Hemisphere, but we often forget about the rest of the wild water that can be found in this amazing country. Let’s find out more about the world of waterfalls in South Africa.

Victoria Falls

Located on the border of South Africa, the Victoria Falls are known by the locals as ‘Mosi-oa-tunya’, or ‘the smoke that thunders’ to you and me. With an average of over 500,000 cubic metres of water cascading over the edge of the falls into the Zambezi Gorge every minute, this truly is a natural wonder. The Victoria Falls and the surrounding areas have been declared a National Park in recent years, keeping them beautifully preserved and a wonderful place to visit. A combination of the thundering sound of the water, the cloud of spray drifting out from the falls, and the stunning scenery all around may, quite possibly, take your breath away.

Mpumalanga Waterfalls

With more waterfalls than any other area in South Africa, the Mpumalanga Drakensburg Escarpment rests at the start of the low-lying flatlands, and for the most part is easily accessible for visitors. Ranging from fast-flowing cascades to trickling streams the Mpumalanga Falls offer some sensational photo opportunities. All referred to as part of the Mpumalanga Waterfalls, the Berlin Falls, the Lone Creek Waterfall, the Lisbon Falls, the Elands River Falls, the Mac-Mac Falls, the Forest Falls and last but not least the Montrose Falls, are impressive examples of South African natural phenomenon. With beautiful colours, deep pools, and some fantastic vegetation these waterfalls are well worth a visit.

Howick Falls

Standing tall at 93 metres, South Africa’s Howick Falls in KwaZulu Natal are simply breathtaking. An observation platform affords you the best possible view of the cascading water whilst also keeping you safe. An area of much myth and legend, the pool found at the bottom of the falls is thought by many to be home to a large serpent, the Inkanyamba, which will only allow visitors to come close if they intend to pray to God, the spirits of ancestors, or the serpent itself.

Augrabies Falls

The name Augrabies stems from the phrase ‘place of the great noise’ and, as such, it is an accurate name for these waterfalls. Found in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the Augrabies Falls are known for both its surrounding scenery and its wonderful wildlife. Part of a National Park which can be explored on foot, by cycle, or in a four-by-four, the falls are fed by the Orange River and the water drops a total of 56 metres from top to bottom. With animals such as springbok and giraffes roaming the area, there is much more than just a waterfall to look at; however the waterfall itself will be certainly be more than enough to impress you.

So, it you enjoy wet and wild experiences, but are slightly bored of the beach, then South Africa has plenty of waterfalls for you to enjoy. Whether you enjoy walking the trails around them, taking photographs of them, or in some extreme cases – and where heavily supervised – jumping off them, there is a world of waterfalls to be explored.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa