South Africa, located in the southernmost part of the African continent, has a varied amount of rich flora and fauna. There are many waterfalls in South Africa to explore with beautiful scenery, just like a little paradise. These waterfalls are located between lush green surroundings. They provide an ideal place for hiking, photography, water activities and just to relax to escape from the bustling life. Each waterfall in South Africa is unique in itself and promises fun.
Top 10 Waterfalls In South Africa
Here are the best waterfalls in South Africa for an amazing trip to explore nature and natural landscapes amidst serenity:
1. Augrabies Falls
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Augrabies Falls is located on the Orange River, the largest river in South Africa.. It is located near the Augrabies Falls National Park. This waterfall is situated at a height of 183 feet, which is situated actually from the base of the canyon. It is believed that in the early 20th century, a few South African prosecutors told about a pool beneath the King George cataract. It was a place filled with diamonds that was carried away by the currents down the Orange river. It is recommended to follow the safety precautions while visiting this waterfall, as there are a few danger zones.
Location: Augrabies Falls National Park, Augrabies, 8874, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: April to September
2. Berlin Falls
Photo: Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons
Berlin Falls, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is one of the highest waterfalls in its province and is located close to God’s window. It is one of the 10 highest of South Africa’s waterfalls and is known for its beauty. The water from a sheer clip of this falls is roughly 80 m tall in the shape of a giant candle. People visiting the Berlin Falls explore the area by foot. Many people also plan a picnic around the waterfall and take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
Location: Berlin Falls, Ehlanzeni, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Photo: Charlie Mitchell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bridal Veil Falls, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is a slow flowing waterfall that appears like a veil. That is how the waterfall got its name, which is 70 m high. It is one of the waterfalls located on the Sabie River. It is a popular tourist destination, with many people visiting this place by car and planning their picnics in the surrounding forest area. There is also a hiking route known as the Loerie Trail that begins and ends at the waterfall. This is an amazing place that is mostly visited by the locals during the day to explore the beautiful views.
Location: Bridal Veil Falls, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: July to August and May to September
4. Howick Falls
Photo: Nicolette de Lange / Wikimedia Commons
Howick Falls, located in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, lies on the Umegi river. The height of the waterfall is nearly 95 m, which is also known as the place of the tall one. This waterfall is famous because, according to a local legend, there is a pool at the bottom of the falls, which is the residence of Inkanyamba, a giant creature. Many people carefully visit this place to approach the waterfalls to offer prayers and other acts of worship to this creature, which is considered to be an ancestral spirit.
Location: Howick Falls, Howick, 3290, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: April to May
5. Lisbon Falls
Photo: PanWoyteczek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lisbon Falls, located in Lisbon Creek, is situated at the right side banks of the Blyde River. This waterfall is the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and is at a height of 94 m. This waterfall was named for the Lisbon Greek and the farm of Lisbon where the waterfall is located. It is also situated close to God Window, where there is a beautiful view of the surrounding Blyde River. Just outside this waterfall there is also the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, where there are also many other waterfalls located along the Panorama route.
Location: Lisbon Falls, Graskop, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: July to August
6. Tugela Falls
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tugela Falls is located in Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg, which is a seasonal waterfall located in South Africa. According to some unverified measurements, it is also considered to be the world’s tallest waterfall. The water from the Tugela River is flowing through this falls. At the right time of the year, the waterfall is clearly visible from the main road that leads to the park, especially after a heavy rain. There is also a mountain hurt and undeveloped campsite about the waterfalls. There are also two trails to visit the Tugela Waterfalls, which are relatively easier to climb.
Location: Tugela River, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: November to February
7. Bawa Falls
Photo: Yojrel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bawa Falls, located in South Africa, is situated in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. This waterfall is a single fall at the height of one or three metres and at the width of 2 metres. There was also the natural heritage of the Mnquma Local Municipality near this waterfall. It is believed that there used to be an execution stone located at the waterfall that was used by the king. This waterfall is situated on the western tributary of the Gcuwa River that is located beside the KwaNdotshanga village.
Location: Bawa Falls, KwaNdotshanga, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: December to April
8. Mac-Mac Falls
Photo: Bernard DUPONT / Wikimedia Commons
Mac-Mac Falls, located in South Africa, is a 65-metre waterfall situated on the Mac-Mac River, a part of the Mac-Mac Forest Nature Reserve. This waterfall originally had a single stream, but the miners used dynamite on this waterfall in the hopes of exposing the gold-rich reef. This has now turned into a waterfall where water is falling in two streams. This waterfall was also declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1983, along with its indigenous forest located below the forest.
Location: Mac Mac Falls, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: October to February
9. Magwa Falls
Photo: Ryanj93 / Wikimedia Commons
Magwa Falls, located in South Africa, is one of those beautiful waterfalls situated on the wild coast that is easily accessible. This waterfall is at a height of 144 metres and is known for its narrow canyon. The drive to this waterfall is nearly 8 km, which is worth seeing the beautiful river bed. This waterfall also has a very short 2 km height, which gives a beautiful view of the entire area from the cliff. There are also some amazing and hidden viewpoints in this place that provide one of the most beautiful experiences while hiking.
Location: Magwa Falls, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: May to September
10. Ncandu Falls
Photo: Marco Scholtz / Wikimedia Commons
Ncandu Falls, located in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is situated in the Ncandu River. This waterfall is also a part of the Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve. This is known as the second-biggest indigenous forest in the provision with grassy plains and yellow wood gorges. The river that runs through the waterfalls surrounding the forest area is filled with rocks and water flowing down its sides. This waterfall is one of the most amazing places to visit for a beautiful experience of nature.
Location: Ncandu Falls, South Africa
Best Time To Visit: April to September
The waterfalls in South Africa offer beautiful views of the heavy pours and lush green surroundings. Most of these waterfalls also have hiking trails to explore nature along with picnics. These also have camping sites to have an amazing trip planned with friends and family away from the busy city life. To know more about these waterfalls and plan for further information, visit TripXL.
Cover Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only