Africa’s Spectacular Waterfalls: Highest, Widest and Most Powerful Wonders Revealed
Chutes Wagenia on the Lualaba River in the Democratic Republic of Congo tops the list by a huge margin as the largest waterfall in Africa as well as the world measured by average volume of flow.
Tugela Falls located in the Drakensberg Dragon's Mountains of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province is 948 meters or 3,110 feet high and is the highest waterfall in Africa.
Highest, widest, biggest waterfalls in Africa listings
Waterfalls frequently form in Africa where water rushes down steep hillsides and quickly erode soft rocks while leaving behind harder rocks. Running water erodes rock, but some rocks are more resistant than others to erosion. Waterfalls occur when a change in steepening of a gradient of rocks occur down steep hillsides. African rivers that shape landscapes help form many of these spectacular drops.
The highest waterfall in Africa
Tugela Falls located in the Drakensberg Dragon's Mountains of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province is 948 meters or 3,110 feet high and is the highest waterfall in Africa.
Widest Waterfall in Africa
Kongou Falls, in Gabon, is the widest waterfall in Africa with a width of 3,200 meters or 10,500 feet and estimated fall height of 56 meters or 184 feet.
Largest Waterfalls in Africa by volume of flow
Chutes Wagenia on the Lualaba River in the Democratic Republic of Congo tops the list by a huge margin as the largest waterfall in Africa as well as the world measured by average volume of flow. It stretches 4,500 feet across the Lualaba River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The waterfall was most commonly known as either Kisangani Falls or Stanley Falls.
Victoria Falls is a 5,600-foot wide waterfall. As the water falls into the gorge, mist and sprays rise up, more than 100 feet higher than the top of the falls, giving the appearance that smoke is rising out of a deep hole in the earth. This is where it gets its traditional name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “the smoke that thunders.”
Africa’s Waterfalls by Country
This card grid makes it easier to explore Africa’s waterfalls, country by country.
Angola
- Kalandula Falls — one of Africa’s largest by volume.
Burundi
- Kagera Falls — scenic multi-level cascade.
- Rusumo Falls — natural border with Rwanda.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Boyoma Falls — also called Stanley Falls, vast river drop.
- Chutes Wagenia — largest by average flow volume worldwide.
- Inga Falls — massive Congo River rapids.
- Livingstone Falls — dramatic cascades near Kinshasa.
- Lofoi Falls — 340 m drop in Kundelungu NP.
Ethiopia
- Blue Nile Falls — “Tis Issat” or “smoking water.”
Ghana
- Wli Falls — tallest in Ghana, fruit bat cliffs.
- Kintampo Falls — lush forest setting.
- Boti Falls — twin falls popular for visitors.
- Tagbo Falls — hidden gem near Liati Wote.
Kenya
- Thomson’s Falls — 74 m drop on Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Lesotho
- Maletsunyane Falls — 192 m single-drop beauty.
Madagascar
- Andriamamovoka Falls
- Mahamanina Falls
- Mandraka Falls
- Rianbavy & Riandahy Falls — twin falls.
- Sakaleona Falls — tallest in Madagascar.
Morocco
- Ouzoud Falls — dramatic multi-step cascade.
Nigeria
- Erin-Ijesha Falls
- Farin Ruwa Falls
- Gurara Falls
- Owu Falls
South Africa
- Tugela Falls — Africa’s highest at 948 m.
- Howick Falls — KwaZulu-Natal beauty.
- Berlin, Bridal Veil, Lisbon, Lone Creek, Mac-Mac Falls — Mpumalanga gems.
- Augrabies Falls — Orange River canyon power.
Tanzania
- Kalambo Falls — one of Africa’s tallest single drops.
- Rusumo Falls — border with Rwanda.
Uganda
- Murchison Falls — Nile forced through narrow gorge.
- Sipi Falls — three-tier cascade near Mount Elgon.
Zambia & Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls — “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” the Smoke that Thunders.
- Kalambo Falls
- Kundalila, Chisimba, Ngonye, Mutumuna Falls — Zambia’s river treasures.
- Mutarazi Falls — Zimbabwe’s tallest.
Until you see the Wli also known as Agumatsa Waterfall it's hard to imagine the size and beauty of Africa’s most remarkable waterfall. The Wli Waterfall is located in the Agumatsa Wildlife sanctuary in Ghana. Living in the trees on the cliffs of the Wli falls are thousands of fruit bats clinging to its walls. The cliffs alongside the falls are home to thousands of straw-colored fruit bats that captivate the imagination of tourists. Wildlife thriving near Africa’s waterfalls.
What’s Behind Africa’s Waterfalls?
Many African waterfalls hide fascinating natural features. Behind the roaring water you might find caves carved by erosion, lush moss gardens fed by mist, and rock ledges where rare birds and bats roost. Some falls, such as Victoria Falls, create a perpetual spray that nourishes rainforests and rainbow arcs. Others, like Tugela, reveal dramatic basalt cliffs from ancient volcanic activity. These hidden worlds make Africa’s waterfalls not only scenic, but also rich with geology and life.
For more breathtaking destinations, explore travel to breathtaking African natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Africa’s Waterfalls
Which is the highest waterfall in Africa?
Tugela Falls in South Africa is Africa’s highest, plunging 948 meters (3,110 feet).
What is Africa’s widest waterfall?
Kongou Falls in Gabon spans about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) across the Ivindo River.
Which African waterfall has the greatest water volume?
Chutes Wagenia (Boyoma Falls) in the Democratic Republic of Congo leads in average flow volume worldwide.
Why do so many waterfalls form in Africa?
Waterfalls appear where rivers cut into softer rock beneath harder layers, often where volcanic or tectonic activity shaped steep gradients.
