Do go chasing these waterfalls Posted on 6 March 2019 The astounding variety of landscapes you can find in South Africa, from mountains and beaches to forests and savannas, is one of the things that makes our country so unique. With this diversity comes limitless opportunity for all kinds of adventures, waterfall-chasing being a particularly special one. Here are ten waterfalls around the country to chase. 1. Tugela Waterfall, Drakensberg Forming part of the Tugela River, this waterfall is the highest in Africa. With a height of an estimated 950 meters, the waterfall has five drops that cascade down the amphitheatre wall. The best time to see this magnificent waterfall is after rain, as all five falls do not necessarily drop at once. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franz-Erich (@franz_erich_streicher) on Apr 3, 2017 at 1:23am PDT The waterfall begins at Mont-aux-Sources. The first route to the falls is via the Sentinel trail, which takes hikers on a 6.4km journey to the top of the Mont-aux-Sources. The second route is 7km long and follows the Tugela River upstream through the Tugela Gorge. The third trail is the quickest – however, necessary chain ladders have been put in place in precarious areas and this route not for those afraid of heights. In winter, the falls can freeze at the top, creating a mesmerising experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dolphin Trailers (@dolphintrailers) on Aug 31, 2018 at 8:37am PDT 2. Augrabies Falls, Northern Cape When the Orange River is at its fullest, the Augrabies Waterfall is a sight to behold. The Khoi named the falls ‘Aukoerebis’, meaning ‘Place of Great Noise’, as the powerful flow of the water is famously loud. The drop is approximately 56 meters. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk in the main camp and go to six different viewing decks to witness this natural spectacle from. The Augrabies National Park has many activities for hiking enthusiasts to embark on, such as the Klipspringer Hiking Trail or the Dassies Nature Trail. View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Tourism (@shotleft) on Feb 7, 2017 at 10:53pm PST 3. The Berlin Falls, Mpumalanga These waterfalls are found in the Blyde River Canyon area in the Panorama Route and have an 80m drop. The terrain of this waterfall is nothing short of spectacular, with red cliffs rising above the dark green water. Visitors are welcome to picnic while they marvel at this beautiful backdrop. Visitors can access the falls via car on an 11-minute drive from Graskop via the R532. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sнαнєєи Bυcкαѕ™ (@_.shaheen.b) on Jan 4, 2019 at 1:45pm PST 4. Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal Located just outside of Pietermaritzburg and a two-hour drive from Durban is where you will find Howick Falls. With a drop of 95, the site of these falls is regarded as a sacred place by the local Zulu community. The view is mesmerising and there are many activities that visitors can do in addition to visiting the falls. Pack along your walking or hiking shoes for the official Howick Falls Gorge Walk and walk along a footpath, starting in Harvard Street and ending at the seat of the falls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Tourism (@meetsouthafrica) on Sep 12, 2016 at 12:32am PDT 5. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Western Cape If you find yourself in Cape Town’s Botanical Garden, traverse along the Yellowwood Trail and you will come across a permanent waterfall cascading down the mountainside. Visiting the site is particularly special after the winter rainfall and you’ll completely forget you’re in the heart of one of South Africa’s busiest cities. Spend the day exploring the gardens afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants or pack a picnic and blanket and find a shady spot under an oak tree to spend the day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TarynLewis (@lovingthelenslight) on Jun 10, 2018 at 2:29am PDT 6. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Western Cape Located just outside of Stellenbosch, this Cape Nature reserve is a must-visit. With the lush valleys and mountains and many waterfalls to chase, a visit to this reserve is definitely worth it. The falls can be accessed via a hiking trail that follows the First River along to the First Waterfall. There’s also a route up to the Second Waterfall which is a slightly sharper climb. Visit the ticket office upon your arrival to pay the reserve’s entrance fee and to pick up a map of the area. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natalia (@shoe.czy) on Feb 27, 2019 at 9:03am PST 7. Magwa Waterfall, Eastern Cape Found in the last remaining tea plantation in South Africa, the Magwa Falls have a 144m drop into a narrow canyon. The falls have been compared to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe due to their strong resemblance. The falls are accessible by car and it’s a 39-minute drive from Lusikisiki to the falls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ROAM THE PLANET (@roamtheplanet) on Mar 1, 2019 at 11:33am PST 8. Lisbon Falls, Mpumalanga Located 40 minutes away from Hazyview outside Blyde River canyon Nature Reserve, Lisbon Falls is an easily accessible visit. With a drop of 94m, Lisbon Falls is one of Mpumalanga’s highest waterfalls. The area’s ideal for picnics and is a birder’s paradise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Getaway Magazine (@getawaymagazine) on Mar 2, 2019 at 10:12pm PST 9. Mac-Mac Falls, Mpumalanga Located along the Sabie Waterfalls Route, the Mac Mac Falls are twin waterfalls that drop 70m into the gorge below. The waterfall was split in two during the gold rush when miners blasted the single waterfall, separating it into two. During the dry season, however, it becomes one stream again. There’s a viewing platform for visitors to take in the dazzling site safely. There are pools around the falls where visitors can spend the day enjoying water activities, braaing or picnicking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frank (@fteeuwssen) on Mar 4, 2019 at 9:19pm PST 10. Bridal Veil Falls The Bridal Veil Falls lie along the Panorama Route, 6km from the town of Sabie. The falls are accessible by foot on a walk that is under 1km, after the payment of an entrance fee at the gate. Bridal Veil Falls are perfect for those looking for a quiet day out in nature. There’s also plenty to do for the adventurous types, including mountain biking, white-water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and abseiling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Best World Pictorial (@bestworldpictorial) on Mar 24, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT Image source: Melanie van Zyl Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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