South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot of amazing things to do, especially for people looking to get off the beaten track. South Africa is famous for having the longest wine route in the world, for the world’s smallest succulent plants, diverse landscapes, wildlife, and diverse culture, but South Africa also has incredible biodiversity and beautiful nature that includes, among other things, a lot of spectacular waterfalls. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Africa, tell you how to get there, what to bring with you, and much more!
Tugela Falls (KwaZulu‑Natal)
Situated in the Royal Natal National Park of the Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Falls is generally known as the tallest waterfall in South Africa and the second tallest waterfall in the world, plunging roughly 948 m in total through five tiers. The waterfall is located in a precipitous mountain amphitheater and is therefore a seasonal wonder, at its most powerful from November to March.
To find it, drive to the park’s Sentinel car park near Royal Natal; the route to the top of Tugela is an arduous 7–8 hour round-trip trek with a few parts where you have to go up with the help of chains. Along the way, you will cross over waterfalls, rocky ridges, and wide-open spaces, and possibly even see some animals during the hike.
Place to stay: The Cottage On The Corner is located in Himeville, the nearest town to the falls, approximately 30 km away, with affordable prices and breakfast included in the price.
Augrabies Falls (Northern Cape)
Augrabies Falls is located ~120 km west of Upington on the Orange River. It is a loud and violent fall that drops about 56 m into a deep gorge made of granite. The park around the falls is called “the place of great noise” by the Khoikhoi. It offers dramatic balconies that open onto a 240-meter deep gorge, which was formed by the river over the course of thousands of years. After the period of peak summer flow (Feb–Apr), the falls are at their best; however, even at lower flow, the water’s power cannot be doubted. You can reach the falls by flying into Upington airport or driving via R358.
Where to stay: Tutwa Desert Lodge, only a few kilometers from the main gate, has chalets and rooms starting at around $150 per night. It also features a pool, restaurant, wildlife hideout, and shuttle service into the park for dawn and dusk drives.
Mac Mac Falls (Mpumalanga)
Mac Mac Falls is another gorgeous waterfall located along the famous Sabie Waterfalls Route near Sabie in Mpumalanga. These twin cascades that drop about 65 m into a gorge lined with trees got their name from Scottish gold prospectors who partially destroyed the upper falls during the 1800s rush. The falls can easily be accessed via R532 where there is parking and a short paved walk to the viewing platform and there are a lot of picnic spots and braai facilities in the area and best of all, you can also discover other waterfalls (London, Lone Creek, Bridal Veil) on a scenic loop drive.
Where to stay: The Elements Guesthouse, within 10 km of Mac Mac Falls, features self-catering units (~$25 per person/night), with breakfast, peaceful gardens, and easy access to the falls.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also want to check out our list of unique things to do in Cape Town.
Howick Falls (KwaZulu‑Natal)
Howick Falls, situated on the Umgeni River in the town of Howick (approximately 100 km from Durban), is a waterfall with a height of 95 m. The falls are locally known as KwaNogqaza (“Place of the Tall One”) and are covered by forested cliffs and a riverside reserve, making it one of the most scenic waterfalls in South Africa. A lookout platform allows visitors to get close to the falls, and forest trails under the canopy are also accessible without a car, by just walking from town. The place is replete with Zulu folklore, and it is the habitat of the serpent deity Inkanyamba, and it’s also a place where sangomas carry out rituals.
Where to stay: The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa, a beautiful boutique-style hotel less than 5 km from the falls. Located on a hill with a bird’s eye view, it has luxurious rooms around $110 per night, an on-site spa, and a restaurant.
Lisbon Falls (Mpumalanga)
Along the Panorama Route near Graskop, Lisbon Falls is the highest in Mpumalanga, sitting at 94 m, flowing into a deep green pool that lies hidden under the cliffs covered with the indigenous forest. It’s next to God’s Window and Berlin Falls, which are easily reachable by a short walk from R532. Walk down the steep path for a view from the bottom—and perhaps a swim in the gorgeous green pool underneath. Photographers will be in delight because of the natural framing of the cliffs that are dripping with green water and the different layers of green. Nearby hiking options include Pinnacle Rock and Forks hiking trails.
Where to stay: Mackers Riverbend Cottages, about 20 km away, offering rustic self-catering cottages from ~$35 per person/night.
And if you’re looking for a guided tour, this tour covers both Lisbon and Berlin Falls (among other highlights) in a single tour.
Berlin Falls (Mpumalanga)
Berlin Falls is a waterfall that lies just north of Graskop along the famous Panorama Route. The falls run some 80 m from the Sabine River through dramatic red cliffs into a jade-green plunge pool. The waterfall is named after the German miners who discovered it and named it after their capital during the gold rush. To get there, one can easily turn off the R532 and drive 10 km toward Blyde River Forest Station, where you’ll find a parking area, from where a short walk takes you to the ultimate viewing platform of the falls. This place is surrounded by a thick forest, so it’s also a great place for a picnic and for some birdwatching.
Where to stay: Ilanda Guest House in White River (~20 km away) provides cozy, self-catering rooms.
Bridal Veil Falls (Mpumalanga)
Next on this list of the best waterfalls in South Africa, we have Bridal Veil Falls, a thin 70 m waterfall just 6 km trek from Sabie with a rather descriptive name; from afar, the waterfall truly looks like a veil, a thin sheet of water flowing over the rocks. To get to the falls, you have to walk a 1 km-long trail from the parking lot through the indigenous ferns up to the viewpoint from where you can also walk behind the pools and take some incredible photos.
Where to stay: Wild Fig Tree Inn in Sabie has rooms surrounded by nature and can be a starting point for a short drive or a gracious host to access the falls.
Lone Creek Falls (Mpumalanga)
Another undiscovered beauty following the Sabie River along the Panorama Route, Lone Creek Falls is a gorgeous 68-meter-tall waterfall near Sabie. It’s less busy than Lisbon Falls but equally bewitching, surrounded by pine forests and accessible from the main Panorama driving loop. Even though there isn’t any dedicated infrastructure there, the nearby parking and short walking tracks still make it possible to enjoy the falls alone or to be part of a multi-stop waterfall day.
Accommodation: Sabie Town Lodge offers warm and cosy rooms, breakfast, and convenient access to all nearby falls—ideal for making the most of your stay without moving.
Meiringspoort Waterfall (Western Cape)
Tucked within the huge sandstone folds of the Swartberg mountains near Prince Albert, Meiringspoort Waterfall is without a doubt the most scenic spot along the N12 route. The highlight is a 60-meter fall into a crystal-clear pool, and the best part is that it’s easily accessible through a short and well-maintained walk from the parking, and the fact that the walk is easy and not strenuous makes it a real hit among road-trippers from Oudtshoorn to Beaufort West.
Bonus: the region is also one of the most biodiversity-rich in the world, known as the UNESCO Cape Floral Region, and some of its other highlights include the Meiringspoort Pass, Swartberg Pass, and the charming village of Prince Albert, known for its art galleries and Karoo cuisine.
For a comfortable stay, check out the Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, a heritage property with a pool, garden views, and old-world charm.
Debengeni Waterfall (Limpopo)
Debengeni Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall to visit if you happen to be near Tzaneen in Limpopo. It’s a green and foggy place where the Ramadipha River flows over smooth rocks into a large pool, which is very popular for picnicking and photography. The name “Debengeni” means “Place of Pots,” and it is talking about the swirling whirlpools that are at the waterfall’s base.
The place is very easy to get to with a short trip from Tzaneen (about 16 km), which is the closest local hub with shops and restaurants. For those coming by plane, Polokwane International Airport is 110 km away. The area around Magoebaskloof is famous for its native trees, ziplining, birdwatching, and beautiful hikes such as the Magoebaskloof Trail and Cheerio Gardens.
If you want a place to stay close to this, Magoebaskloof Hotel gives you forest views, a swimming pool, and easy access to the waterfall, as well as the misty mountain roads of the area.
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal)
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is a gorgeous gorge system situated near Kloof, just 25 km from Durban, that has a number of waterfalls, but perhaps the most glorious one is Kloof Falls. The reserve is the place where you can find rugged cliffs, a thick forest of native trees, and the Molweni and Nkutu rivers that flow through the deep gorges and create the beautiful rock pools at the base of the waterfall on their journey.
The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban, just 50 km away, making it a great day trip idea from Durban. You can also take the nearby Molweni Trail, which gives you a chance to watch the waterfalls and the valley below from a bird’s-eye perspective. And speaking of birds, birdwatchers can find Crowned Eagles, Narina Trogons, and Knysna Turacos.
Stay nearby at Makaranga Garden Lodge, which is situated in the park, with lush gardens, African art, a spa center, and direct access to all the walking paths.
Waterfall Bluff (Eastern Cape)
Waterfall Bluff off the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, near Lusikisiki, is one of the rare South African waterfalls that drop straight into the sea, transforming the coast and the frictions at the waves into a spectacle. The remote, untouched natural wonder of the region is located at a considerable distance from any convenient access and hence requires quite an effort to reach it through an 8-10 km hike from Mbotyi.
You can do the trek independently, but depending on the weather conditions, you may want to hire local guides to help you cross the rivers and the hills of the coastal area. Along the way, you will also pass through the vibrant Xhosa villages and coastal forests, so this unique journey truly gives you a little bit of everything. Mthatha Airport, about 100 km away, is the closest airport to Waterfall Bluff, although it offers a limited number of flight options.
When it comes to accommodation, the best place to stay if you want to explore Waterfall Bluff and the Wild Coast’s rugged beauty is Mbotyi River Lodge (they also do a lot of guided hikes for their guests).
Magwa Falls (Eastern Cape)
Magwa Falls is another stunning waterfall near Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, with a height of 144 meters that drops vertically into a narrow ravine and is completely surrounded by scenic green tea plantations. The small town of Lusikisiki is located roughly 15 kilometers from the waterfall, while the nearest major city is Mthatha (110 km). It should be noted that the road to Magwa Falls is not suitable for all vehicles; you have to rent a 4WD or hire a local guide. The region is often associated with the Wild Coast, a place characterized by its rough shoreline, the vibrant Xhosa settlements, and, of course, the pristine natural beauty.
When it comes to a comfortable stay while discovering Magwa Falls, the N’taba River Lodge in Port St Johns, which offers riverside chalets, a pool, and warm hospitality, is always a great and practical choice.
Are you a fan of waterfalls? Then you may also like our guide to the best waterfalls in Panama.
Madonna and Child Waterfall (Eastern Cape)
Situated in the Eastern Cape’s Amathole Mountains near Hogsback, the Madonna and Child Waterfall is a calm 25-meter tumble that is surrounded by native Afromontane forests. The waterfall is named after the rock formation that looks like a mother holding a child, which can be clearly seen from the viewpoint area. The nearest village to the falls is Hogsback, about 3 km north, and the nearest airport is East London Airport (140 km away). In addition to the falls, the area is also known for its misty forests, Tolkien-inspired landscapes, and iconic hiking trails like the 39 Steps Waterfall Trail and Kettlespout Falls.
For accommodation, The Edge Mountain Retreat has cottages and rooms with breathtaking cliff-edge views, forest paths, and romantic fireplaces that perfectly accompany the views.
Rus En Vrede Waterfall (Western Cape)
Deep in the Outeniqua Mountains close to the spectacular Oudtshoorn, Rus En Vrede Waterfall is a peaceful place where water flows down a gorge lined with ferns, with a truly fitting name (“Rest and Peace”). You can get there off the R328 via a 2 km gravel road and then go for a short walk through a shaded forest, thus making it one of the most satisfying waterfall stops along the Garden Route. Oudtshoorn is the closest local hub, being 35 km away, with George Airport 90 km away. The area is most commonly associated with the ostrich farms, the Cango Caves, and scenic drives over the Swartberg Pass.
Besides that, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers tented accommodation with game drives, a waterhole, and a restaurant, where you can have a unique Karoo-meets-bushveld experience while being close to Rus En Vrede during the night, which in on its own is a magical experience.
Sabie Waterfalls (Mpumalanga)
The Sabie region in Mpumalanga has gained the reputation of “Land of Waterfalls,” where you can find a large number of falls such as Bridal Veil, Lone Creek, Horseshoe, (all quite close to the town) and last but not least- we wrap up this list of the best waterfalls in South Africa with Sabie Falls. Sabie Falls can be seen from the bridge at the town’s entrance and is a 73-meter waterfall falling into a green gorge just a few minutes’ walk from the parking place. The nearest local hub is Sabie itself, with Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (65 km) for those arriving by air.
Where to stay? Misty Mountain, situated on the Long Tom Pass, has uninterrupted mountain views, warm fireplaces, and a location that allows you to easily go waterfall hopping and do other adventure activities like ziplining.
How did you like this list of the best waterfalls in South Africa? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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