Lumangwe Falls

Zambia

Lumangwe Falls are some 30 m high and 100 m wide which makes them the largest waterfalls in Zambia and is no doubt the reason for their national monument status. While much smaller than Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls (aka Victoria Falls) they’re very similar in appearance and are often mistaken for the first-mentioned in photographs. During high water levels (around April to September, depending on rainfall) the spray is carried up to 100 m into the air and is accompanied by the roar of falling water which is also very reminiscent of ‘the smoke that thunders’. For these reasons, Lumangwe Falls are often fondly referred to as ‘Little Vic Falls’.

There are a number of viewpoints along the cliff’s edge at Lumangwe but take care as these are often wet and slippery from the spray and many are close to the edge. Should you be in the area during full moon, be on the lookout for Lumangwe's very own lunar rainbow from the first viewpoint. The name of the falls was derived from the fact that the falls are believed to be the home of the Great Snake Spirit called Lumangwe.

Travelling from Kawambwa towards Lumangwe Falls, you’ll come across a signposted turnoff to the falls approximately three kilometres south of Mukuma Village. Note, if you follow this track, you will end up on the western side of the falls, with no way to cross the Kalungwishi river to visit the facilities on the eastern banks. You will have to return to the main road and continue through Mukuma to the T-junction, where you will turn west to Lumangwe Falls, or east to Mporokoso.

Kabweluma and Lumangwe is shared and you pay a single entry fee of USD15pp for both.

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EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Tow-in services: +27(0)97 473 7848 / +260(0)96 676 1647 (Based in Lusaka). (2019).

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