Chishimba Falls

Chishimba Falls is a national natural monument which the local Bemba people believe to be sacred. It’s said that the spirit of Chishimba lives in the cave below the falls and that one must be on one’s best behavior here. No swearing, insulting, arrogance, fighting or words of hatred and vengeance - you’ve been warned!

Legend has it that The Chishimba falls have a hidden meaning behind their names. According to the legend, the three sites were named after a married couple and their son-in-law. All three committed suicide by plunging themselves into the waterfalls, each at a different point. The day of the tragedy, Mutumuna’s Chilanga mulilo(Traditional marriage) was underway. After the ceremony, Mutumuna decided to binge drink in a village nearby. Mutumuna, upon returning from his drinking venture, insulted his father-in-law. Someone had eaten the “Shibwinga’s food” brought by the bride’s family during the chilanga mulilo proceeds. Chishimba was so upset by what had happened, he took his own life by diving into the Chishimba falls. Upon hearing the news of her spouses passing, Kaela wife of Chishimba, walked off and threw herself in the Kaela Rapids. When the news reached Mutumuna, he wandered down to Mutumuna falls and committed suicide. There is no record of what happened to the new bride. But it is hoped that she was able to find happiness.

These falls are actually a succession of three waterfalls, the Mutumena Falls, the Kaela Rapids and lastly Chishimba Falls (in order from north to south). Each separated 300m apart.This is a lovely area for walking and exploring, there are pathways and viewpoints; and, you can enter the cave by walking in behind the falls. In times of high water levels, there’s a rainforest on the falls’ western banks. 

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link