Plizio Visual Lab

Kalambo Falls

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

Kalambo Falls is situated on the border between Zambia and Tanzania at the southeastern tip of Lake Tanganyika. Featuring a single uninterrupted drop of 221 meters, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Africa, standing more than twice as high as Victoria Falls. The Kalambo River plunges over a sheer cliff into a deep gorge that eventually winds its way to the lake. Beyond its geographic prominence, the falls are home to one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. Excavations led by Desmond Clark since the 1950s have provided evidence of continuous human occupation spanning over 250,000 years. Significant finds include Stone Age tools and rare preserved wooden structures that offer insights into early human technology. The cliffs surrounding the falls serve as a vital nesting ground for the rare Marabou stork. Due to its exceptional combination of natural grandeur and historical significance, Kalambo Falls is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

Location: Zambia
Top sights: Kalambo Falls · Mbwilo
Nearby: Mpulungu (22 km)

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The falls are typically accessed via a long, bumpy dirt road from Mbala in Zambia, ending at a viewpoint overlooking the deep gorge and the border with Tanzania.

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Best season

Visiting just after the rainy season ensures the most spectacular water flow, while the late dry season might see the river reduced to a much smaller stream.

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Terrain & paths

The immediate area features steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and uneven trails leading to various viewpoints above the sheer drop of the waterfall.

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What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the rocky paths, along with a camera, binoculars for bird watching, and insect repellent for the humid riverine environment.

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Parking

There is usually a designated parking area near the main entrance or viewpoint, from which visitors proceed on foot to the edge of the gorge.

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Safety

Stay well behind the safety barriers, as the cliff edges can be loose and slippery, and the drop to the valley floor is sudden and extremely dangerous.

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Time needed

A typical visit, including the drive from the nearest town, takes a half-day, with an hour or two spent admiring the falls and surrounding landscape.