South Africa's Glorious Waterfalls

Whenever I think of waterfalls, my mind conjures up memories of family hikes through lush, green forests, the smell of water and moist soil in the air, the sounds of crunching stones, buzzing bugs, water gurgling and a waterfall roaring and the sight of awe-inspired faces as our much-anticipated destination is reached. These are wonderful memories of family picnics, of care-free laughter and of connecting as a family with nature.

Having grown up with a love of waterfalls (and all the fun nature-inspired family activities attached to these), I have decided to create similar happy memories with my little family and the beauty of South Africa is, that there are so many amazing waterfalls to choose from, perfect for a family excursion into the outdoors.

Here is my list of favourites:

Mpumalanga

Lone Creek Falls, Sabie

Image Credit: sabie.co.za

This waterfall is easily accessible from the parking area (so no hiking necessary) and has been declared a national monument. Entrance is free and includes access to picnic facilities near the falls.

Mac Mac Falls, Sabie

Also a national monument, these magnificent twin falls form part of the Panorama Route and can be viewed from a fenced viewing platform. Although swimming is not allowed at the actual waterfall, designated swimming areas as well as picnic and braai facilities are available at the Mac Mac Pools (a small entrance fee applies). Here you will also find the 3km Secretary Bird Walking Trail - a must-see for birders.

Bridal Veil Falls, Sabie

Image Credit: myza.co.za

The misty spray of this waterfall stands in contrast to the roaring water and this is which gives this fall its uniqueness. Although the scenic walk to these magical falls is under a kilometre in distance, it can be tricky in parts and is therefore not suitable for young children.

Berlin Falls, Sabie

These spectacular falls have been likened to a candle because of the narrow fall of water which gradually widens before it plunges into a jade green pool. The viewing platform is situated at about 80m from the bottom of the fall in the stark red cliffs which surround it. Keep an eye out for the Blyde River protea.

Horseshoe Falls, Sabie

Image Credit: sa-venues.com

This national monument boasts a circular, horseshoe-shaped fall which, although not very high, is spectacular. Visitors are encouraged to make use of the beautiful picnic facilities. Swimming is allowed.

Lisbon Falls, Graskop

Image Credit: southafrica.net

Situated just outside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve on the Panorama Route, these dramatic falls are unfenced and boast a beautiful picnic area under the trees, teeming with local birdlife.

Elands River Falls, Emgwenya (Waterval Boven)

A paradise for intrepid rock climbers this area boasts another one of South Africa’s glorious waterfalls, the Elands River Falls. These falls are quite easily accessible from a wooden walkway.

Battery Creek Falls, Kaapsehoop

This beautiful waterfall is situated in the quaint village of Kaapsehoop (about 30km from Nelspruit) and can be accessed with a short, moderate hike. The pool at the bottom of the falls is great for swimming and the scenic surrounds make for a lovely picnic spot. Do not forget to get your required permit at the Koek-en-Pan restaurant at the end of the main road in Kaapsehoop.

Limpopo

Debengeni Falls, Magoebaskloof

Image Credit: magoebaskloof.co.za

Situated at the base of the Magoebaskloof, surrounded by forest, this magical waterfall is a popular hiking, swimming and picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. The falls are accessible by dirt road and a short walk. Do not forget to pack in a pair of binoculars - the area is renowned for its rare bird life.

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Tugela Falls, Drakensberg

Image Credit: sa-venues.com

With an impressive height of 948m, the Tugela Falls is the highest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world. This must-see fall is accessible via a number of hiking trails, all of which require moderate to high fitness levels.

Howick Falls, Howick

Image Credit: southafrica.net

This popular tourist attraction, situated in the heart of the Natal Midlands, is said to have mystical powers according to local Zulu folklore, the cascade believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits. Access the bottom of the falls with an hour long moderate walk on one of the trails or set up a picnic and enjoy the spectacular view from the viewing platform.

Eastern Cape

Magwa Falls, Port St Johns

Image Credit: amapondo.co.za

Situated on South Africa’s rugged Wild Coast, outside the small trading town Lusikisiki near Port St Johns, this mesmerising waterfall is one of the few falls in this area which is accessible by a moderate hiking trail. Measuring about 144m in height, the water plummets into a narrow canyon, the bottom of which cannot be seen in some areas.

Madonna and Child Waterfall, Hogsback

Image Credit: maplegrove.co.za

These falls received their name from an outcrop of rock which resembles the iconic image of the ‘Mother & Child’. There are two hiking trails (one of which is very steep, with stairs and railings for safety) through the lush Tyumie forest, which lead to these pretty falls. Pack in your swimming costume and picnic basket and relax, taking in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings, while there.

39 Steps Falls, Hogsback

Image Credit: serendipityhogsback.co.za

These beautiful falls are situated at the end of a tranquil, yet short, walking trail (near the centre of the village) through the ever-popular arboretum botanical garden, a living monument of tree life from across the globe (including an ancient California Redwood).

Western Cape

Kaaimans Waterfall, Wilderness

Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, between Wilderness and George, these incredible falls are only accessible by canoe or rowing boat, forming the perfect outdoor adventure for active families. Pack in swimming gear and a picnic basket and enjoy a day connecting with nature.

Rust & Vrede Waterfall, Oudtshoorn

Image Credit: gardenroutemeander.co.za

I remember visiting this particular waterfall often as a child and the beauty of the natural surroundings is simply unforgettable. The short hike to the falls through forest is fairly easy and the clear, clean pool of water is great for splashing (the water is shallow can be very). Great for a tranquil family picnic.

Meiringspoort Waterfall, De Rust

Image Credit: oudtshoorninfo.co.za

Another family favourite, this waterfall is situated in the heart of the Meiringspoort Pass in the Swartberg Mountains, Klein Karoo, en route to Oudtshoorn.The pass itself is magnificent, being flanked on both sides by impressive mountains and the waterfall is simply mesmerising - no wonder it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance to the falls and picnic area is free and swimming is allowed.

Northern Cape

Augrabies Falls, Augrabies Falls National Park

Image Credit: southafrica.net

These magnificent falls, characterised, during the rainy season, by the roaring flood of water into the breathtaking 18km Orange River gorge, forms part of one of South Africa’s much-loved National Parks. Here you will find accommodation, game drives, hiking trails, picnic spots, braai facilities as well as several viewpoints of the stunning surrounds, waterfall, gorge and Orange River.

Let us know which is your favourite waterfall! Enjoy exploring these with your family!

xxx

Alexa