Joanna James
Lesotho, a land-locked country bordering South Africa, lies at a 1000-metre altitude, while its lowest is at 1400 metres! It is thus nicknamed the rooftop of the world! Waterfall hunters are in for a treat, with exciting waterfalls on both sides of the border!
The magnificence and beauty of Maletsunyane Falls make it one of the most exciting waterfalls in Africa. This waterfall is found close to the rural village of Semonkong in Lesotho. The waters plunge from a 630-feet escarpment. Maletsunyane Falls is among the tallest single-drop waterfalls on the continent at 192 metres! Once in Semonkong, you can arrange pony treks or a guided trek to the falls. There is also an abseil path that plunges from the top and has the Guinness World Record as the world's longest single-drop abseil that is commercially operated! The waterfall is the topic of numerous local tales; one is that the bellowing echoes of the plunging water are the departed souls of those unfortunate enough to drown in the falls!
Set in a very remote location close to the Sibi Sibi village, 9 km west of the falls, Ketane Falls is typically an attraction that goes undiscovered by tourists. With a cascade of 122 metres, the waterfall is on an elevation of 2225 metres! It has an impressive drop overlooking green-tinged craggy mountains, which is sure to take your breath away! If on the lookout for a meeting venue in Lesotho, the likes of Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino will suit your needs well.
Ribaneng is a community council in the Mafetang District and includes several villages and a spectacular waterfall standing at 117 metres amidst stunning mountainous terrain. The natural rock pool below is great for swimming, although its temperatures may be excruciatingly chilly during the winter months. In the northern hemisphere, the summer is from November to February, and this would be the ideal time to explore the region. Pony treks can also be arranged to the waterfall and all across the stunning rugged scenery.
If you travel across the border to South Africa, you can encounter Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world! Tugela Falls originates from the elevated Drakensberg Mountains. Found in South Africa's Royal Natal National Park, near the Tugela River, it is a popular spot for tourism. In winter, upper Tugela freezes, attracting many visitors to witness its spectacular frozen peak!
Also in South Africa, Howick Falls is located in KwaZulu-Natal Province in Howick, South Africa. It is roughly 95 m in height and is found on the Umgeni River. Zulu people dubbed it KwaNogqaza, which translates as "Place of the Tall One". As told by local folklore, a massive serpentine creature resides in the vast pool created at its bottom called Inkanyamba! According to legend, only sangomas (traditional healers) can approach the waterfalls! They are known to convey prayers to appease the creature and the water spirits living around the falls.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
