Kalambo Falls
Waterfall Tall Tanzanian waterfall with nearby important archaeological site
Kalambo Falls, on the Tanzania-Zambia border, is an uninterrupted high cascade set in riverine forest; visitors come for the waterfall, riverside scenery and the area’s deep prehistoric archaeological deposits.
_(20781121021).jpg?width=1200)
Kalambo Falls is a high single-drop waterfall on the Kalambo River at the border between Tanzania and Zambia, near the southeastern end of Lake Tanganyika. The fall has a vertical drop of roughly 221 metres.
The site features a steep plunge into a narrow gorge and is notable for its uninterrupted drop and the prominent cliff face above the river. It is valued for its natural scenery and as a landmark on the border region.
Kalambo Falls sits on the Kalambo River where the river crosses the international boundary; the waterfall lies close to the lakeshore area of Lake Tanganyika and is accessed from roads and paths on the Tanzanian side and the Zambian side in the border region.
The falls are located in a relatively remote area with limited facilities, and visits are typically organized from nearby regional towns that provide the nearest services.
- Height: A single-drop waterfall of approximately 221 metres, among the tallest uninterrupted falls in Africa.
How to Get to Kalambo Falls #
Kalambo Falls is remote. Access typically involves travel from the Tanzanian side via Mbala (Zambia) or Sumbawanga (Tanzania) with long drives on rough roads and sometimes river crossings; organized trips and local guides are recommended due to logistics and border formalities.
Tips for Visiting Kalambo Falls #
- Arrive early to avoid afternoon spray and to see the falls' full plume before wind disperses it.
- Bring waterproof clothing - mist from the falls can be heavy near the base.
- Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby Kalambo River archaeological sites to appreciate the region's natural and human history.
Best Time to Visit Kalambo Falls #
Best viewed after the rainy season for maximum flow, but dry season provides easier access.
Weather & Climate near Kalambo Falls #
Kalambo Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1019 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
