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.

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235 meters of single drop waterfall, the second largest waterfall in Africa.jpg
The wonderland of the Eastern Congo; the region of the snow-crowned volcanoes, the pygmies, the giant gorilla, and the okapi (1922) (20781121021).jpg

Kalambo Falls at a Glance#

Address: Kalambo Falls, Katavi-Rukwa region border area (Tanzania-Zambia border region)

About Kalambo Falls#

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.

Wet Season
Nov-Apr · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Falls are at their fullest after rains; the surrounding vegetation is lush but access can be difficult.
Dry Season
May-Oct · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Easier access and trails are drier; water flow reduced but falls remain dramatic.

Weather & Climate near Kalambo Falls#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 64 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 19° - 28° 23° 194 mm overcast 79% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
February Good 19° - 28° 23° 177 mm overcast 77% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
March Good 18° - 28° 23° 189 mm overcast 77% 2.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 18° - 29° 23° 97 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
May Ideal 17° - 28° 23° 18 mm some cloud 73% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
June Ideal 15° - 28° 21° 1 mm mostly sunny 68% 2.6 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
July Ideal 14° - 27° 21° 0 mm mostly sunny 63% 2.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.6h
August Ideal 16° - 28° 22° 1 mm mostly sunny 55% 3.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.7h
September Ideal 17° - 29° 23° 3 mm mostly sunny 49% 3.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
October Ideal 19° - 30° 24° 20 mm partly cloudy 50% 3.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
November Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 111 mm overcast 63% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
December Good 19° - 28° 24° 208 mm overcast 76% 2.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h

Nearby Attractions to Kalambo Falls#