Magwa Falls

Waterfall Tall waterfall and scenic hiking area in Eastern Cape

Tall waterfall on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast accessible by trails and lookouts; the site suits walkers, birdwatchers and short overnight hikes.

Main image
Magwa Falls
Magwa Falls, near Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa
-31.4451, 29.6390
Daylight hours (no formal gate).
Free (access to viewpoint); some organized tours may charge for guides.

How to Get to Magwa Falls #

Magwa Falls is reached from the coastal road between Port St. Johns and Lusikisiki. From Lusikisiki, take the local roads toward Magwa Village (follow signs or ask locals). Conditions vary; a high-clearance vehicle is helpful. There is informal parking and a short walk to the main viewpoint.

Tips for Visiting Magwa Falls #

  • Go at first light if possible - the falls catch the east light beautifully and there are far fewer visitors.
  • Ask local guides about the seasonal pools below the main drop; they're often missed by day-trippers.
  • Try to view from multiple angles: the official lookout and a lower riverside path (the latter can be slippery).

Best Time to Visit Magwa Falls #

Visit in the dry season for easier access and clearer trails; the falls are most impressive after rains.

Dry season
May-Sept · 12-25°C
Easier trails and clearer skies - the best time for walking and photography.
Wet season
Oct-Apr · 18-30°C
Falls are more dramatic after good rains; expect muddy trails and stronger flows.

Weather & Climate near Magwa Falls #

Climate

Magwa Falls's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1060 mm/year), wettest in March.

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 25°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 25°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.0h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.7h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
17° 24°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
14.0h daylight

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