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 at a Glance#

Address: Magwa Falls, near Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Hours: Daylight hours (no formal gate).

Admission: Free (access to viewpoint); some organized tours may charge for guides.

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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.

Air Quality: AQI 42 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 18° - 25° 21° 120 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.8h
February Very Good 18° - 25° 22° 130 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.1h
March Very Good 17° - 25° 21° 135 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
April Excellent 15° - 24° 19° 74 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.7 m/s 1.2 high 11.2h
May Excellent 13° - 23° 18° 52 mm some cloud 69% 4.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.4h
June Excellent 10° - 22° 16° 28 mm mostly sunny 64% 3.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.0h
July Excellent 10° - 21° 16° 38 mm mostly sunny 62% 4.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
August Excellent 11° - 21° 16° 44 mm some cloud 65% 3.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
September Very Good 12° - 22° 17° 81 mm partly cloudy 71% 4.1 m/s 1.2 high 11.8h
October Good 14° - 22° 18° 108 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.1 m/s 1.7 very high 12.7h
November Good 15° - 23° 19° 131 mm overcast 78% 4.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.6h
December Very Good 17° - 24° 20° 119 mm overcast 80% 4.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.0h