1 July 2024
Tanzania captivates travellers from every corner of the globe, from its untouched beaches to its spectacular mountain ranges. The country’s varied landscapes keep on impressing with flora and fauna that are rich, unspoilt and found nowhere else.
One more highlight among these natural treasures is the collection of waterfalls that this East African country offers. Here you can escape the bustle of Tanzania’s busy hotspots and simply listen to the raw power of nature… and, naturally, enjoy a very refreshing shower.
If you can already picture yourself beneath the tumbling water, let’s go a little further and look at the finest waterfall spots in Tanzania. One warning first: the pictures below may well tempt you to pack your suitcase this very day…
7 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Tanzania
Sanje Waterfalls
Reaching the Sanje waterfalls first means completing a fairly demanding 4-hour hike through the jungle of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The path is steep, that much is true, but once the waterfalls come into view you’ll agree they were worth the aching legs. While you walk through the thick forest, keep an eye on the ground as well as the canopy. The reason? You may come across elephant tracks on the trail, and up in the branches you could see the rare black and white colobus monkey swinging from one tree to the next. At the checkpoint you can choose between hiking to the top of this Tanzanian waterfall or climbing down to its base, where a plunge into the (cold) water awaits.
Kalambo Falls
Among free-leaping waterfalls in Africa, Kalambo Falls is the second tallest. The water plunges 235 metres (772 feet) before running into Lake Tanganyika. Reaching the spot with the perfect view means roughly three hours on a steep trail. As you climb further up the canyon, you may catch sight of villagers going about their daily chores while you soak up the varied nature of the region. Long as the hike is, arriving at the cliff from which you can gaze at the Kalambo Falls repays every drop of sweat. A further bonus: you’ll be standing right on the border between Tanzania and Zambia.
Kisasa Waterfall
Tucked away in the Usambara Mountains, the Kisasa Waterfall is a majestic natural wonder that is still waiting to be discovered. Lush vegetation and refreshing, crystal-clear water are a certainty here. After making your way through the rainforest, you can sit back and simply watch the powerful falls tumbling over the rocks. Enjoy a tasty, well-earned picnic and jump into the cool water before you head back with fresh memories and a wide smile.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Normally the name tells you everything. In this case, it doesn’t. The oasis of “hot springs” that lies between Moshi and Arusha is actually filled with refreshing water. So before you set off through the jungle to find this place, be sure to pack your swimming costume and take a dip in the crystal-clear water. It is a place to unwind, and you might even notice the gentle warmth of the groundwater that is fed by Mount Kilimanjaro. The icing on the cake are the Blue Monkeys you may spot in the surrounding fig trees.
Materuni Waterfall
With a few days to spare in Moshi, you could also head to the Materuni Waterfall. The trail is of low to average difficulty overall. Most of the walk is flat, with only a short uphill stretch, and visitors typically reach the waterfall within an hour. Besides admiring the magnificent Materuni Waterfall, you’ll also get to talk with the local people and learn more about their culture. Unlike at other spots, you can support local businesses here by buying coffee and lunch along the way.
Ngare Sero Waterfall
You’ll find the Ngare Sero Waterfall in the Lake Natron area, close to a Maasai village. The walk to the falls is easy enough and shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes. Put simply, it’s a must-see for many travellers exploring this region. Be prepared to get wet on the way to this Tanzanian waterfall, as you’ll need to wade through a river that comes up to your hips (tip: protection for your gadgets is essential). No need to worry, though: in this heat you’ll dry off again in no time. Once you arrive at this magical spot, take all the time you like to wander and swim beneath the cascading water of the Ngare Sero Fall.
Marangu Waterfalls
The Marangu Waterfalls go by the names Ndoro and Monjo as well, which literally mean ‘nature’ and ‘water always’. The hike to this beauty spot is quite easy, even in the rainy season. Still, to be on the safe side, bring non-slippery shoes. If you’d like to round off your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure with a smaller yet still impressive highlight, the Marangu Waterfall is the place to go. You’ll see how well the local community is doing here, and you’ll have the chance to try the local coffee. What’s not to love?
Already reached for your suitcase at “Kalambo Waterfall”? We did warn you 😉
Joking apart, though. If you’d like to see these natural wonders with your own eyes, stand under the water for a cool shower and spot wildlife highlights along the way, get in touch. We’ll make sure you get to experience all of this before long.
