Beautiful Waterfalls of South Africa

How many times have you visited waterfalls in South Africa???? It is difficult not to be impressed by the amazing waterfalls in South Africa.

 

The Northern and Central Drakensberg area has some of the most beautiful scenery that can be imagined. The area falls into four valleys, beginning with the Champagne Valley in the Central Berg, through the Cathedral Peak and Didima Valley, then the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre Valley, and finally the Middledale Pass Valley in the Northern Berg. Each of the four valleys has its own kind of beauty and character; all have magnificent mountain views.

Augrabies is derived from the Khoi name for 'place of the Great Noise' - one of the world's largest waterfalls. The Augrabies Falls National Park region is home to the Nama people and highly adaptable animals and plants. Only the strongest can survive in this ruggedly beautiful part of South Africa.

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most scenic provinces and when you drive through the Panorama region or visit the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, you'll see why. But it's not only canyons, mountains and seemingly limitless horizons that are waiting for you, there's also the Sabie Waterfalls Route.

The Sabie Waterfalls Route in Mpumalanga is amongst South Africa's best-kept secrets: visitors are often so captivated by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with its magnificent cliffs and stunning views, not to mention dazzling flora and fauna, that this superb cluster of waterfalls is often overlooked.

There are more waterfalls here than anywhere else in southern Africa, and you'll be astonished by their beauty and diversity. Forget the Big 5 and that magnificent canyon for a while, set aside a day or 2, and take yourself on a waterfalls tour.Start in Sabie and head north on the R532 towards the clearly signposted Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Bridal Veil Fall.

As the name suggests, the Horseshoe Falls creates an almst perfect horseshoe as it cascades down the mountainside. It's an easy walk through a campsite to get a superb view.

A short drive away is the evocatively named Lone Creek Falls, which tumble down almost 70m into lush ferns and forest.

You'll understand why the Bridal Veil Falls, again just a brief drive away, are so-named when you see the delicate tracery of water and spray that wafts like a veil from the high cliffs.

For more Sabie waterfalls, go further north on the R532 and head for the gorgeous Mac Mac Falls, named for the Scottish miners who sought their fortune here during the 1870s gold rush.

Next stop is South Africa's highest waterfall - The Lisbon Falls, named by Portuguese miners who panned for gold here. These falls crash down 90m into the gorge below.

Finally, it's off to the Berlin Falls, shaped like a huge white candle, which flows through a natural sluice before dropping 80m into a deep pool below. Then enjoy your packed lunch in the green shade of a lovely picnic spot.

There's something magical and relaxing about watching a waterfall, a calming effect that seems to take away all the stress of day to day living and is bound to lift your spirits no matter what kind of mood your in. The best waterfalls are the out of the way ones that are hard to find and where you have to hike to get there. Pick out your favorite falls and get out and enjoy the great outdoors!