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All Zambia Kasama Chishimba Falls

Chishimba Falls

Arrogance and quarreling are forbidden near these three sacred waterfalls.

Kasama, Zambia

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The lower falls.   Dkracht/cc by-sa 3.0
A view of the middle falls (Kaela).   PatTheGreat / Atlas Obscura User
A view of the lower falls (Chishimba).   PatTheGreat / Atlas Obscura User
A view of the lower falls (Chishimba).   PatTheGreat / Atlas Obscura User
The Luombe River, beyond the falls.   PatTheGreat / Atlas Obscura User
A view of the upper falls (Mutumuna).   PatTheGreat / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The spellbinding beauty of these waterfalls isn’t the only thing keeping visitors on their best behavior. According to the tradition of the Bemba people, the watery wonder is home to the nature spirit Chishimba, who lives in a cave behind the falls. Because of the spirit’s presence, bad behavior, including fights, insults, and arrogance, is not allowed in the vicinity of the falls.

Chishimba Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls along the Luombe River. The individual falls are named Mutumuna, Kaela, and Chishimba, and are separated by a distance of fewer than 1,000 feet.

Though the Bemba people arrived in this area in the 17th century, they weren’t the first to call this spectacular sliver of nature home. The land surrounding the falls is dotted with evidence of Iron Age activities, including kilns, smelting pipes, and iron ore deposits.

The falls are stunning in their natural beauty, with water cascading year-round over wide granite cliff faces. The falls are surrounded by thick mist forests, which provide a home to many birds and other wildlife. Trails throughout the park and several gazebos offer excellent views of each of the falls and access to the entire site.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Rivers Water

Know Before You Go

The falls are located approximately 22 miles west of Kasama along the Kasama-Mporokoso Road. The road to the falls is marked by signs. At the, park an entry fee is collected and a visitor's center provides information about the falls. The falls also includes camping and picnic areas.

Community Contributors

Added By

PatTheGreat

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

September 17, 2018

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Sources
  • "Zambia's Outstanding Natural, Cultural, & Historic Sites" by Nicholas Katanekwa
  • "A Guide to Zambia's Heritage," published by Zambia's National Heritage Conservation Commission
  • https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/waterfalls/chisimba-falls/
  • http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/chishimba-falls-another-spectacle-kasama/
Chishimba Falls
Unnamed Road
Kasama
Zambia
-10.106782, 30.917587
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Mwela Rock Art Paintings

Kasama, Zambia

miles away

Chilubula Mission

Mporokoso, Zambia

miles away

Chambeshi Monument

Kasama, Zambia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kasama

Kasama

Zambia

Places 3

Nearby Places

Mwela Rock Art Paintings

Kasama, Zambia

miles away

Chilubula Mission

Mporokoso, Zambia

miles away

Chambeshi Monument

Kasama, Zambia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kasama

Kasama

Zambia

Places 3

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