Chishimba Falls

The Luombe river drops three times within about 300 metres at Chishimba: Mutumuna falls of about twenty metres, then the Kayela rapids, then the main Chishimba drop of around thirty metres into a gorge, with a stepped walkway and stairs connecting them through the riverine forest. A hydroelectric station takes water from the top, which reduces the flow. The falls belong to Zambia's national monuments and historic sites.

Highlights

• The three drops - Mutumuna, the Kayela rapids and the main falls within about 300 metres.
• The walkway - the stepped path and stairs linking the falls through forest.
• The gorge - the rock cut the main drop falls into.
• The power station - the hydroelectric plant fed from above the falls.

When to go

April to July has the strongest flow after the rains. The hydro station reduces volume year round. Late dry season flow is weak.

Practical notes

The hydroelectric offtake reduces the flow noticeably, especially late in the dry season. Steps and railings are in variable repair. Facilities are a campsite and a caretaker.

Nearby

Mwela Rock Paintings are east near Kasama, and Kapishya is south.

Key facts