Discover Four of Zambia’s Northern Waterfalls
Zambia’s Northern waterfalls offer a rewarding escape for anyone looking to spend a weekend or a few days on the road. From Kundalila and Chishimba Falls to Lumangwe and Ntumbachushi Falls, each stop offers a different view of the country’s natural landscape and a chance to step away from the usual routine.
After a busy week, a change of scenery can be a welcome way to recharge. A road trip to Zambia’s Northern waterfalls offers the chance to spend time outdoors, explore unfamiliar places and return home with a different perspective.
Planning a Weekend Trip to Kundalila and Chishimba Falls
With a week to spare, you can plan a longer circuit that includes all four waterfalls. If you only have a weekend, it is more practical to focus on Kundalila and Chishimba Falls, provided you allow enough time for the drives and stops along the way.
Kundalila and Chishimba Falls make the best combination for the first weekend trip as they sit naturally on the same northbound corridor.
How to Drive from Lusaka to Kundalila Falls
Start early on Friday, ideally around 05:00, with a full tank of fuel, a packed breakfast and enough drinking water. From Lusaka, take the Great North Road towards Kabwe. Allow time for traffic and road conditions, then stop in Kabwe for breakfast and a short break before continuing north. Kabwe is also a good opportunity for many travellers to stretch before continuing north.
Beyond Kabwe, the drive becomes a longer stretch north. Rather than treating it as time to get through, take in the farms, villages and roadside markets along the way. As you continue, the landscape gradually changes as you approach Northern Province.
What to Expect at Kundalila Falls.
Kundalila Falls lies east of the Great North Road near Kanona. Zambia Tourism describes the Kaombe River as dropping about 70 metres over the falls, creating a natural pool at the base. Before travelling, check the condition of the access road and confirm the time needed to reach the site. Swimming should only be considered when it is permitted and conditions are safe.
What Vehicle Do You Need for Kundalila Falls?
The condition of the access road may affect which vehicle is suitable. Check local advice before setting off, particularly during the rainy season. A high-clearance vehicle may be useful if the road is rough, muddy or sandy, but confirm current conditions rather than assuming a 4×4 is always necessary.
Driving from Kundalila Falls to Kasama
After visiting Kundalila Falls, return to the Great North Road and continue north towards Kasama via the relevant route through Serenje and Mpika. This is a substantial drive, so allow for rest stops and possible delays. Confirm the route and estimated journey time before setting off, and plan to arrive with enough daylight or a safe alternative if the journey takes longer than expected. This is plenty of time to check into one of the many lodges in the area, have a sumptuous dinner, and retire to rest joyfully knowing you’ve seen the falls many only wish to see.
After an overnight stay in Kasama, have breakfast and set off for Chishimba Falls. An early start gives you more time to explore the site before beginning the return journey.
Visiting Chishimba Falls Near Kasama
Chishimba Falls is about 33 km from Kasama, according to Zambia Tourism, and lies along the Kasama–Mporokoso route. The site consists of three successive falls associated with the Luombe River. Allow enough time to explore the different viewpoints and trails on foot, and check the site’s access arrangements before travelling.
Again, leaving Chishimba, though, may feel like leaving another piece of you behind; it is an important part of the itinerary. So immediately after the three hours, you would leave Chishimba and drive back to Kasama, guaranteed to arrive at 12:00.
This is the best time to refuel the car, enjoy another sumptuous meal and prepare for the long yet wowing journey south, back to Lusaka.
Planning the Return Drive to Lusaka
Before leaving Kasama, allow time to refuel, eat and prepare for the drive south. The journey back to Lusaka is long, so do not rely on an early evening arrival without checking a current route estimate. Depending on your schedule, an overnight stop may be the safer option. Keep your photographs as a reminder of the trip.
Exploring Lumangwe and Ntumbachushi Falls on a Longer Trip
If you have a whole week, then obviously you don’t want to return to Lusaka immediately after Chishimba Falls. You would actually spend nearly the whole day at Chishimba Falls, only returning to Kasama in time to refuel the car, eat a meal and rest enough for further adventure the following morning.
With more time available, continue towards Lumangwe Falls, which Zambia Tourism describes as approximately 35 metres high and 100 metres wide. Its broad cascade and surrounding landscape make it a worthwhile stop on a longer Northern Province trip. Allow enough time to explore the area, and confirm accommodation availability and prices before travelling, as facilities in remote locations may be limited.
The following morning you would continue southward into Luapula Province, making Ntumbachushi the final major waterfall of the circuit before returning to Lusaka
What to Pack for a Trip to Zambia’s Northern Waterfalls
These waterfalls are in relatively remote areas, so it is worth preparing before leaving. Pack the essentials you may not be able to buy easily along the way.
Navigation
- Offline maps and a downloaded route
- Phone, power bank and car charger
Vehicle
- Spare tyre, jack and wheel spanner
- Tyre inflator and puncture repair kit
- Jumper cables and basic toolkit
- Recovery equipment suitable for your vehicle and route
Personal items
- Cash and identification
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and sunglasses
- Toiletries and a small first-aid kit
- Drinking water, snacks and packed food
Waterfall and outdoor gear
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sandals and a towel
- Swimming clothes, where swimming is permitted
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Torch, light rain jacket and a change of clothes
With these essentials in check, a full tank and Zambia's many Zambia’s open roads, you could turn your ordinary weekend into a journey of wild scenery and breathtaking waterfalls of Kundalila, Chishimba, Lumangwe and Ntumbachushi, the kind of adventure that stays with you long after the drive home.
