Tanzania is home to countless natural wonders, with waterfalls holding a special allure. Imagine lush tropical forests, the melodies of exotic birds, and in the midst of palm groves, a mighty stream plunges dramatically from great heights. This enchanting scenery creates a harmonious and unforgettable landscape. The country is home to so many amazing waterfalls that it might be hard to choose which ones to visit!
If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania and dream of witnessing these mesmerizing sights while capturing stunning photos, here’s an overview of the most famous and stunning waterfalls in Tanzania.
1. Mount Meru Waterfall
Location: Mount Meru | Arusha National Park
Nestled in the dense forests of Arusha, on the slopes of Mount Meru, stands the majestic Meru Waterfall. A powerful stream cascades from a height of 150 meters (492 ft). On sunny days, the sunlight reflecting in the rushing waters creates a captivating spectacle. The path to this incredible spot is not easy — it winds through jungle staircases, gorges, and rivers. But the Meru Waterfall is undoubtedly worth the journey.
The waterfall is located in the heart of a lush green forest, where you can admire exotic plants and, if lucky, encounter antelopes and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The area offers many hiking trails, making a visit to the waterfall an excellent addition to a park tour.
Tululusia Waterfall
Location: Mount Meru | Arusha National Park
Another impressive waterfall on the slopes of Mount Meru is Tululusia. Its cascade is smaller than its larger neighbor — 28 meters (92 ft) high. However, this does not diminish the beauty of this waterfall and its surroundings.
Tululusia is located in Arusha National Park and is included in the walking safari program. Visitors are first transferred to the park entrance, where a ranger guides them through a scenic valley to the waterfall. Along the way, you may encounter various wildlife, including antelopes, giraffes, serval wild cats, and many other vibrant representatives of the African savanna. A short 30-minute walk brings you to this enchanting spot, where the water has carved expressive stone arches into the surrounding rocks over centuries. There are also other waterfalls in the Arusha National Park worth visiting. For example, the Cave Waterfall.
Materuni Waterfall
Location: Kisambi Juu | Materuni, Moshi
The thunderous roar of Materuni Waterfall, cascading from a height of 150 meters (492 ft), can be heard long before you reach it. This remarkable natural wonder is just 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) from Moshi, a key tourist hub in northern Tanzania located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visiting the waterfall is an excellent way to diversify your itinerary, especially before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Guided tours to the waterfall provide an opportunity to learn about the Kilimanjaro region and the culture of the local Chagga tribe. Visiting the Materuni Waterfall can also be combined with a trip to a nearby village, where Chagga tribe members will guide you through coffee plantations and demonstrate the harvesting and processing of coffee.
4. Marangu Waterfalls
Location: Kilimanjaro National Park
Many travelers are familiar with the popular Marangu route leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, not everyone knows about the beautiful waterfall of the same name. Although it’s relatively modest at 30 meters (98 ft) in height, Marangu Waterfall is still one of Tanzania’s most captivating waterfalls.
Encircled by vibrant greenery, this waterfall is a true oasis of freshness, providing an excellent spot to rest and admire nature’s grandeur. The trail to the waterfall winds through tropical forest and is relatively easy, making it accessible to visitors of nearly any fitness level.
5. Kalambo Waterfall
Location: Southeast of Lake Tanganyika
The second-highest waterfall in Africa after Tugela, Kalambo Waterfall lies on the border between Tanzania and Zambia, flowing into the renowned Lake Tanganyika. The powerful stream plunges from a height of 235 meters (771 ft), offering an awe-inspiring sight to travelers.
Be prepared for a challenging journey: reaching the best vantage point involves a steep, three-hour hike. However, along this demanding trail to the canyon’s summit, you might encounter exotic wildlife inhabiting the surrounding forests. Kalambo stands out as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Tanzania.
Kalambo is also one of Africa’s most important archaeological sites. In 2023, researchers uncovered human-made structures estimated to be 476,000 years old. Findings include two carved wooden beams believed to have been part of a mechanism used by hominins (Homo helmei) for water collection, long before the emergence of Homo sapiens.
6. Themi Falls
Location: Themi Falls Leisure Park | Arusha
Another gem among Tanzania’s natural attractions is Themi Falls, which flows from an underground stream into the Themi River. Although it stands just 15 meters (49 ft) tall, its powerful cascade and picturesque surroundings leave a lasting impression.
The water here is so pure that locals use it for domestic needs, and nearby farms rely on Themi’s flow to irrigate their celery fields.
The area around the waterfall is managed by AUWASA (Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority), but the park administration has received official permission to organize tours in exchange for maintaining the ecosystem and protecting the environment.
After exploring the park, you can hike to nearby hills like Ol' Doinyo Sapuk, Kivesi, or Narengoro, which offer stunning panoramic views of Mount Meru and Arusha.
7. Sanje Waterfall
Location: Udzungwa Mountains National Park | Iringa and Morogoro regions
The path to Sanje Waterfall, nestled within Udzungwa Mountains National Park, meanders through dense jungle and takes about four hours. The trail is steep but well-maintained, and the effort is well worth it. From the park entrance, visitors can either hike to the summit of the waterfall or descend to its base for a refreshing swim in the cool waters.
Sanje stands at an impressive height of 170 meters (558 ft). Together with its lush surroundings, it forms a mesmerizing and highly photogenic scene. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys along the way, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the cascade.
8. Nhumbwe Waterfall
Location: Kitulo National Park | Mbeya
Kitulo National Park features a hilly landscape with numerous waterfalls, making it a must-visit destination for those captivated by the water's beauty. Among these, Nhumbwe Waterfall stands out. Plunging from a height of 100 meters (328 ft), the waterfall is accompanied by a specially designed viewing platform equipped with picnic areas. The waterfall, framed by green hills, creates a breathtaking view you simply can’t take your eyes off.
Kitulo National Park, situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,530 ft), lies between the Kipengere and Poroto mountain peaks. The park’s montane forests and valleys are home to about 350 plant species, including wild orchids. Local tribes have even named the Kitulo Plateau Bustani ya Mungu, which translates to "God’s Garden" in Swahili.
9. Ngare Sero Waterfall
Location: Lake Natron | Arusha Region
Near Lake Natron, at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, lies the stunning Ngare Sero Waterfall, hidden in the gorge of the Great Rift Valley. Nearby, several Maasai villages can also be visited, making incorporating cultural experiences into your excursion easy. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the powerful cascade forms a shallow natural pool of turquoise water at its base.
Ngare Sero Waterfall can be explored as part of a safari experience with Altezza Travel.
10. Kimani Waterfall
Location: Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve | Njombe
One of the main attractions of Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve is Kimani Waterfall, which boasts a height of 250 meters (820 ft). Water flows down terraced rocks, splitting into several streams, making this waterfall uniquely different from any others mentioned in the article.
Kimani is located in the Njombe region, near the border with Mbeya. From the city of Mbeya, you can reach the destination in just two hours. While visiting the waterfall, you can descend to its base to swim in the natural pool or climb to a viewing platform to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
FAQs about Tanzania waterfalls
What is the largest waterfall in Tanzania?
The largest waterfall in Tanzania is Kalambo Falls, located near the southeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, on the border with Zambia. It is the second-highest waterfall in Africa, with an impressive drop of 235 meters (771 ft). The powerful cascade is a breathtaking natural wonder and an important archaeological site.
How many waterfalls are there in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to several dozen well-known waterfalls that are popular with tourists. However, its expansive national parks and nature reserves host hundreds of waterfalls of varying sizes. An exact count remains unknown.