Ngonye Falls

Ngonye Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River where the water drops across a broad series of rocky ledges and creates multiple cascades. The river spreads wide at this point, with numerous rock islands dividing the flow and producing a complex water formation rather than a single drop.

The falls developed over thousands of years as the Zambezi River eroded through sandstone rock, gradually carving deeper into the riverbed. This slow geological process created the stepped formation of cascades visible today.

The falls hold deep meaning for people in the Sioma community, who view them as a sacred connection to the river and the land. Visitors who spend time here notice how the place shapes the daily relationship between residents and their environment.

Reaching the falls requires several days of travel from major towns due to the remote location and limited road infrastructure. It is best to visit during the dry season when water levels are more stable and access routes are more passable.

The falls sit at the border between Zambia and Namibia's Caprivi Strip, marking a natural boundary where two countries meet at the water's edge. This location makes it a rare spot where geography, water, and borders intersect in a single view.

Location: Western Province

Elevation above the sea: 974 m

Part of: Zambezi River

GPS coordinates: -16.65417,23.57222

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06