Waterfalls Day Adventure: Unlimited Falls, Stunning Scenery, Discover Mpanga Kipengere

Waterfalls Day ~ June 16, 2025, marks International Waterfall Day, a global celebration of nature’s liquid wonders. This year, join us, venture beyond the ordinary, and immerse yourself in Tanzania’s Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve—a hidden Eden where over 50 confirmed waterfalls thunder, trickle, and glide through one of Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes. Verified by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), this reserve is a testament to Earth’s untamed beauty, offering an unparalleled waterfall experience.

The Reserve was officially established in 2002, encompassing a total area of 1,574.25 km². Situated at an elevation ranging from 1,080 to 2,858 meters above sea level, it spans three districts: Wanging’ombe to the east, Makete to the south (in Njombe Region), and Mbarali to the north and northwest (in Mbeya Region). The Reserve is characterised by the striking Kipengere, Mpanga, Lugala, and Chafukwe Mountains, which create a breathtaking landscape of lush green peaks, expansive plains, dramatic valleys, and winding rivers adorned with unique waterfalls.

Geographically, the Reserve lies between latitudes 8°50’S and 9°10’S and longitudes 34°00’E and 34°30’E, forming part of the Southern Highlands. This highland region is defined by a sweeping arc of elevated terrain (1,300–3,000 m), where the Kipengere Ranges meet the Kitulo Plateau to the west.

The Reserve’s main office is located in Ilembula town, along the Njombe-Mbeya highway.

Why Mpanga Kipengere?

1. Africa’s Greatest Concentration of Waterfalls

Located in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, Mpanga Kipengere is a geological marvel where rivers born on the slopes of the Kipengere Range carve through quartzite cliffs and ancient forests. With over 50 documented waterfalls—ranging from delicate veils to thunderous plunges—this reserve holds the highest density of cascades in Tanzania, and possibly Africa.

TAWA’s 2024 survey confirmed this staggering number, cementing Mpanga Kipengere as a global waterfall hotspot.

Among its crown jewels:

• Kimani Falls: Tanzania’s iconic waterfall, at 250 meters (820 feet), never fails to amaze any soul visiting the place

• Merere Falls: A terraced giant with 180 meters (590 feet) of cumulative drops, surrounded by moss-draped cliffs and wild orchids. The water flows in a series of rock steps form a round table, from a 5-meter-high cliff, creating a shallow pool of clear water that makes the place ideal for swimming. The fall is named in honour of the story and history dating back to the 18th century, when Chief Merere of the Sangu and Chief Mkwawa of the Hehe frequently had territorial wars demarcating their territories at this place. A source of history, nature and environmental conservation efforts.

• Kipengere Falls: It is the longest and most impressive of all the waterfalls within the reserve. The falls stand at 270m, falling from the iconic Livingstone Mountains, positioning the waterfalls as the ecotone of the forest, montane, and heath grassland integrates.

• Imani Falls: It is one of the beauties within the reserve, flowing the waters on stair-like rock, bringing the rhythm of the flow to that just making a soul still. The place is ideal for inner connection of soul, bringing quietness of mind and body, too, stillness.

2. A Sanctuary of Ecological Wonder

The waterfalls are the lifeblood of Mpanga Kipengere’s ecosystems, sustaining habitats found nowhere else on Earth:

Flora

• Spray Zone Specialists: Mosses (Bryum), ferns (Asplenium), and orchids (Disa stairsii) thrive in the perpetual mist.
• Afro-Montane Forests: Giant lobelias (Lobelia gibberoa) and towering Podocarpus trees create a Jurassic-like canopy.

Fauna

• Birds: The critically endangered Kipengere seedeater (Crithagra melanochrous) flits through waterfall spray zones, found only here. Raptors like the African crowned eagle patrol the skies.
• Aquatic Life: Waterfalls feed rivers that flow into Lake Nyasa (Malawi), sustaining endemic cichlid fish.

3. Adventure Awaits: Pure, Unfiltered Nature

Mpanga Kipengere is a playground for those who crave raw, unfiltered wilderness:

For Thrill-Seekers

• Abseiling Kimani Falls: Descend the sheer face of Tanzania’s tallest waterfall with certified guides
• Swimming close to the Merere Falls: Navigate slippery rocks, jump into turquoise pools, and swim in natural pool formed by the waterfalls.
• Multi-Day Treks: Follow the trails, camping under stars and waking to the roar of unnamed falls.

Nature Lovers

• Photography: Capture the “Golden Hour” at Merere Falls, where sunlight ignites mist into a kaleidoscope of rainbows.
• Botanical Walks: Discover carnivorous plants and giant ferns along the Nyaugenge Falls Trail.

And for Conservation Advocates

• Citizen Science: Join TAWA-led surveys to document waterfall health and biodiversity.
• Eco-Volunteering: Plant native trees in eroded areas to protect watersheds.

Why Waterfalls (Day) Matters Here

Waterfalls are not just scenic wonders—they are ecological lifelines. In Mpanga Kipengere, they:

• Sustain Biodiversity: Provide critical water sources for plants and animals in the dry season.
• Combat Climate Change: Mist-cooled forests act as carbon sinks.
• Inspire Conservation: Their beauty drives efforts to protect the reserve from deforestation and illegal mining.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Go

• June–October (Dry Season): Safely hike trails and enjoy clear views.
• December–March (Rainy Season): Witness waterfalls at peak flow, though trails may be slippery.

How to Get There

• Starting Point: Fly to Mbeya City (2 hours max from Dar es Salaam).
• Road Transfer: A 3-4-hour 4×4 drive to Njombe, T1 Road.
• Permits: Required for entry; book through TAWA or licensed operators like Kipengere Adventures.

Where to Stay

• Inside the Park: Solar-powered chalets with waterfall views, a bit expensive and limited but reliable, early bookings required.
• Wilderness Camping: Designated sites near Kimani Falls (BYO gear or rent from guides).
• Coordinate your tour through operators for a smooth and maximised fun. Contact Bateleur Safaris for more

Mpanga Kipengere’s waterfalls face threats from climate change, illegal logging, and invasive species. On International Waterfall Day, pledge to:

1. Visit Responsibly: Stay on trails, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
2. Support TAWA: Research, study, development and investments.
3. Spread the Word: Share your journey with #MpangaKipengere to inspire others.

This International Waterfall Day, trade crowded tourist hubs for the untouched majesty of Mpanga Kipengere. Here, over 50 falls await—no barriers, just pure, unfiltered wonder. Come for the waterfalls. Stay for the wildness. Leave with a promise to protect.

“In Mpanga Kipengere, water doesn’t just fall—it sings. And on June 16, the world needs to hear its song.” 

Plan to join us and tell the world to do the same!