From tragic tales of love and loss to revered serpent deities and celestial guardians, these narratives highlight the deep spiritual and historical connections between Zambia’s people and its awe-inspiring landscapes. Discover the legends that have shaped local traditions and continue to captivate visitors today.
A land blessed with beautiful and majestic natural sights, Zambia is home to many mighty and elegant waterfalls that are sure to leave you awestruck. With such powerful forces of nature, it is unsurprising that several of these waterfalls are surrounded by stories and legends passed down through generations by local communities. Let’s explore three of these remarkable waterfalls and the enduring tales that have long been admired.
Chishimba Falls
In this tragic story of heartbreak and loss, the one story behind the naming of Chishimba Falls highlights the importance of familial bonds and respect in the Bemba people’s culture. Chishimba Falls is located in the Northern Province of Zambia in the Kasama District and is part of a series of three waterfalls, Mutumuna Falls, Kaela Rapids, and Chishimba Falls, all connected with each body of water being named after a person that sadly met their end in the rushing waves.
The story starts with Mutumuna, a young man who is celebrating his Chilanga Mulilo (a pre-marriage ceremony where the bride's family prepares several dishes for the groom), it is after this happy celebration that he decides to go out on a drinking spree in a nearby village. Upon returning from his bachelor’s retreat, he found the food prepared for him eaten. Furious, Mutumuna placed the blame on and insulted his father-in-law Chishimba, who most likely filled with guilt and shame, walked over to the waterfall and ended his life.
Chishimba’s wife, then filled with the grief of losing her husband, unable to accept her life without him, proceeded to end her own life at what is now the Kaela Rapids. After this series of events, the news then reached Mutumuna, most likely ashamed of his behaviour, which had led to the demise of his new family, approached the third waterfall and followed in their fates.
It is unknown what happened to Mutumuna’s bride, as her recollections are never mentioned in the story. However, we can only imagine what kind of life she must have led after losing her family's lifeline. This story shares the importance of holding one’s temper and displays the loving bond a family, even when in turmoil, holds for one another.
Kalambo Falls
A gem of Zambia’s natural landscape Kalambo Falls is the second-highest uninterrupted waterfall on the African continent, standing at an impressive 235 metres. The falls are located on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in Northern Province, between the Zambia and Tanzania border.
This majestic waterfall features a single-drop cascade of gushing water, which, from a distance, appears to resemble a snake, the form of a creature believed by local communities to be a god of the area.
The land surrounding the falls is inhabited by the Tongwe people, who believe it is watched over by a giant snake. This guardian spirit is said to protect the area and its people from evil and malicious forces. When viewed from afar, the flow of the water makes it easy to imagine the form of the worshipped serpent.
Another legend associated with this guardian snake is that of Mwine Chilambo, a large, snake-like creature that is believed to dwell beneath a nearby bridge. The story tells of a stranger who, while resting by the bridge, encountered the enormous snake and fled in terror. Along the way, he met two local girls and attempted to warn them of the creature. However, they were unfazed by his account. As locals, they were already familiar with the serpent and, unlike the outsiders, saw it as a protective guardian rather than a threat.
Kalambo Falls is also an important archaeological site, where evidence of ancient civilisations has been uncovered. Among the findings are indications of ritualistic and religious activities that likely took place around the waterfall. This rich historical significance contributed to the area being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Mumbuluma Falls
Located just 8 kilometres off Mwense Road, outside the Mansa District in Luapula Province, Mumbuluma Falls is a designated national monument of Zambia. The name Mumbuluma translates to “the natural sound of roaring waters.” This impressive waterfall system features two distinct levels, an upper and a lower fall, which cascade in succession, creating the illusion of steps descending from the sky. The lower section forms a large plunge pool that is both open and safe for swimming.
Unlike the other two waterfalls, Mumbuluma Falls is not associated with a single myth. However, it holds deep spiritual significance tied to the presence of heavenly guardian spirits. South of the waters lies a sacred temple dedicated to two sibling spirits, Makumba and his sister Ngosa. According to local legend, these beings fell from the heavens and became the protectors of the waterfall and the surrounding land.
Within the quiet walls of the temple burns an eternal flame, which is constantly tended by a group of dedicated priests. This fire symbolises the guardianship of Makumba and Ngosa and stands as a powerful representation of spiritual resilience and protection over the area.
The region surrounding Mumbuluma Falls is also open to camping, and the local community is known for its hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with stories and legends passed down through generations, and perhaps even more information about the spirit siblings may come to light.
