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Wonder
Kalandula Falls
In short
Kalandula Falls belong to the largest waterfalls of Africa. This waterfall is 410 m wide and (possibly) up to 105 m tall.
47.3%
GPS coordinates
Name in Portuguese
Alternate names
Height
Width
Average annual flow
Stream
Map of the site
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In detail
Falls have formed on Lucala river, the largest tributary of Kwanza.
The stream of this horseshoe shaped waterfall is divided into countless smaller trickles by the crevices and boulders at the rim of falls. As a result, Kalandula Falls have their own, very special beauty, they differ from any other large waterfall in the world. The stream is eroding the cliff, large boulders and smaller rubble often falls down together with water.
Tourist handbooks often mention that falls are 105 m (or a bit more) tall. In images, this waterfall though seems lower.
The eternal vapour of falls has sustained a small oasis of rainforest around the river. In the rainy periods (February to April) this waterfall is especially impressive – then the stream becomes powerful, falls are up to 580 m wide. Mist of falls then is seen from afar.
Although Kalandula Falls belong to the most spectacular falls of the world, there are no ticket offices, railings, souvenirs, and hordes of tourists.
It has not been like this in earlier times – earlier here operated a hotel with carefully moved lawn up to the rim of falls. Before the independence of Angola in 1975 falls were named after the Duke of Braganza – one of the highest titles of Portuguese nobility.
References
- Kalandula Falls, World Waterfall Database. Accessed in 08.07.2013.
Linked articles
Wonders of Angola
Highlights of Angola could be the otherwordly cliff formations – such as Pungo Andongo and Tundavala cliffs with ravines. Scientifically important are archaeological landmarks left by many local cultures – but it seems that many discoveries are still to be made. The country has gorgeous waterfalls and also interesting examples of Portuguese colonial architecture.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of Africa
Africa has many outstanding wonders and some of the most surprising ones are the heritage of Egyptian civilization, the vernacular architecture of the Sahel region, tropical ecosystems, and others.
Recommended books
Angola (Bradt Travel Guide)
Angola is changing at a rapid pace, though it is still far from a mainstream tourist destination. There is much to see and it can all be explored on a road network that is excellent by African standards, in a society that is both welcoming and safe for foreign visitors.
Africa’s Top Geological Sites
Africa was the core of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea and comprises some of the oldest and most extraordinary geology on planet Earth. This detailed and colorful book features 44 of the continent’s most spectacular and interesting ‘geosites’, from Table Mountain in the south to the eroded necks and plugs of the Hoggar region in Algeria; and from the volcanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean to the continental fragments off the African east coast.