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Wonder
Phophonyane Falls
In short
Although there are taller waterfalls in eSwatini (former Swaziland), the beautiful Phophonyane Falls are the best known.
39.8%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Height
Stream
Map of the site
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In detail
Waterfall is located in lush natural forest and is the central attraction of Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve (area – 600 ha). Forests have very high biological diversity, e.g. 240 species of birds have been observed here.
Phophonyane River here forms some 2 km long series of rapids, pools, and waterfalls, in total falling per some 240 m. The 80 m tall Phophonyane Falls are the highest. Waterfall does not form a vertical plunge – the stream slides down along a steep surface of gneiss.
Legend
According to a legend this fall was created by lament of beautiful maiden, who lost her beloved. This man had to present a skin of leopard and went to hunt to Gobolondlo Mountain. Witches of this mountain seized him and man was turned into a white flower.
Unique geology
Waterfall has formed on Phophonyane River, which flows here along a border of two ancient continental plates – Barberton Greenstone Belt. The exposed stone – gneiss – is approximately 3.55 billion years old and belong sto world’s oldest exposed rocks. Thus the area around the falls is of high interest to geologists and, well, gold also has been found here.
References
- Phophonyane Falls ecolodge & Nature Reserve. Accessed in the 2nd June 2013.
Linked articles
Wonders of eSwatini
This small country offers several outstanding landmarks. Most interesting among them are the world’s oldest mines – the 42,000 years old Lion Cavern and the amazing, more than 4000 years old cliff paintings in Nsangwini Rock Shelter.
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
Swaziland (Bradt Travel Guide)
This is the only dedicated, in-depth guide to Swaziland. Author Mike Unwin explores the excellent wildlife reserves and wild hiking trails offering waterfalls, rock art, and prolific flora and birdlife. He introduces travelers to the country’s rich and varied landscapes encompassing both the mountainous western ‘highveld’ and the dusty eastern ‘lowveld’.