The Atlas · Zambia
Ngonye Falls
The upper Zambezi breaks across a crescent of Kalahari sandstone in Zambia's quiet west.
Ngonye Falls, also called Sioma Falls, is where the upper Zambezi spills over a horseshoe of rock in Zambia's Western Province, about 300 kilometres upstream of Victoria Falls. The falls are part of Sioma Ngwezi National Park and few travellers reach them.
Why visit Ngonye Falls
Boats from the riverbank lodges take you across to islands between the channels, and the views from the far side are spectacular. The Barotse floodplain and Liuwa Plain, with its wildebeest migration, are within reach.
Best time to visit Ngonye Falls
Go from May to August, as the floodwaters drop and the roads reopen.
How to get to Ngonye Falls
A tarred road now connects Livingstone and Sesheke with Sioma; allow five hours.
What to see
Ngonye Falls, also called Sioma Falls, is a horseshoe of falls and rapids on the upper Zambezi, about 25 metres high and much wider. From the western bank you see part of it, but the best views are from the islands and far bank, reached by boat with a local guide. The falls are inside Sioma Ngwezi National Park, Zambia's third-largest.
Practical information
Sioma is about five hours by road from Livingstone. A handful of lodges along the river arrange boat trips. The falls flow year-round and are at their most powerful from about March to June. Combine them with Liuwa Plain, the Barotse floodplain and the Kuomboka ceremony, when it takes place, or continue to Namibia's Caprivi Strip.
Pair Ngonye Falls with a safari
Ngonye is a natural extension for travellers who have already seen Victoria Falls and want the wilder Zambezi.
Tips for visiting Ngonye Falls
Cross to the far side by boat with a local guide for the best views of the horseshoe. The tarred road from Livingstone makes this an easy extension of a Victoria Falls stay. For planning, see our Zambia guide and the month-by-month water levels, or compare it with Africa's two most visited falls, Victoria Falls and Murchison Falls.
National parks and sights nearby
- Sioma Ngwezi National Park
- Liuwa Plain National Park
- Barotse floodplain
Frequently asked questions
How high is Ngonye Falls?
Ngonye Falls is about 25 m, and about horseshoe of channels wide. It is on the Zambezi in Zambia.
When is the best time to visit Ngonye Falls?
May–August, as the Zambezi falls after the flood. Go from May to August, as the floodwaters drop and the roads reopen..
How do I get to Ngonye Falls?
The nearest town is Sioma, Western Province. Fly into Livingstone (LVI), 5 hours by road, or Mongu.
Can I combine Ngonye Falls with a safari?
Ngonye is a natural extension for travellers who have already seen Victoria Falls and want the wilder Zambezi.
At a glance
Ngonye Falls
- Country
- Zambia
- River
- Zambezi
- Height
- about 25 m
- Width
- horseshoe of channels
- Type
- Horseshoe cascades
- Best time
- May–August, as the Zambezi falls after the flood
- Nearest town
- Sioma, Western Province
- Fly to
- Livingstone (LVI), 5 hours by road, or Mongu
Water levels by month
- JJan: Moderate water
- FFeb: High water
- MMar: High water
- AApr: High water
- MMay: High water
- JJun: Moderate water
- JJul: Moderate water
- AAug: Low water
- SSep: Low water
- OOct: Low water
- NNov: Low water
- DDec: Low water
Low Moderate High
Tailor-made
Plan a trip to Ngonye Falls
Every journey is built around your dates, budget and the water levels at the falls. Tell us what you have in mind and we will reply with ideas and a quote.
Start an enquiryOr email dusk2dawn.explorers@gmail.com or call +256 709 780 625
