Kalambo Falls
Description
In Africa, the Kalambo River is home to the Kalambo Falls, the second deepest in the continent, and the Tugela Falls, the second highest uninterrupted fall. These cultural sites, surrounded by seasonal streams, offer rich archaeological resources.
Lake Tanganyika, a natural wonder, is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including ferns, elephant ear grass, and wild bananas, supported by water spray at the falls. The Kalambo River flows through the area.
The climate of the site is seasonal with a wet season from November to April and dry season from May to October. The wet season has a mean monthly temperature of 19.7º C with mean maximum temperature of 36º C, which occurs in months of September and October. The minimum temperatures are experienced in June/July and averages 10º C.
The Kalambo falls lie just within the rain shadow of Lake Tanganyika. However the mean annual rainfall is 1200mm with 75% of it coming in the months of December to March. Rainfall statistics for the last twenty months (1981 to 2000) show that the maximum rainfall recorded during the period was in 1986 (1700.5mm) while the minimum recorded during the same period was in 1992 (687.0mm).
The relative humidity is low during the dry season except during early morning hours. During the rainy season humidity is quite high. Wind directions are predominantly East to South – East except during the rain season when they are quite variable with north to north-west direction most frequent.
Justification of Outstanding Universal Value
The Kalambo falls, located in sub-sahara Africa, are the second highest waterfall in the world and have a rich history of human occupation dating back over 100,000 years. The site features diverse tools from Stone Age to Iron Age groups.
A number of crudely and finely made artefacts were discovered at Kalambo including the first authentic early stone industry, the Acheulian. This Acheulian Industry takes its name from the gravel pits of Saint Acheul in the Somme Valley of Northern France, which is one of the places where these characteristic stone artefacts were first recognised. The most outstanding and easily recognisable artefact in this Early Stone Age Industry was the pear-shaped, artificially trimmed stone hand axe.
Statements of authenticity and/or integrity
As a result of the archaeological work done at Kalambo over the years, there is now the most complete, uninterrupted stratified sequence of cultural history from any site in Southern Africa and a continuous record stretching from approximately 60,000 years up to the present day.
Comparison with other similar properties
The Stone Age remains at Kalambo are of international importance for they represent links between similar sites in the region as well as outside. For example, they have links with those in East-Africa’s Olduval Stage and Northern France’s Saint Acheul in the Somme Valley.
Activities
For the more adventurous spirit, Kalambo Falls Lodge offers a challenging hike to the stunning waterfall that lends its name to the resort. The views from the heights of the fall, of the surrounding valley, lake and streams are unparralled and worth the exertion required to get there.
In May, guests can experience an additional challenge by hiking into the gorge from the falls lodge, where they may encounter local wildlife such as bushbabies and monkeys. The lodge also offers waterskiing, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking for an active getaway.
The Lake’s emerald waters and sandy beaches are a welcome relief for those simply searching for a relaxed retreat. A visit to neighbouring Luke’s beach provides the tropical island experience you may long for. Experience the still soothing waters of a crystal clear lake at dawn. Enjoy the opportunity to simply bathe on the sun kissed shores after an engaging day or enjoy a cool cocktail overlooking the setting sun as it casts its reflection across the silver surface of the magical lake.
