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Top 10 Waterfalls in and near Johannesburg
Waterfalls offer a serene setting where you can kick back, swim, or just enjoy the view. Fortunately, there are a ton of breathtaking waterfalls here in South Africa, especially in and near Johannesburg.
From those located in botanical gardens and national parks to nature reserves, we’re here to give you the top waterfalls in and near Johannesburg.
1. Roodepoort Falls
From: joburg.co.za
Address: End of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
Distance from JO: 35 minutes
Contact Number: +27 (0)12 843 5000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- ZAR 80 per adult
- ZAR 25 per child
- ZAR 45 for students
Located inside Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort Falls is considered one of the highlights when you visit this tourist site. It’s a relatively calm waterfall with a steady stream that gracefully moves through the garden’s perimeter.
It’s also quite imposing to look at, as it’s 70 metres high. It links to the Crocodile River, which is the water source for the nearby Hartbeespoort Dam.
| Pro Tip: You’ll love this waterfall if you’re a bird watcher, as it’s home to the majestic South African Verreaux’s eagles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pair or two as you admire the surrounding views of the falls. |
2. Ruimsig Waterfall
From contento_della_vita
Distance from JO: 35 minutes
Contact Number: +27861001278
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- ZAR 80 per adult
- ZAR 25 per child
- ZAR 45 for students
A second waterfall to look out for at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is Ruimsig Waterfall with its impressive 100-foot height and shallow waters at the bottom.
Just like the nearby Roodepoort Falls, you can do some bird watching while visiting the site.
What makes Ruimsig Falls a big draw to tourists, though, is its amazing countryside vibe and the presence of one the most famous golf courses in South Africa—Roodepoort Country Club.
The garden paths to the falls are top-notch, and the greenery in the golf area is breathtaking!
| Pro Tip: Visit this area during weekdays to avoid large crowds during the weekends. If you do, you can stroll around the golf course and the waterfall area in relative peace. |
3. Lake Heritage Waterfall
From surajsrgiri
Address: Krugersdorp, South Africa
Distance from JO: 40 minutes
Contact Number: +27119195000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost:
- ZAR 50 per person conservancy fee
If you want to enjoy something different, then the Lake Heritage Waterfall should be right up your alley. This waterfall is the product of the waters falling down the Franz Richter Dam wall and into Cradle Moon Lake.
While standing along the edge of the waterfall’s bottom pool, you’ll appreciate the 20-metre-high dam wall and the calming sound of the cascading stream. There’s also enough greenery and wildlife surrounding the area and is perfect if you’re into nature!
| Pro Tip: Lake Heritage Waterfall is located inside Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, and while there’s just a ZAR 50 conservancy fee to get into the lodge and view the falls, other activities like hiking and cycling will be charged separately. |
4. Manie Mulder Waterfall
Address: Amaryllis Dr, Roodekrans, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
Contact Number: +27117685902
Operating Hours:
- 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
Cost:
- ZAR 50 per guest
Manie Mulder Waterfall, located inside Manie Mulder Adventure Park, is one of the most laid-back waterfalls in all of South Africa. It’s surrounded by stunning flora, amazing hiking trails, and a view that will surely capture your attention.
At just 12 feet, the falls itself isn’t as high as the other waterfalls in Johannesburg. However, the scenery produced by this beautiful spot—thanks to its clear waters and smooth assorted rocks lying at the bottom of the pool—is one you shouldn’t miss!
| Pro Tip: Back in the day, guests could swim in the bottom pool of the Manie Mulder Waterfall. Unfortunately, the quality of the water has deteriorated so badly that it’s no longer advisable to swim here at present. |
5. Little Falls Waterfall
From frankvent22
Address: Wilgespruit 190-Iq, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
Distance from JO: 31 minutes
Contact Number:
Operating Hours:
- 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
Cost:
- ZAR 150 per adult day pass (Little Falls Resort with Waterfall Tour)
- ZAR 75 per child day pass (Little Falls Resort with Waterfall Tour)
Aside from the scenic beauty of the Little Falls Waterfalls, you also get to experience the unique suburban vibe of the area. The waterfall isn’t that huge, but it has a unique look thanks to its clear rushing waters and the boulders sticking out from underneath.
With greenery, hiking trails, and activities surrounding this tourist spot, we’re also certain you’ll never run out of things to do! You can check out the nearby points of interest such as the Kloofendal Reserve, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, and Alice Art Gallery.
| Pro Tip: Little Falls Pleasure Resort can help you gain access to the Little Falls Waterfalls. It also offers other packages if you want to stay overnight at the resort; they include a tour of the area and a hike to the falls itself. |
6. Tugela Falls
From ihikewhereilike
Address: Royal Natal National Park, South Africa
Distance from JO: 3 hours and 41 minutes
Contact Number: +27214241037
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday
Cost:
- ZAR 65 per adult for the conservation fee
- ZAR 100 per adult for the Tugela Falls Amphitheatre Hike
The hike to Tugela Falls is one of the best ones here in South Africa. It will take you around five hours to reach the site, but it’s all worth it, as you’ll get to see various ecosystems on your way such as mountains, gullies, and rivers!
You’ll also fall in love with the beauty of Tugela Falls itself with its clear stream of waters cascading off in some places at a straight 90-degree drop. Some gorgeous limestone features look worthy of an art gallery exhibit!
| Pro Tip: Before taking on the Amphitheatre Hike to Tugela Falls, make sure that you are physically fit and mentally ready to take on this challenge. Some portions of the hike (such as the ladder climb) can be quite difficult! |
7. Lone Creek Falls
From senz_m
Address: 1341, South Africa
Distance from JO: 4 hours and 27 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- ZAR 45 per guest
Lone Creek Falls’ height is pretty impressive at 70 metres, which adds to the appeal of this often-visited spot here in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The hike to the falls itself can be quite challenging though, as the roads can be slippery, especially after some light rain.
However, if you muscle through the trek, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular waterfall views in all of South Africa. The steep drop of the water along with the greenery surrounding the falls’ pool is something you won’t find anywhere else!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Lone Creek Falls, then we suggest that you wear some trusty hiking shoes or boots. It wouldn’t hurt to wear appropriate hiking pants as well to help reduce the chances of scratches or injuries. |
8. Bridal Veil Falls
From romanticasheville
Address: Sabie, South Africa
Distance from JO: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day
Cost:
- ZAR 17 per guest
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls you need to visit when in South Africa. Compared to the other waterfalls in and around Johannesburg, this specific one has slow-flowing water making it look like the veil of a bride on her wedding day.
It’s also a towering waterfall measuring around 70 metres tall falling steeply down into a 90-degree wall composed of bright limestone. What makes this waterfall much more picturesque are the shrubs and trees populating the rock wall and surrounding area.
| Pro Tip: You can customise your trip to the Bridal Veil Falls if you want to see other points of interest nearby. Some tour operators offer packages that will not only bring you to different waterfalls but also to various safaris. |
9. Horse Shoe Falls
From horseshoe_falls_sabie
Address: Mpumalanga South Africa
Distance from JO: 4 hours and 49 minutes
Contact Number: +27781272005
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- ZAR 10 per guest
Horse Shoe Falls is an exquisitely shaped waterfall that resembles—you guessed it—a horseshoe! Its main feature isn’t its height or its cascading waters but its overall circular shape that makes it one of the most unique falls you’ll ever see in South Africa.
In fact, this waterfall is deemed a special landmark by the locals, and it has been classified as a national monument. The best part about Horse Shoe Falls, though, is that aside from its scenic beauty, you can also swim and fish for trout in its waters.
| Pro Tip: You can do a self-drive tour on the Escarpment Route near Horse Shoe Falls. Here, you can enjoy the landscape surrounded by lush greenery while navigating the dirt roads of Sabie, Mpumalanga. |
10. Elands River Waterfall
From wheretostay.co.za
Address: 1195, Emgwenya, South Africa
Distance from JO: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Contact Number:
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday
Cost:
- ZAR 30 per guest
These falls don’t just offer magnificent views of the Eland River but also rock climbing. The waterfalls have a height of 70 metres, and right beside the cascading waters, brave guests can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping climb to the top!
Of course, if you’re not into such activities, you can just stay at the base of the waterfall to admire the splendour of the vicinity. With its crystal clear waters, deep green pools, and lush greenery scattered across its rock walls, how can you go wrong?
| Pro Tip: If you want to do rock climbing in this area, we recommend visiting Elands River Waterfall from April to October. While the rock walls are doable all year long, the said months offer the best temperature for guests. |
