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Chishimba Falls (I've also seen it spelled Chisimba Falls) is actually a conglomeration of three components - the main falls, Kaela Rapids, and Mutumuna Falls (the upper falls). The main falls drops about 15-20m in a thick gushing leap. We took a short, well-developed walkway leading downstream past a hydroelectric diversion canal towards both the rapids and the main falls. We also took an easy-to-miss trail to the bottom of the main falls as well as a viewpoint within a gazeebo.
The Kaela Rapids was basically a long series of short cascades with an attractive 5m plunge at its start. There was also a gazeebo nearby for viewing this part of the falls as well.
The uppermost waterfall (Mutumuna Falls) was the widest of the three sections. It dropped some 20m, but this was also the one that received the most attention for hydroelectric development (supplying power to the relatively busy town of Kasama and other neighboring villages). Despite the development, the width of the falls was attractive and we were able to see it from a well-made trail leading to both its rocky base as well as an overlook above some slippery steps.
Despite the hydroelectric developments, the falls still flowed with vigor when we saw them in June 2008. However, we can only speculate as to the health of its flow as the Dry Season wears on.
All told, we spent about an hour at this waterfall encompassing the hiking and the photographing.
Directions: It's about 20 minutes drive west from Kasama on a mix of tarmac and unsealed roads. However, this waterfall is very well-signed.
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