Few people who live outside South Africa realize that the country is home to some of the world’s more spectacular waterfalls, and that these include the second highest waterfall in the world. By far the majority of our waterfalls occur in the Drakensberg Range of Mountains Range, which stretch from the Cape to the Kruger National Park. But in the far west of the country, about 120 kilometres from Upington, lies the quiet little village of Augrabies. The village is named after the nearby Augrabies Falls (San – Place of Great Noise), which ranks among the world’s greatest cataracts. The falls lie on the Orange River and drop more than 90 metres over a series of cascades before a 56metre plunge into space. About 10% of the water somehow disappears underground from the river and reappears out of a sheer cliff face as the Bridal Falls.

An excellent place to spend a few days is the small village of Sabie in Mpumalanga Province. Within just a few kilometres of the village are no less than six picturesque waterfalls, most of them within easy trekking distance of the main road. The Panorama Falls plunge over the precipice just outside the town of Graskop. The more energetic can ride a wire across the gorge, swing through the lower portion of the falls, or abseil down the sheer sides of the gorge. In the forests near Sabie are the Horseshoe, the Mac Mac, the Forest, the Lone Creek, the Maria Shires and the Sabie Waterfalls, all of which are quite spectacular. Just a few more kilometres away to the north of Graskop are the 92metre high Lisbon Falls, a double cascade that plunges into the rocky pools beneath, and the 150metre Berlin Falls.

Travelling south to KwaZulu-Natal and almost in the centre of the town of the same name are the Howick Falls, which have a 93metre drop into the river below. The honour of being the second highest fall in the world goes to the Tugela Falls, which drop a total of 947metres from the lip of the Drakensberg escarpment. This province is dotted with numerous small to medium waterfalls, most of which rise in the high reaches or the Drakensberg before plunging into the lowveld.

Though not in South Africa, mention must be made of the mighty Victoria Falls, known to the locals as Mosi-a-Tunya (The smoke that thunders). The Victoria Falls lie on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and are just a few kilometres from the South African border. The Victoria Falls are more than 1700 metres wide, making them the widest curtain of water in the world, and drop 100metres into the Zambezi Gorge. An average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plunge over the edge of the falls every minute. No visit to southern Africa would be complete without a visit. On the Zimbabwe side of the gorge a natural rain forest has developed in the fine spray that continually blows over the land from the mighty Zambezi.

Berlin Falls of Mpumalanga, South Africa
If you are thinking of spending your honeymoon in an exotic destination, you should check out South Africa. Considered as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole world, the country has a lot to offer to its tourists. Enjoy a romantic African Safari honeymoon, wherein you can go on self drive tours. You can visit national reserves where the big five of the country is housed for protection. When you get there, you will see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other than these huge animals, you will also be able to see zebras, giraffes, and hippos.

South Africa wildlife is varied and rich, boasting of species which you only find within the country. While there are animals which roam without hesitation, some of the creatures only come out of hiding when they think that there are no predators around. On the other hand, nocturnal animals roam their habitat in the night. If you want to see these animals, this means that you have to take your trip when the sun goes down. Other than wild animals, the fauna and flora of the country is also a sight to behold.

If you want a specific province to visit, you should try out Mpumalanga. This is a province which is full of natural beauty. You will get to see splendid mountains with charming chalets. There is the Sabie River whose banks are filled with wild flowers and green grass. When you drive to Mpumalanga, you should not miss out its waterfalls. The province has six falls which are all considered as glorious sights. One of these beautiful waterfalls is Berlin Falls, which is situated kilometers away from Lisbon Falls.

Berlin Falls is found at the northern area of Graskop, near God’s Window. While the Panorama Route of the province is already known as spectacular, it is even more gaped at because of the great Berlin Falls. This falls measures 45 meters high, and is considered as a national monument. Berlin Falls has been formed when the soft rocks of the mountain side gradually receded away because of the raging flow of Mpumalanga’s river. In order for you to view this falls, a unique platform for observation has been created. The waters drop 80 meters over the cliff, into the deep pool below it. Even if you can’t get close to the falls, you can still enjoy the view by the platform.

You can get to Berlin Falls when you return to the tar path of R532 and steer towards your left. Drive for tow kilometers right past the turnoff of R534 and turn left again. The falls is not farther away from Berlin Sawmill. Two kilometers from the major street, steer to the left and stop at the parking lot of the area. Take a short trek which will take you to the vantage point of the falls. This point will allow you to view Berlin Falls.

Besides the falls of Mpumalanga, South Africa will be greatly flocked by tourists. Since it will be hosting the World Soccer Cup 2010, its tourism industry will definitely skyrocket to the top.

Lisbon Falls of Mpumalanga, South Africa

South Africa is among the most popular destinations of couples who want to enjoy their honeymoon. Safari honeymoons are among the famous activities of the country. You can take out your husband to self drive tours and go to a big five hunting safari. Maybe you can search for the big five of the country, or explore the other species of South Africa wildlife. You can also check out national parks, and gape at the country’s magnificent fauna and flora. Or else, you can go to the beach and try out beach surfing. If you are not into water sports, you can just take a quiet stroll down by the shore.

Safari honeymoons are never complete when couples do not get to see the big five of South Africa. This is made up of the elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and the buffalo. The best places for you to find these animals are at reserves, where they are protected from illegal hunters. If you are traveling to the country, you should also try out its small country towns. Among the scenic towns of South Africa is Sabie, which is located within the province of Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga is among the provinces of the country which has a diverse and rich wildlife. Aside from its wild animals, the province also has a lot of tourist attractions to boast about.

The waterfalls of Mpumalanga are among the reasons why this province looks so splendid. You should make this one of your destinations when you travel to South Africa. One of the glorious waterfalls of the province is Lisbon Falls. You can get the greatest view of this falls when you trek through a footpath towards its base. This 92-meter tumbles into a double stream, over a rock face which is shaped like a semi-circle. This location is a great place for you to spend the day with your husband. Maybe you can plan a picnic besides the falls, or take a dip in its cold waters.

From afar, Lisbon Falls is a wonderful sight to see. This goes especially when you and your partner ride a helicopter to view the falls. Situated at Graskop, it flows down the side of the mountain; providing a spectacular view. Measuring 92 meters, the falls is considered as the highest falls within the area. You should see this falls when a rainbow hits the waters. You will certainly catch your breath when you get to see how amazing Lisbon Falls look. If the falls appear glorious from afar, it is even more glorious when you are near.

In order for you to get to Lisbon Falls, drive towards the northern part of Graskop. Head to R534 where the road joins with R532. You need to turn to your left and drive for 800 meters more, right on to a gravel path. You will find the falls as you drive further along for 2.2 kilometers. You can visit Lisbon Falls anytime, since you are not required to pay for an entrance fee.

You should plan your trip to South Africa in advance, especially when it will be the location of the World Soccer Cup 2010.