Pungwe Falls Pungwe Falls drops 240 meters through lush montane forest in the Eastern Highlands, offering a more accessible waterfall experience than Mtarazi. The Pungwe River plunges over the escarpment edge, creating a spectacular cascade surrounded by indigenous forest.Map coordinates not available
Quick Facts Height 240 meters Location Nyanga National Park / Pungwe area Type Single plunge cascade Access Moderate walk Best Flow November - May Setting Montane forest
The Falls Characteristics
Single major drop - More dramatic than Mtarazi’s tiersForest setting - Surrounded by indigenous treesMist zone - Creates mini-rainforestRiver gorge - Dramatic canyon belowYear-round flow - Though seasonal variation
Height Comparison Waterfall Height Character Mtarazi 762 m Multi-tier Pungwe 240 m Single plunge Victoria Falls 108 m Curtain wall
Getting There Location Pungwe Falls lies on the border of Nyanga National Park, near the escarpment edge.
From Nyanga Village
Take the road toward Honde Valley
Watch for Pungwe Falls signage
Turn onto access road
Park and walk to viewpoints
Distance: ~30 km from Nyanga
Road: Mostly tar, some gravelFrom Mutare
Via Juliasdale route
Approximately 80 km
Scenic mountain drive
Visiting the Falls Access Option Distance Difficulty Upper viewpoint 500 m walk Easy Lower viewpoint 1.5 km Moderate Gorge base Not recommended Dangerous
What to Expect
Upper viewpoint - Look down on the fallsLower viewpoint - See falls from sideForest walk - Beautiful indigenous treesBird life - Many forest species
Best Time to Visit Seasonal Conditions Season Flow Experience Feb-Apr Peak Dramatic, often misty May-Jul Good Clear views, solid flow Aug-Oct Lower Easiest viewing Nov-Jan Rising Unpredictable
Weather The highlands can be:
Misty (especially mornings)
Cool year-round
Rainy afternoons (wet season)
Clear mornings (dry season)
Photography Best Shots
Falls from upper viewpoint
Forest framing
Mist and atmosphere
Detail of cascading water
Tips
Morning before mist rises
Slow shutter for silky water
Wide angle for forest context
Rain jacket protects camera
What to Bring
Warm jacket (highlands cool)
Rain gear (mist common)
Good walking shoes
Camera
Water and snacks
Nearby Attractions Attraction Distance Highlights Mtarazi Falls 20 km Zimbabwe’s highest Honde Valley Below Tea estates, views World’s View 20 km Panoramic vistas Nyanga Village 30 km Services, lodges
Forest Gem Pungwe Falls combines dramatic water with intimate forest atmosphere. Less visited than Mtarazi, it offers a quieter experience in one of Zimbabwe’s most beautiful highland settings.
Pungwe Falls drops 240 meters through lush montane forest in the Eastern Highlands, offering a more accessible waterfall experience than Mtarazi. The Pungwe River plunges over the escarpment edge, creating a spectacular cascade surrounded by indigenous forest.