South Africa
beauty, you'll never forget

Debengeni Waterfall is situated in Magoebaskloof just outside Tzaneen in the province of Limpopo, South Africa. It is easily accessible from the Woodbush Forest Station off the R71 and visitors will have to travel on a dirt road for approximately 3 km before reaching the Waterfall.

The waterfall basin, with its’ cool and refreshing water, is known as a popular swimming spot for locals, tourists and hikers passing by. The waterfall is 80 metres high and set in the most idyllic settings for abundant bird life. Bird lovers can find some rare species of birds of which some include the Narina Tragon, the Christopher Robin and Grey Wagtail, with the rarest of all being the Bush Strike which is only found in this area. The surrounding landscape is also home to 40 species of indigenous trees.

There is something for every visitor to enjoy, bird life, picnics, or swimming and for the very energetic there are numerous hiking trails and a 15 to 18 km route, with scenic views of tea plantations and the tropical rainforest, for mountain bikers.

Things to do and see

  • Woodbush Forest Reserve
  • Debengeni Downhill Ride – Mountain Bike Trail
  • Hiking Trails
  • Swimming
  • Picnic area with braai facilities
  • Restroom facilities

Admission

A nominal fee is charged for entry to the waterfall. 

Open daily during daylight hours

Climate

Rainfall occurs in the summer months, with the highest being recorded during January.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 16˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 5˚C and 22˚C.

Transport

Driving to Magoebaskloof from Johannesburg will take approximately 4 hours along the N1 and R71.

There are daily flights into Polokwane International Airport from O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and Magoebaskloof is approximately 70 km from Polokwane. Car rental facilities are available.

History

The Waterfall was named by the Pedi Tribe, directly translated Debengeni Waterfall means “Place of the Big Pot”. The name bears reference to the deeply carved pool at the pedestal of the waterfall.

It is found at the base of the Magoebaskloof Mountains, where the Ramadipa River descends about 80 metres into a big pool, caused from thousands of years of water erosion.

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