The Northern Circuit of Zambia refers to the numerous National Monument Heritage Sites spread mostly throughout Luapula and Northern provinces, many of which are waterfalls, along with nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, archeological sites and national parks. There are a variety of routes and sites to choose from but the trip that I have outlined will focus on the numerous waterfalls.

The main focus of this trip was to experience as many waterfalls as possible on the way to the final destination: lake Tanganyika.

Recommended time of year to go

March and April
These are the ideal months right as the rainy season is finishing and everything is covered in that beautiful emerald green whilst the waterfalls are at their fullest.

Recommended amount of time
Minimum of 6 days if following this route and itinerary but I would recommend taking about 10 days or more, if you have the time!

Why the Northern waterfalls?
One advantage to the diverse falls of Luapula and Northern provinces is that they are more interactive and along the road less travelled compared to Victoria falls. Swimming, camping and seeing the different parts throughout the year, along many different rivers, affordable cost and nearby enough to experience numerous different waterfalls within a few days!

The Waterfalls
Here are the following 10 (or 12) waterfalls which I will explain in more detail below:

• Chipota falls
• Mumbuluma falls
• Musonda falls
• Mulilimba falls
• Ntumbachushi falls
• Lumangwe falls
• Kabwelume falls
• Chipempe Falls
• Chishimba falls (along with Mutumuna falls and Kaela falls)
• Kalambo Falls

National Monument Heritage Sites
6 (or 8) out of 10 of the waterfalls are national monument heritage sites which means they are well maintained with smooth gravel roads, walking paths, signs, guides and facilities:

• Mumbuluma falls
• Ntumbachushi falls
• Lumangwe falls
• Kabwelume falls
• Chishimba falls (along with Mutumuna and Kaela falls)
• Kalambo Falls

Accommodation
All waterfalls that are national monument heritage sites along with the first remote waterfall have camping available. I would not recommend camping at Musonda, Mililimba and Chipempe falls, although there may be some space, they are not established sites and it may not be allowed. The Lumangwe and Kabwelume Complex as well as Kalambo falls also have affordable and clean chalets. There are also lodges available in nearby towns to most of the waterfalls.

Hiking paths
Chishimba falls does have a number of walking paths coming to almost 2km to see all 3 of the falls. Musonda falls has a short but rocky hike down. Kalambo falls has both hiking from the top to the bottom as well as a long path of steps between the top of the waterfall to the viewpoint of the falls. The other falls are all set up with no or very minimal hiking to the main point, but they do have paths to explore more nearby.

Road conditions
The national monument heritage site waterfalls have very nicely maintained gravel roads and are all off main tarred roads. Most of the gravel roads are short and there is no need for 4x4 apart from the Lumangwe and Kabwelume complex road, see details below. Some of the main tarred roads do have bad sections and potholes to be on alert. Make sure to ask people locally and and be flexible with the route as some roads are either not listed on google maps or the recommended route may change based on the season or updated road conditions.

Can we trust google maps?
Yes! Just make sure to verify with people who live in the area and also download the maps.
Every single pin for the waterfalls and any other locations we followed were 100% accurate! There was just one road that was not listed on google maps and only came to attention after asking the manager at Ntumbachushi falls about road conditions nearby. Such roads may also be found and followed using the road signs.

Budget and Backpacker Travel
The Northern Circuit is ideal for budget travel and anyone who likes exploring off the beaten path. Standard fees are K8 entrance per person, K5 per car and K30 per person to camp. For non residents, rates are $15 per person. Always make sure to call ahead or check pricing in case of any changes.
Before we get to the waterfalls that are part of the national monument heritage sites and more widely recognised, let's talk about this scarcely known remote waterfall near Serenje.