Waterfall has formed on Maletsunyane – tributary of Orange Rive, which falls over the ledge of Triassic – Jurassic basalt.
Often it is erroneously stated that this beautiful waterfall is the tallest (or second tallest) free falling waterfall in this part of Africa. This is not true: for example, the longest drop of Tugela Falls (South Africa) is 411 m tall, Kalambo Falls (Zambia) are 221 – 235 m tall.
Nevertheless Maletsunyane Falls have special qualities – natural setting of falls among tall cliff walls is very impressive, there opens a fine view on waterfall.

In winter the waterfall often is adorned with enormous icicles. Sun does not shine at the foot of waterfall – thus the ice stays there up to the early summer.
The first European to see these falls was French missionary François Le Bihan (1833 – 1916) in 1881. Falls have given a name to the nearby town of Semonkong – "Site of smoke".
It is possible to abseil next to the falls – this is the tallest commercial abseil in the world, 200 m high.
Maletsunyane Falls on the map
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Location, GPS coordinates: | 29.8684 S 28.0511 E |
Categories: | Waterfalls |
Values: | Geology, Visual |
Rating: | ![]() |
Where is located? | Africa, Lesotho, Maseru district, some 80 km south-east from Maseru (direct line), near Semonkong |
Alternate names: | Le Bihan Falls, Lebihan Falls, Semonkong Falls |
Height: | 192 m |
Width: | 25 m |
Stream: | Maletsunyane |
Landmarks of Lesotho

Waterfalls and rapids

Recommended books
The Rough Guide to South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland
Whether you want to explore the country’s big sights — from the wilds of Kruger National Park and the best spots for whale watching to Cape Town’s vibrant dining scene — or to uncover its many hidden gems, such as the dramatic desert scenery of the Richtersveld, The Rough Guide to South Africa is your indispensible traveling companion.