Drakensberg escarpment setting
The falls are tied to the abrupt plateau edge of the Drakensberg. Relief, cliff structure, and seasonal water supply control the waterfall's visible form.
Seasonal flow and cliff descent
Flow varies with rainfall and highland runoff. The long descent emphasizes escarpment height more than river width.
Edge
Escarpment cliff
The plateau margin creates the vertical drop.
Water
Seasonal runoff
Highland rainfall controls discharge.
Terrain
Southern African highlands
The falls belong to a larger mountain-edge system.