Below the falls the Kalambo River drops through a deep canyon for about 5 km before emerging onto the lakeshore plain of Lake Tanganyika. The gorge is a steep V-shaped cleft in the plateau edge, with cliffs over 300 metres high and dense tropical forest in the bottom — a striking contrast with the dry miombo woodland on the rim above.
A footpath from the rim leads down into the gorge for those willing to scramble; the descent is steep, the climb back hard work, and a local guide is wise as the path is not signed. The reward is a different perspective on the falls and a chance to see the gorge wildlife at closer range. Marabou storks roost here, troops of yellow baboons forage along the path, and the cliffs are a known nesting site for the rare taita falcon. Snakes are common in the wet season; long trousers and stout boots are essential.