The KwaZulu-Natal province has known human occupation for well over 30,000 years and KwaNogqaza was a well known site prior to any western influence, given the rich legend surrounding the area.

Most of these have been recorded as suicides but accidents and murder have also been known to happen, contributing to, if not maintaining, the local legendary status of the waterfall.

In 1999, Jeb Corliss had a near-fatal BASE jump into the waterfalls where his chute opening went asymmetric and he could not avoid flying into the downpouring water.

[1] According to local legend, the pool at the bottom of the falls is the residence of the Inkanyamba, a giant serpent-like creature.

According to lore only sangomas can safely approach the falls and then only to offer prayers and other acts of worship to the inkanyamba, ancestral spirits and the 'Great God'.