Cryptid Vault
Inkanyamba

Inkanyamba

Also known as: Storm Serpent

When devastating storms hit KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu say a giant winged serpent is rising from the falls.

First Reported

Ancient Zulu oral tradition

Origin Area

Howick Falls, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Size

20-50 feet long

Temperament

Wrathful, controls storms

Status

Unverified

Photo/video claimsHigh DangerAfricaRiverSkyMountain

The Lore

The Inkanyamba is a massive serpentine creature from Zulu mythology, associated with violent seasonal storms in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. Said to dwell in waterfalls, particularly Howick Falls, it emerges during summer to fly through the air and create tornados and tempests. In 1995, a photograph reportedly captured a large serpentine form near Howick Falls. Local sangomas (traditional healers) still make offerings to appease it.

Body Type

Serpentine

Folklore Origin

Indigenous traditionRegional folklore

Media Appearances

  • Destination Truth (TV)

Similar Real Animals

African rock pythonGiant eel