The Chinese Road from south of Kasanka to Nchelenge skirts the Bangweulu area, and then runs north. It follows the valley of the Luapula River, which flows north into Lake Mweru. Frequently rivers cross it, flowing from Zambia's higher ground to the east, down towards the Luapula River (the border with DRC). Along this route there are numerous lovely waterfalls, many virtually unmarked, including the following:

Mumbuluma Falls

About 32km north of Mansa (167km from Mbereshi) there's a poorly signposted turning left. After about 8.4km of rather bad track you'll reach the falls

The water goes over a two-stage drop, about 30m across. There are attractive rapids in between and a deep pool at the bottom – but no facilities at all though there is a village nearby and camping is possible, with a good spot about 100m east of the falls.

Musonda Falls

About 60km north of Mansa (141km south of Mbereshi) you cross the Mwense Bridge over the Luongo River. There is a reasonable set of scattered cascades near here, but you first need to get permission to view them from the nearby hydro-electric power station; stop at the bridge and ask ZESCO security. This can be time-consuming, and there's not much to be seen as river disappears into the power station.

Mambilima Falls

About 90km north of Mansa, and 161m south of Nchelenge (111km from Mbereshi), there's a set of lovely rapids on the Luapula River, about 12km from the main road and 4km south of the Mambalimba Mission. Turn off west, as indicated by a signpost, and gaze over at DRC on the other side of the river. These used to be called the Johnstone Falls and are scattered over a 5km stretch of the river. They make a very pleasant spot to stop for lunch and a footpath leads to the river for close-ups of some of the larger rapids.