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Waterfalls are among the most popular and visited natural attractions in the world. These amazing creations of nature enchant with their beauty and amaze with the mighty power of tons of water flowing down in the form of cascades. They can be found in every corner of the world, but the most impressive ones are found in a few places. We present a list of the largest waterfalls in the world, whose view will take your breath away.
Powerful wonders of nature
In the context of waterfalls, the term “largest” includes both height and width. If we focus on the largest single waterfall in the world, the first place goes to Angel Falls(Salto Ángel) in Venezuela, with a height of 979 meters. On the other hand, when considering the largest waterfall in the broader context of its parameters, it is worth mentioning Iguazu on the Argentine-Brazilian border in South America – it is 275 separate cascades that form the largest waterfall system, whose bank extends from 2.7 km to 3.2 km wide, reaching heights of 64 m to 82 m. The average cumulative annual water flow there is 1746m3/s.
It is also worth remembering that there are no standardized guidelines for measuring waterfalls, which means that some of them may be inaccurate or only estimates. It should also be noted that the heights of waterfalls can vary from one source to another, and new discoveries affect current summaries.
Largest waterfalls in the world
We present a list of the 10 largest waterfalls in the world:
1. Angel Falls (Venezuela)
The title of the highest waterfall in the world goes to Angel Falls (Spanish: Salto Ángel). It was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is assumed that its total slope is about 979 meters, and the free slope is 807 meters. It is located in Canaima National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its area is a unique ecosystem of flora and fauna. In 1939. It was discovered by pilot James Angel, after whom the waterfall was named. Because of its height, the falling drops of water turn into mist before they reach the base, and the light creates a phenomenal rainbow in them.
2. Tugela (South Africa)
The world’s second-highest waterfall. It is located in the northern part of Dragon Mountain, within the Royal Natal National Park, and was created on the river of the same name. The cascade consists of five consecutive steps: the first is 182 meters, the next is 411 meters, followed by three more. Its total height is 948 meters. The Tugela River has widely varying flow rates, as a result of which it may not flow evenly throughout the year and may even dry up completely at certain times. However, when the flow in the river is high, the Tugela waterfall is clearly visible from the main road leading into the park, especially after heavy rain.
3. cataratas las Tres Hermanas (Peru)
The name literally translated means Three Sisters Waterfall. Its height is 914 meters and its width is 12 meters. Located within Otish National Park, in the heart of the jungle, it is not easily accessible. To reach it, one must obtain a special permit from the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State of Satipo, and then reach it by plane or helicopter. Due to its remote location, only a handful of explorers have had the opportunity to view Cataratas las Tres Hermanas in person.
4. olo’upena (Hawaii, USA)
Located in the northeastern part of the island of Molokai, it is the highest waterfall in Hawaii and also in the United States. The vertical drop is 900 m. The water falls from one of the world’s highest cliffs overlooking the sea, between the Pelekunu and Wailau valleys. Rainfall keeps the area’s flora lush. In this area, even the steepest hills are covered with an emerald-green layer of vegetation. Due to its remote location, it cannot be reached on foot – it can only be seen from a boat or plane.
5. Browne Falls (New Zealand)
They are located in Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. They measure 836 meters and 619 meters high, and their waters cascade down into the fjord near Hall Arm. The waterfalls are named after Victor Carlyle Browne, a pioneer of aerial photography in the 1940s. discovered Browne Lake, and thus the waterfalls.
6 Kaieteura Falls (Guyana)
It’s Guyana’s main tourist attraction and is located in the rainforest center, devoid of traces of civilization, in Kaieteur National Park. The total height of the waterfall is 251 meters. Some say that the combination of water volume and height of Kaieteur ensures its position as the waterfall with the longest single waterfall in the world.
7. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe, Zambia)
Named after the former Queen of Great Britain, Victoria. Since 1989. Are on UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage sites. In compilations, they are classified as the largest based on the total width of the water curtain – 1,708 meters and a height of 108 meters. Their function is not limited to attractions for millions of tourists. They are also of great economic importance – supplying energy to several cities in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The noise they make can be heard from 40 kilometers away, while the splashes and fog from the falling water rise to heights of more than 400 meters. Local tribes used to call the waterfall Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders.”
8. Iguazu Falls (Brazil, Argentina)
They are located within two national parks, one in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) and the other in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). With 275 individual rapids, the majestic Iguazú is the most extensive waterfall system in the world. In 1984. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Their height is 82 meters. They extend over an area of about 2.7 kilometers. Iguazu Falls is wider than the more famous Victoria Falls in Africa and higher than Niagara Falls in North America. Millions of people visit this natural tourist attraction every year. The name of Iguazu Falls comes from Tupi-Guaraní meaning “great water.”
9. Skógafoss (Iceland)
The waterfall is over 60 meters high and is part of one of the most impressive landscapes in the country. Water cascades down a deposit of black stones that contrast with the emerald green color of the slopes. The waterfall can be viewed by standing at its base or at the top, which is reached by an accessible staircase. Due to the water mist at the base of the cascade, at least one rainbow appears when the sun comes out from behind the clouds.
10. Niagara (USA, Canada)
Located between Ontario, Canada, and New York, it is undoubtedly the most famous waterfall in the world. There is a whole tourist infrastructure around it (with the casino at the top), and the facility itself has appeared in many film productions. It measures just 51 meters, but its legend surpasses even the largest waterfalls in the world. It attracts about 12 million tourists every year.
