Many of you believe that Niagara Falls is the largest, tallest and widest in the world. This is wrong. It is popular thanks to professional and competent advertising. There are taller and wider waterfalls in the world that are many times larger than Niagara.
The highest waterfall in the world - Angel
The waterfall is a giant. It is located deep in the rainforests of Venezuela. The height of Angel Falls is 973 meters(highest waterfall in the world).
The discovery happened completely by accident. In 1933 The government of Venezuela equipped an expedition in search of ore deposits. A pilot named James Angel accidentally discovered Angel while flying over the area in search of ore. This is how the tallest waterfall in the world was found.
photo of the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel
Later, in 1937, James Angel, along with his wife and two other companions, decided to land at the top of the falls, but they were unsuccessful.
The plane they arrived on was damaged and they were forced to return home on foot. The journey home took 11 days, because this waterfall is located in one of the most inaccessible places.
The fastest way to get to Angel is by river or air. In December 2009, by decision of the President of Venezuela, it was renamed Kerepakupai-meru after the name of the area where it is located. However, for most local residents, as well as tourists from all over the world, he remained simply “Angel”.
The excursion, by local standards, is quite expensive - $300, however, the spectacle that you will see is simply breathtaking. You can choose to take a tour either by plane or along the river mouth.
The most beautiful waterfall - Tugela
In the province of Natal, which is located in South Africa, high in the mountains is the second largest waterfall in the world - the Tugela Falls. It takes its name from the river of the same name. The place where the waterfall is located goes along the river and there are only two paths leading to it. You can reach the top of the waterfall on foot in 6-8 hours.
The Tugela is an amazingly beautiful spectacle of five cascades falling down. The highest height of the waterfall cascade is 411 meters. The total height of the cascade is 948 meters, and the width is 15 m. Tourists love to visit this place. The cost of the excursion is $50.
photo Tugela
The most unusual waterfall - “Three Sisters”
The most picturesque waterfall. It is surrounded on all sides by forest, the height of the trees reaches 30 meters. It is located in Peru and consists of three branches of a cascade of water falling down. The tiers of the cascade have many jets, which below form a pool with small islands and thickets. This waterfall is especially beautiful in the sun, when its top is illuminated by a rainbow. Tourists escape the heat under the canopy of trees. The height of the waterfall is 914 meters, width is 14 meters.
photo "Three Sisters"
The most famous and popular is Niagara Falls
"Niagara" translated from Indian means "rumbling water." This name was not given to him in vain. The roar from the waterfall can be heard many kilometers away. Being near him, literally, you can’t hear anything.
Niagara is the most popular and famous waterfall in the United States, separating the United States and Canada. It was formed more than a thousand years ago as a result of the melting of a glacier. The characteristic green color of the water is due to the high content of rock particles dissolved in the waters of the Niagara River and lakes Erie and Ontario.
The width of the waterfall is 1200 meters, height is 53 meters. Niagara Falls, although not the largest in the world, is definitely the most beautiful. Millions of tourists come to see this beauty. They can:
explore the surrounding area from observation platforms and towers;
take a walking tour of the galleries;
ride a cable car, helicopter and hot air balloon right above Niagara.
Niagara Falls also attracts extreme sports enthusiasts.
In 1859 Frenchman Charles Blondin crossed the Niagara Gorge on a rope suspended at an altitude of 500 meters.
In 1901 American Annie Taylor came down from it in a barrel and, at the same time, remained alive. Attempts to repeat this trick were made more than once, but ended in a hospital bed due to numerous bruises.
In the USA it is considered a major tourist attraction. Over the years, its popularity has only increased. The cost of the excursion is $30.
photo of Niagara Falls
The largest and widest waterfall in the world - Victoria
The waterfall received its name in 1855, thanks to an explorer named David Livingston, who, having visited it, decided to name it in honor of Queen Victoria. Locals call it "Thundering Smoke". Victoria Falls is located in South Africa, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria's height is 108 meters and width is 1800 meters.(this is the largest and widest waterfall in the world).
During rain showers, Victoria turns into a continuous rain stream in which nothing is visible. During droughts, Victoria dries out significantly and its flow becomes less rapid. The waterfall is also a destination for people who prefer extreme sports. Here you can do:
bungee jump tied to the legs;
fly over the canyon on a zip line;
sail on a boat along the rivers;
take an excursion to the “Devil's Throat”, etc.
The cost of excursions is $50.
photo of the largest waterfall in the world - Victoria
Iguazu Falls - 8th Wonder of the World
It was discovered by the Spanish traveler Alvaro Caseso. In 1541, he was looking for gold off the coast of Argentina and Brazil.
Iguazu is considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. Every hour they spew out more than 1 billion tons of water. The height is 82 meters, the width of all cascades is 4000 m.
The name "Iguazu" means "Big Water" and this is completely true. They began to form about 250 million years ago and consist of 270 cascades. Most of the Iguazu Falls are located in Argentina. Excursions for tourists are organized from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. The cost of the excursion is $30.
photo: Iguazu Falls
Brown Falls - 836 meters
Brown Falls is located on the discharge channel of the small mountain lake Brown in the southern part of the South Island, New Zealand.
The width of the waterfall is 12 meters. On average, it dumps 3 square meters every second. water, and during the period of maximum water level in the lake, the flow rate can reach up to 14 m2/s. It ranks tenth in height in the world and first in New Zealand.
Brown Falls was named after pioneer aerial photographer Victor Carlile Brown, who discovered Brown Lake and its associated falls during one of his flights in 1940.
James Bruce Falls - 840 meters
James Bruce Falls is the tallest waterfall on mainland North America and the ninth tallest in the world. It is located in Princess Louise Marine Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.
The waterfall consists of two parallel streams that originate from a snow field; one is permanent all year round and the other usually dries out in July.
Puukaoku Falls - 840 m
Puukaoku Falls - located on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, USA. This waterfall differs from others in that the water here is not in free fall, but flows down an almost vertical rock. It is easier to see it from the air, since it is almost impossible to get to Puukaoku Falls by land.
Balaifossen Waterfall - 850 meters
Balaifossen is a waterfall in Europe, on the Bali River, in southwestern Norway. The water here flows down in three ledges from a height of 850 m. The height of the largest ledge is 452 m. The average width of the waterfall is about 8 m. On average, it drops about 1 sq. m. every second. water. The Balaifossen waterfall exists mainly due to the melting of snow on the Kirelvfællet mountain range, which rises above the waterfall. The water in it can dry out completely in summer and autumn.
Vinnufossen Waterfall - 860 meters
In sixth place on the list of the highest waterfalls is the Vinnufossen waterfall located on the Vinnu River in Norway. It is the highest waterfall in Europe.
Yumbilla Falls - 895.5 m
Yumbilla Falls - located in the Amazonas region of Peru. The height of the waterfall was measured by the National Institute of Geography of Peru using laser equipment.
Olo’upena Falls - 900 meters
Olopena Falls is another waterfall that is among the ten highest, as is Puukaoku Falls located on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, USA. The water, just like that of his “countryman,” does not fall, but slides along the rock, flowing into the ocean. This waterfall was unknown for a long time due to the fact that it cut deep into the rocks.
Three Sisters Waterfall - 914 meters
Three Sisters Waterfall - located in South America, in central Peru. The waterfall falls down into a deep canyon in five ledges from a height of 914 m. The width of the waterfall is 12 meters. On average, it dumps 1 square meter every second. water, and during floods, water flow can reach up to 6 m2/s.
Tugela Falls - 948 m
Tugela Falls - located in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu, Natal Province, South Africa. It consists of five free-falling cascades, the largest of which is 411 meters high. The water above the falls is clean and safe to drink.
Angel Falls - 979 meters
The tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, is located in the tropical forests of Venezuela, in the Canaima National Park. The waterfall was discovered in the early 20th century by explorer Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, but was not widely known until aviator James Angel flew over the waterfall in 1933. It was named after the pilot. Angel Falls is located in the Venezuelan wilderness and can only be reached by air or river.
Everyone loves to make lists. Forbes magazine annually publishes a list of the wealthiest people. Children make a list of gifts for the New Year, sending it to Santa Claus or Father Frost. The music industry constantly creates lists of the best singles, and there are many nature-themed lists too. In this article we will describe the largest waterfalls in the world. But in this case it is not the size that is meant, but their height.
A waterfall is a river that goes around a rocky outcrop and creates a cascading stream. Surely you have already seen this magnificent spectacle. And the higher the waterfall, the more beautiful it is. So let's get closer to the topic. Let’s make a rating called “The Largest Waterfalls in the World.” Photos of these giants will be attached to the article. So you can see these natural masterpieces at least in the picture.
1. Angel
Its height of 986 meters gives it the title of “The Largest Waterfall in the World.” This miracle of nature is located in South America on the Carrao River. The waterfall is hidden from everyone by a dense tropical forest and is not easy to get to. Additional difficulties are created by the complete absence of roads. Tepui is what the natives call the flat mountain from the top of which Angel falls. Its full name is Auyan Tepuy (translated as “Devil’s Mountain”), and it takes its place among hundreds of similar mountains.
The main characteristics of these dormant rocks are flat tops and vertical slopes, which are continuously eroded due to the effects of heavy rains. In 1910, the Spanish explorer Sanchez La Cruz discovered it, but this event did not receive wide publicity.
The official discovery was made by the American gold miner and pilot James Angel, after whom this miracle of nature was named. In 1935, he flew over Mount Tepuy and landed on its flat top in search of gold. But James' monoplane fell into the swampy jungle, and the gold miner had to go in search of civilization on foot. It was then that he noticed this impressive giant and soon told the world about it.
2. Tugela
This is the second largest waterfall in the world. This is evidenced by its height of 947 meters. The Tugela is located in the Natal Drakensberg National Park (South Africa) and consists of five cascading waterfalls. It can be seen in its brightest colors after rain. To do this, you just need to walk along the main excursion road.
This giant got its name in honor of the source of the river of the same name, located near the cliff in By the way, the water in the river above the waterfall is clean and suitable for drinking. During the winter months the cliff is covered with snow. At the same time, the entire surrounding area becomes like a postcard depicting a magical winter country.
The Drakensberg is a separate world of solitude and majestic landscape. Tourists are treated to a landscape of cliffs, farmland, river valleys and vast areas of untouched wilderness. Anyone can find a vacation to their liking. For lovers of active recreation, there is hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering and canoeing. And those who like passive pastime can choose scenic tours, day walks, bird watching or fishing.
Two paths lead to the foot of the waterfall. The first is to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources, starting at the car park at Witsishoek and then on to Futujabu, from where there is a short climb to the top of the Amphitheater. The total travel time (round trip) is 10 hours. Another trail to the Tugela leads from the national park. The seven-kilometer climb up the gorge winds through the local forest. Any tourist visiting the Drakensberg should definitely visit this wonderful creation of nature.
3. Three Sisters Waterfall
It is no coincidence that this beautiful Peruvian waterfall, located in the Ayacucho region of the country, received this name. It consists of three separate tiers. The top two are clearly visible from the air, and the third is a huge pool into which water flows.
“Three Sisters” were discovered by a group of photographers who came to photograph a completely different waterfall - Katarata (267 meters). Needless to say, how happy they were with the find. "Three Sisters" is almost completely surrounded by forests with more than 30-meter trees. The creation of nature itself rises to 914 meters.
4. Olupena Waterfall
This beautiful waterfall is located in the USA, but you have to walk a lot to see it. All this is because its location is the most remote Hawaiian island of Molokai. Most people have never heard or seen this waterfall. Even among enthusiasts, a significant part of the visual information about this giant was obtained using aerial photography.
Olupena Falls is surrounded on both sides by huge mountains. Despite the fact that the giant does not have enough water to discharge, it is considered the highest waterfall in the United States (900 meters). The Olupena waterfall is multi-level and extremely delicate. Therefore, in the general classification it is registered as tape.
5. Yumbila
The fifth is located in Peru, in the region. The height of this giant is still disputed. According to the National Institute of Peru, it is 895 meters. Other sources indicate a height of 870 meters. Yumbila is a multi-level system with 4 descents.
Previously, Gocta with its 771 meters was considered the highest waterfall in Peru. Therefore, the discovery of Yumbila greatly delighted the Peruvian government. And this event prompted the Ministry of Tourism to develop a 2-day excursion during which you can see all the largest waterfalls in the country. Tourists should take note of this.
6. Vinnufossen
This Norwegian giant is not the largest waterfall in the world. But the total height of 860 meters gives it the title of the highest in all of Europe. It is located in the municipality of Sunndal. Vinnufossen is cascading. 420 meters is the size of the largest step. The maximum height of water fall is 150 meters.
To feel Vinna on your body, you just need to walk five minutes in its direction from the nearest highway. This giant is especially beautiful in summer and spring, when the river is filled with water from melted glaciers. As it falls, Vinnufossen splits into parts and flows through the trees.
The spectacle of falling water is one of the most enchanting natural phenomena. And the higher the waterfall, the more picturesque it usually looks. The question of which of the world's waterfalls is the highest is difficult to answer unambiguously, since the difference between them is just a few meters. Therefore, we bring to your attention the ten largest waterfalls on our planet.
10 tallest waterfalls in the world
An interesting fact is that Zeygalan in North Ossetia (about 600 m) is the highest waterfall in Russia. Now you know where the highest waterfalls in different parts of the world are.
Angel Falls - the highest in the world
This highest waterfall in the world is located in Venezuela, near the Guiana Plateau. He was named Angel after a pilot named James Angel (his last name is Angel, which means "angel" in Spanish). It was he who became the discoverer of the waterfall, and thanks to his surname Angel is sometimes called the Fall of Angels.
Angel was little known to many people for a long time, since it is located in a place that is very inconvenient for tourist travel. On one side, the highest waterfall in the world is adjacent to a wild, impenetrable jungle - a tropical jungle, and on the other - steep cliffs of a mountain range more than 2500 meters high. Pilot Angel made his discovery in 1935, and quite by accident. He was flying over the Carrao River, trying to find a deposit of gold ore, when the wheel of his monoplane broke just above the swampy jungle at the very top of the plateau. As a result, Angel had to make an emergency landing, and then walk down the mountain on foot for 11 long days. Upon returning, the pilot immediately reported his grand discovery to the National Geographic Society, and since then the tallest waterfall on the planet has been named after him.
A little earlier, in 1910, Sanchez la Cruz, a famous researcher, became interested in this natural phenomenon. However, due to an unfortunate coincidence, he was unable to announce this to the whole world, and the official opening of the waterfall belongs to Angel.
As for the height of the tallest waterfall in South America, it is almost a full kilometer, or more precisely, 979 meters. Falling from such a huge distance, the water stream partially turns into tiny water dust. Such fog can be seen several kilometers from Angel.
The highest waterfalls in the world
Waterfalls have always attracted tourists. The water falling from a height is very mesmerizing. Especially if it's a dizzying height. We present to your attention the five highest waterfalls in the world, which attract both ordinary tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts.
1. Angel Falls
Salto Angel is the highest waterfall on our planet. It is located in an exotic country - Venezuela. True, there are still disputes regarding the height of this waterfall: some claim that the water falls from 1054 meters, others insist that it is necessary to count differently, and the height is only 979 meters. The only thing that no one disputes is that this is the highest waterfall in the world.
The local name of the waterfall is Churum-Meru, which comes from the name of the Churumi River, which feeds the waterfall. It is part of the Orinoco River basin.
To admire the beauty of Angel, tourists must first get to the capital of Venezuela, the city of Caracas. Then their path goes to the Indian settlement of Canaima. Thanks to the influx of tourists, Canaima has become a real tourist center, with hotels, entertainment centers and shops. From November to May, if the weather is favorable, the waterfall can be admired from a small plane, which gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of Angel and its surroundings while flying over Mount Auyan Tepui (Devil's Mountain), from which the highest falls fall. In addition, you can get from Canaima to the lower reaches of the Angel by motor canoe, although in this case the excursion will last the whole day. The most courageous travelers get to the waterfall directly, through the jungle.
The second highest waterfall is the Tugela Falls, which is located in South Africa. Its height is 948 meters. It got its name from the Tugela River on which it is located. In winter (winter in the southern hemisphere begins in June), the Amphitheater mountain ledge on which the Tugela is located often freezes. But in the summer, the waterfall is visited by many tourists. It is especially popular among mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts. In addition, via two suspension bridges you can get to the observation deck located above the waterfall and admire the five-stage cascade of the Tugela Falls.
Gokta is in third place in this ranking. Until recently, this place was occupied by Yosemite Falls, but in 2005, the Gocta Falls, 771 meters high, was discovered in Peru. As you can see, geographical discoveries are still taking place today. Gocta is located 650 kilometers from the capital of Peru, in an impenetrable jungle. The discoverers from the Peruvian-German expedition named the waterfall after the nearby village of Gokota. Nearby are the ruins of the Chachapoya Indian fortress Kuelap. In the years 1000-1400, the rather large city of Kuelap was located here. Unfortunately, at present only tourists who prefer extreme sports can admire this waterfall.
This is the tallest waterfall in North America. Its height is 727 meters. It is located in the USA, in the state of California, in Yosemite National Park. In years with little snow in the winter, the waterfall dries up in the fall (sometimes this happens at the end of summer). So the best time to visit this waterfall is in the spring, when it appears in all its glory.
Norway is famous for its many waterfalls. The highest waterfall in Europe, Utigard, is also located here. Many tourists visit the surroundings of Lake Duen to admire how the water, originating on the Jostedal glacier, cascades from a height of 610 meters. Numerous tourists are attracted by the pristine beauty of this area.
Related Posts
