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.
Waterfalls themselves are wonders of nature and the higher they are, the more beautiful they are. Streams of water fall from heaven, causing genuine admiration and awe, as evidence of the greatness of Mother Nature. This list contains 20 of the highest waterfalls from different parts of the world, after visiting at least one of which you will not be able to stop.
Angel Falls
The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela. It is also the tallest continuous waterfall in the world. Located in Bolivar, this natural wonder excites visitors. The stunning beauty of this place is absolutely inexplicable - it can only be felt, but not described in words. It is also impossible to appreciate all this splendor from photographs - you need to see everything with your own eyes. The height of Angel Falls is 979 m.
Tugela Falls
This complex seasonal waterfall is the second highest in the world. It is located in South Africa, specifically in the Royal Natal National Park in the KwaZulu-Natal region. Tugela Falls is famous for its scenic beauty. Once you visit it, you will never want to leave this place. When traveling to a national park, don't forget to also book a Safari throughout the park. This is an incredible experience that you will remember forever. The height of Tugela Falls during the rainy season is 947 m.
Three Sisters Waterfall
A waterfall called Cataratas las Tres Hermanas is located in Peru. Loosely translated from Spanish, the name translates as Three Sisters. This is the tallest waterfall in Peru and one of the tallest in the world. It is located in Otishi National Park. Three Sisters is a three-tiered waterfall with three sections, hence its name. It is located in the remote Ayacucho region, which is not easily accessible to visitors. The height of the waterfall is 914 m.
Olupena Waterfall
Norway and Hawaii have some of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The fourth highest in the world and the first in Hawaii, Olupena Falls is unique in its essence. This place is loved by numerous travelers, photographers and even tourists. It is located on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Although Alupena does not attract as many tourists as Niagara or Victoria, it is no less impressive and gigantic. The height of Olupena is 900 meters.
Katarata Umbilla
Located near the town of Kispis, the Katarata Umbilla waterfall is the fifth highest in the world. It has a hypnotizing effect on tourists, and locals even talk about the curse of the waterfall. Additionally, there are numerous smaller waterfalls around the site that make it ideal for an expedition to Peru. If you have sufficient physical fitness, then feel free to set off and conquer the natural beauty of this country. The height of Katarata Umbilla is 895 meters.
Vinnufossen waterfall
If you are planning a trip to Norway, then this waterfall is one of the country's most outstanding attractions. It is located in the east of the village of Sunndalsera and flows into the Driva River near the village of Hoelsand. This waterfall originates from the Winnubrin Glacier. Vinnufossen is one of the highest in all of Europe, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding villages is just an additional reason to travel here. The height of the waterfall is 860 m.
Balaifossen waterfall
It's no secret that most of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world are located in Norway. The high Balaifossen waterfall was no exception. It is located 6 km from Osa and is well worth a visit. The waterfall is located on the eastern side of the Osa fjord in the municipality of Ulvik and is famous for its mystical and magical aura. You can stay in one of the neighboring villages and have one of the most enjoyable trips of your life. The height of the waterfall is 849 meters.
Puukaoku
Another famous waterfall in Hawaii, Puukaoku is one of the least explored and underrated, but still one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. A quick internet search will turn up thousands of hypnotic photos that might have you packing your bags and flying to Hawaii right now. So what are you waiting for? Hawaii has everything you need for a great vacation, but don't forget to visit the 840-meter-high Puukaoka.
James Bruce
The tallest waterfall on the North American continent and the ninth tallest in the world, James Bruce is located in Princess Louise Provincial Park. This is one of the most important attractions in British Columbia and a real treat for the eyes. The waterfall is full-flowing throughout the year and is divided into two parallel streams. Thanks to numerous hiking trails, you can hike through the forest of this area. If you want an original travel experience in Canada, don't miss this natural wonder and the forest that surrounds it. The height of the James Bruce Falls is 840 m.
Brown Falls
Located above Doubtful Sound, Brown Falls is part of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. It rises from the source of Lake Brown and is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand. The waterfall got its name in honor of the photographer Victor Carlyle Brown, who discovered not only the lake, but also the waterfalls. Today Brown is a prominent tourist destination in New Zealand. The biodiversity of flora and fauna around this waterfall makes it even more picturesque. This is one of the added benefits of traveling to the Doubtful Sound region. The height of the waterfall is 836 m.
Strupenfossen
This waterfall is the tallest in Norway and also one of the most unique waterfalls in the country. The shape of the waterfall is so unusual that it seems as if many waterfalls have united into a single stream of water. Strupenfossen has become a real magnet for photographers from all over the world. However, this is not the only reason to travel to Norway this year. Other natural wonders of the country include the Northern Lights and a number of other high waterfalls. The height of Strupenfossen is 819 meters.
Ramnefjellsfossen
While Ramnefjellsfossen waterfall is unofficially referred to as the third highest waterfall in the world, it is actually the twelfth on our list. Located on Mount Ramnefjöllbryn in the villages of Loen and Olden, the waterfall is fed by the Ramnefjöllbryn glacier. Ramnefjellsfossen can be reached both by boat and on foot. Tourists can camp and hike in the scenic surroundings of this waterfall. Additionally, this waterfall is one of the few that has not been used to generate hydroelectric power. The tourist flow to these regions does not dry out throughout the year. Waterfall height: 818 meters.
Waihilau Falls
Located in the Waimanu Valley, the waterfall is the third highest in Hawaii and the thirteenth highest in the world. The falls resemble a horse's tail and are a prominent landmark in Hawaii. Some of the world's best waterfalls are commonly believed to be inaccessible on foot, and Waihilau is living proof of this. However, a short boat ride to the nearby river will give you breathtaking views of the majestic waterfall. The height of Waihilau in Hawaii is 792 meters.
Colonial Creek
Considered to be the tallest waterfall in the continental United States, Colonial Creek is located in Whatcom County. While the region's main attraction, Colonial Creek Falls is also known for its many hiking trails and excellent camping opportunities. If you are a trekking enthusiast, you should definitely visit this place at least once in your life. Here you can endlessly enjoy the mystical beauty of the waterfalls, which refresh the mind and rejuvenate the body. Elevation of Colonial Creek: 787 meters.
Mongefossen
Mongefossen waterfall is located in the municipality of Rauma, county Møre og Romsdal. Mongefossen is located near the Rauma River and is actively used for hydroelectric power generation. As a result, the water flow during the summer season is significantly reduced. You can view this beautiful waterfall on a train ride from the village of Flatmark to Marstein on the north side. If you love tall waterfalls, be sure to make Norway your next destination and enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest. Height: 772 meters.
Katarata Gokta
The Catarata Gokta waterfall with two cascades is located in Peru and is the 16th highest waterfall in the world. This waterfall was only discovered in the last decade by German explorer Stefan Siemendorff, although it can be easily seen and heard from several kilometers away. A small hotel was recently built 10 kilometers from the base of the waterfall. It allows tourists to stay close to the waterfall and savor its beauty during their stay. Travelers can also explore the scenic views around this waterfall. The height of the Katarata Gokta waterfall is 771 meters.
Mutarazi Falls
The tallest waterfall in Zimbabwe and the second tallest in Africa, Mutarazi is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. This waterfall was actually the fifteenth highest in the world until 2002, but then its height decreased. Located in Nyanga National Park in the Easter Highlands, the waterfall is a popular attraction. During the journey, you can stay in one of the neighboring houses, where you will enjoy the thunderous roar of water falling from a height of 762 meters.
Kjellfossen
One of the highest waterfalls in Norway, Kjellfossen is located near the village of Gudvangen. It consists of three waterfalls, the largest of which is Stor Kjellfossen, located on the left side. The middle one is called Vetle Kjelfossen, and the smallest one is known as Nærøyfjord. This is an extremely popular attraction that most tourists traveling in Norway try to visit. If you're in Norway on holiday, don't miss the chance to experience this beautiful natural wonder. Kjellfossen reaches an altitude of 754 meters. Waterfalls are definitely one of the main reasons to visit Norway and get to know this country better.
Johannesburg Falls
Many small water streams cascade down from Mount Johannesburg. However, the waterfall of the same name surpasses them in literally all respects. First of all, Johannesburg is among the top 20 highest waterfalls in the world. Secondly, the volume of water in it exceeds other waterfalls nearby. The falls are also known for increasing flows during the spring and fall seasons. Although it is not the largest attraction in the area, it is still worth a visit. Tourists are offered a comprehensive tour of all the waterfalls of Mount Johannesburg. Height: 751 meters.
Yosemite Falls
The United States of America is home to some of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Among them, it is worth highlighting Yosemite Falls located in the Sierra Nevada. This popular attraction consists of 3 sections - Upper, Middle and Lower Falls - that are part of Yosemite National Park. These waterfalls are amazingly beautiful during winter and spring, but sometimes stop flowing during the summer season. This waterfall is a major spring attraction. Consisting of 3 sections – Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls – the falls are part of Yosemite National Park. While the waterfalls are amazing during winter and spring, they sometimes stop flowing during the years. Height: 739 meters. Even more beautiful landscapes await you in the selection dedicated to the mesmerizing beauty of waterfalls from different parts of the world.
August 29, 2017 | Categories: Places , Topper , Nature
Rating: +2 Author of the article: Koller Views: 15776If there is a lost world somewhere on Earth, then you can find it at the edge of the Guiana Highlands in southeastern Venezuela. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, isolated plateaus with sharply sloping slopes several hundred meters high formed here. Such formations are usually called “tepui”, and their isolation from the outside world made it possible to preserve the flora and fauna that existed there the same as they were thousands of years ago. But the main attraction of these places is the highest waterfall on the planet, Angel.
The first Europeans probably visited these places back in the 16th and 17th centuries, but did not leave behind any records. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Guiana Plateau was visited by Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, who, being a botanist, was surprised to discover many plant species unknown to science. Perhaps Ernesto saw the waterfall itself, however, its discovery went unnoticed by the general public. The finest hour of Angel Falls came three decades later - in 1933, when pilot James Angel was flying over the Guyana Plateau in search of diamonds and was attracted by the wide plateaus with steep slopes (the same tepuis). Suddenly, a powerful white stream of water was revealed to his gaze, rushing from a great height of one of the tepuis straight into the green jungle. The pilot did not find the diamonds, but the amazing area interested him and 4 years later, in 1937, James Angel returned to the same place with the aim of exploring it.
The landing on the plane was unsuccessful and the plane was damaged. The pilot, his wife and two other passengers spent 11 days descending from the very top of the waterfall. The message that the brave explorers were able to descend from a great height through a humid, impenetrable jungle teeming with poisonous insects and snakes quickly spread, and the waterfall was named after Angel - Angel (this is how the name Angel is pronounced in Spanish).
This is interesting:
James Angel's plane was found 33 years later and taken by helicopter to the Maracay Aviation Museum. It can currently be seen near Ciudad Bolivar Airport.
In 1949, a well-prepared expedition set out to explore Auyan-tepui, the place from which the waterfall falls. It took the researchers 19 days to cover the 35 kilometers of the path to the tepui - the terrain around was so difficult to pass. But when the group finally climbed to the top, their efforts were rewarded with a stunning picture: with a dull roar, tons of water fell from a dizzying height and rushed down, eventually breaking up into tiny particles. Initial measurements of the height of Angel Falls left researchers in amazement: the wonder of the world consisted of two stages of fall - about 150 meters and 800 meters, respectively, more than 300 meters ahead of the highest waterfall known at that time. Later, with the help of modern technology, scientists were able to more accurately determine the height of Angel - 809 meters of continuous water fall and the total height of the waterfall is 979 meters. Auyan-tepuya itself is located at an altitude of 2950 meters above sea level.
Further research by Angel and Auyan-tepui revealed many interesting facts. It turned out that Tepuya attracts rain clouds like a magnet, and precipitation here is approximately 7,500 millimeters per year, which makes this area a place of exceptional humidity. For example, it is impossible to find a single intact tree on the plateau - all of them are damaged by lightning due to constant summer thunderstorms. There is also constant fog here. It is because of them, perhaps, that the waterfall remained unknown to the general public for such a long time. The often capricious weather of these places still upsets tourists by not showing their main attraction - Angel. What was it like for the Indians living here hundreds of years ago to observe a warm, constantly shrouded in fog, at the very top of which lightning almost constantly struck. This is probably why they called it Auyan, which translates as “Devil’s Mountain.”
A rare moment when Auyan-tepuya stands without fog and clouds above it Unfortunately, the only animals living on the top of the tepui are possums, small lizards and black toads, typical of African countries - no prehistoric pterodactyls or lizards could be found here. Despite the poverty of the fauna, the flora turned out to be richer and has rare plant species.
Scientists are still conducting a lot of research that allows us to learn more and more interesting facts that are hidden by the highest waterfall on the planet Angel. Venezuelan expeditioners are finding unusual species of insect-eating plants, ancient ferns and other native flora never seen before.
Not only scientists, but also ordinary people are trying to get to Angel to see the most incredible spectacle. Helicopters, planes, canoes on the Kerep River - tourists flock to the foot of Auyan Tepui from all over the world. The mesmerizing spectacle leaves no one indifferent: from a great height, a falling stream of water is lost in the fog and falls to the ground in the form of splashes of water.
This is interesting: in 2009, Angel Falls was renamed Kerepakupai-meru by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The name is taken from the local names for the waterfall. The renaming is due to the fact that the waterfall was part of Venezuela before its discovery by James Angel by local researchers. However, the whole world continues to use the familiar name of the world's tallest waterfall - Angel.
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Angel Falls is located on the territory of the state of Venezuela in the Canaima National Park on the mainland of South America. It was discovered by the Spanish pioneer Ernesto Sanchez la Cruz, not so long ago, namely in 1910. However, the whole world learned about it even later - in 1935, when it was discovered while flying nearby by American pilot and gold miner J.C. Angel. Actually, the waterfall is named after him (or rather, his surname) (in Spanish, Angel sounds like Angel).
The height of Angel Falls is 979 (according to other sources - 1054) meters, which is twenty times higher than Niagara. It falls from the top of Mount Auyantepui. Moreover, falling from a kilometer height, the water does not reach the end, but descends as fog spreading for many kilometers around the waterfall. The height of the giant was measured in 1949 by an official expedition of the National Geographic Society.
The discovery was a matter of chance; the monoplane he was piloting got stuck in the impassable jungle. This is where Jimmy noticed the giant waterfall. His plane lay at the site of the unsuccessful landing for 33 years, remaining a mute witness to the discovery of its owner, until it was lifted by a helicopter.
In 2009, the late President of Venezuela, guided by anti-imperialist aspirations, renamed his country's main attraction Kerepakupai-meru (one of the names of the local population). But for the whole world it is still better known by its original name.
Oddly enough, the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel (full name Salto Angel) - is not the most famous and popular in the world. Niagara Falls in North America and Victoria Falls in Africa are much more popular. This is largely due to the not very favorable location of the giant. It is surrounded on all sides by impenetrable tropical forest. The only way to get there is by plane or helicopter, or along the Kerep River, Angel’s final destination.
Tours to the Salto Angel Falls are organized by air from the capital of the country, Caracas, and from the city of Ciudad Bolivar, and they are sold in packages. The package also includes landing in the village of Canaima, where the entrance to the National Park is located, subsequent water crossing directly to the waterfall, food, and all the necessary accessories.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that Venezuela is rich in waterfalls. In particular, not far from Angel there is the Acha Falls, a little further - the Arrasine Falls, on the border with Guyana.
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