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10 Biggest Waterfalls

The sublime power of white water crashing over cliffs to the depths below has a mesmerising effect on anyone who has witnessed the spectacle of some of the world’s biggest waterfalls.

Whether they are thousands of metres tall, have the largest volume of water flowing over their edge at any one time or have the widest curtain of free falling water, all 10 waterfalls selected as the biggest are extraordinary to say the least.

The Angel Falls

The Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s highest waterfall at 979m. It is so high that the water actually atomises, due to the force of the strong winds in the area and simply disappears in a fine mist before it even reaches the ground. This mist can still be felt on the skin well over a mile away!

Known as Parakupa-vena to the locals, meaning ‘the fall from the highest point’, its anglicised name actually has nothing to do with the celestial messengers of heaven. American aviator, Jimmie Angel, who brought the falls to the world’s attention in 1933 when his plane crashed close to the falls whilst searching for a lucrative ore bed, is the inspiration for the moniker.

Inga Falls

The Inga Falls, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is arguably the largest waterfall in the world. Although only 96m high and with no measurement of its width currently available, the rapids boast the highest volume of water at an average of 1,500,000 cubic feet / second!

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River is easily one of the most impressive cascades in the world and is deemed one of the largest, with a width of 1.7km and a height of 108m.

It forms the largest curtain of water on the planet and is the natural, insurmountable border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Southern Africa. It is a ‘must-see’ natural wonder and should be included on all safari holiday tour itineraries.

Literally thousands of tourists flock to the area each year to enjoy dedicated Victoria Falls tours and African safari specialists are able to organise all sorts of exciting adrenalin activities that include the Zambezi River and the Falls.

Known by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders’, the falls can be viewed from as close as 60m as the entire volume of water drops into a single chasm that is between 60 and 120m wide. Added attractions are the abutting national parks that offer a genuine African safari adventure.

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls in North America is effectively made up of three different falls – one in Canada and two in the USA. Although comparatively diminutive in height, the sheer volume of water flowing over the falls elevates it to the most powerful on the continent.

Tugela Falls

Located in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, the Tugela Falls are the second highest in the world at 947m. ‘Tugel’ means ‘sudden’ in Zulu.

Chutes de Khone

This enormous, segmented cascade on the Mekong River in Laos is easily the widest in the world, extending to almost 15 kilometres in the annual monsoon.

Cataratas Ias Tres Hermanas

Located on the Rio Cutivireni in Peru, these falls have largely gone unnoticed until recently. Consisting of 5 drops, the height has been estimated to be in the region of 914m, making it one of the highest falls in the world.

Olo’ upena Falls

Situated in Hawaii, the Olo’ upena Falls are rated as one of the top 20 in Oceania. At a height of 900m, it certainly rivals some of its lofty peers.

Vinnufossen

The Vinnufossen in Norway may be more of a trickle than a waterfall as far as volume goes, but at 860m it is the highest waterfall in Europe and therefore deserves its place in the sun.

Iguazu Falls

‘Big Water’ in the Guarani language, the Iguazu Falls in Brazil is not so much about height, width or volume but rather the fact that the entire waterfall system is made up of no fewer than 270 individual cascades that extend for well over two and a half kilometres. Well worth a visit, the area offers sublime views and extensive hiking trails. It’s even possible to be surrounded by 260° of sheer water at the Garganta del Diablo.

About the Author

Let leading South African tour operator Kuoni Private Safaris plunge you into the heart of the culturally and naturally rich continent of Africa on a professionally organized holiday, be it in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi or Madagascar.

Luang Prabang Airport, Landing MA-60, Lao Aviation


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