Where is the largest waterfall in the world. The largest waterfalls in the world. Where are they located, names, photos, what makes them unique. Interesting facts about falling rivers
Waterfalls definitely fall into that category of natural wonders that are both impressive and awe-inspiring. They charm, beckon, but they are always beautiful. we will hasten to share with you several of them, the most powerful
Gersoppa, India
Gersoppa is the largest waterfall in India. It is located on the Sharavati River, 40 kilometers from its mouth. Gersoppa consists of 4 streams, the width of which reaches 472 meters. It is worth noting that each stream has its own name among the inhabitants of India - Raja (slow), loudmouth (the noisiest), Rocket (the fastest) and Rani (also called the Queen because of the similarity of its falling stream with the silhouette of a dancing woman).
Detian, China
Detian Waterfall // photo: flickr
Detian is the second widest waterfall in the world. Located on the border of China and Vietnam, this 120-meter waterfall amazes with its picturesqueness - the surrounding rocks and rice plantations paint a classic Far Eastern landscape before the observer. It is worth noting that the best time to visit this waterfall is summer, because... at this time of year the downward flow reaches its peak.
Iguazu, Brazil
Iguazu Falls // photo © wikimedia.org
Iguazu Falls is recognized as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Representing a system of 275 waterfalls, it is located on the territory of two countries - Brazil and Argentina, at the intersection of the Iguazu and Parana rivers. The largest waterfall of this ensemble - the Devil's Throat - is a cliff 700 meters long and shaped like the English letter U
Victoria, Zambezi
Victoria Falls // photo: © Mario Micklisch
Victoria Falls is one of the main attractions of South Africa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the language of the local population, this waterfall is translated as “Thundering Smoke”, as you can see for yourself - the noise produced by this waterfall can be heard at a distance of up to 40 km. Victoria is the only waterfall in the world that is simultaneously more than 100 meters high and more than a kilometer wide.
Angel, Venezuela
Angel Falls // photo: © wikimedia.org
Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world - 15 times higher than Niagara! Its height is 948 meters and its width is only 15 meters. It is so high that the water, before it reaches the ground, is sprayed into tiny particles, forming a fog that envelops the entire waterfall in a cloak. It is worth noting that Angel is surrounded by jungle, so a curious tourist can only reach it by air
Kaieteur, Guyana.
When a river bed encounters a sharp change in altitude along its path, the flow does not stop, but begins to fall vertically, forming a waterfall. This natural phenomenon amazes the imagination with its beauty and picturesqueness, and often its grandeur. In this article we will tell you about the most wonderful waterfalls on the planet. We will focus not only on the height of the flow, but also on its power.
Kerepakupai-meru
Venezuela, a country in northern South America, is home to the largest waterfall in the world. Its flows fall from a height of 979 meters. This natural attraction is hidden in the tropical forests of the Canaima National Park in the state of Bolivar.
Kerepakupai-meru is the new name given to the waterfall by the President of Venezuela in 2009. Before that, he was called Angel - in honor of the pilot who accidentally discovered this miracle of nature in 1933. Locals and tourists still use the old name.
The largest waterfall not only in South America, but throughout the world, originates at the top of the table mountain Auyan Tepui, which means “devil’s mountain”, and flows into the waters of the Kerep River.
The area where Angel Falls is located is wild and inaccessible. The easiest way to get to these regions is by air or river; the ascent on foot takes 10 or more days. An excursion to Angel costs about $300, but despite the high cost, tourists from all over the world are eager to see the largest waterfall in the world.
Tugela
This is the largest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world. It falls in a five-step cascade from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, located in the Natal National Park, South Africa. Its highest point is 948 meters above the ground, and its foot is the source of the river of the same name.
Travelers can approach the waterfall from both sides along specially equipped paths. It costs only US$50 to visit Africa's largest waterfall. But for this money, tourists get real pleasure, admiring the narrow ribbon of thundering water in the rays of the setting sun.
Three sisters
It ranks third in the ranking of “The Largest Waterfall on Earth.” It is an unusually picturesque spectacle: three arms of the cascade rapidly fly down from a height of 914 meters. Located in the south of Peru, in the country of Ayacucho. It is not easy to approach due to the inaccessibility of the surrounding forest.
It is noteworthy that there is another beautiful waterfall in the world with the poetic name Three Sisters. It is located in North Ossetia. It begins at one point on the Taymazi glacier, but then splits into three branches, falling from a height of more than 300 meters. Officially they are called Taymazinsky waterfalls.
Olopena
The Hawaiian island of Molokai is famous not only for its wonderful beaches and beautiful resorts, but also for the 900-meter Olopena Falls. The water slides like a thin ribbon between the rocks, sandwiched on both sides by volcanic mountains. Therefore, it is difficult to find this attraction on your own. But excursions to the waterfall are regularly organized, very popular among tourists.
Yumbilla
And again we return to South America - to the country of Peru. It was here, in the Amazonas region, in 2007 that another stream falling from a cliff with a height of 896 meters was discovered. Although it rounds out the top five tallest waterfalls in the world, it is far from the largest waterfall. The amount of water discharged is very small, and in the dry season the stream dries up completely.
Niagara Falls
“Rumbling water” is how the name Niagara is translated from the language of the local Indians. It is given very accurately. The water rumbles with such force that in the area of 500 meters nothing can be heard at all, and the noise of the flow spreads for many kilometers around.
How many meters high are Niagara Falls? Only 53 meters. Of course, in this parameter he cannot be compared with Angel. As mentioned above, the height of the tallest waterfall in the world is almost a kilometer. But Niagara's power is simply amazing - every second it discharges 5,700 cubic meters of water or 3 million liters. In terms of this indicator, he has no equal on the entire planet. That's why it is often called the largest waterfall on Earth.
It is located in North America, in the middle reaches of the Niagara River, on the border of the United States and Canada. Millions of tourists visit it every year; fortunately, an excursion costs only $30. There are many other attractions around. The region's infrastructure is very well developed.
Victoria
This is the world's widest waterfall. Its flows stretched for 1800 meters along a huge cliff that stood in the way of the Zambezi River, South Africa. The height of Victoria Falls is also significant - 120 meters. The modern name of the stream was given by the Scottish geographer David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria. Although the aborigines still call the waterfall Mosioa Tunya, which means “thundering smoke”.
A special city has been built in this region for travelers who want to admire this wonder of the world. Due to revolutionary unrest in Zimbabwe and Zambia, which are located in close proximity to Victoria Falls, the flow of tourists to this area has decreased somewhat.
Iguazu
This is a complex of waterfalls in South America, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is called the eighth wonder of the world. In total, about 270 streams are connected here, which stretch for 3 kilometers. The largest of them is the “Devil's Throat” with a height of 83 meters. Every hour, Iguazu throws down more than 1 billion tons of water with a terrible roar, and water dust rises many tens of meters up. Iguazu, translated from the language of the local Guarani Indian tribe, means “great water,” which is completely justified. After all, the seething power of the streams is simply mesmerizing. Every year more than 1.5 million tourists visit the natural attraction, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only here you can observe an amazing phenomenon: a huge rainbow in the light of the moon.
The most significant waterfall in Europe
It is located in Norway, in the county of Mere og Romsdal, and is called Vinnufossen. It is a cascade system with a height of 860 meters, which makes it the sixth highest waterfall in the world.
Streams run down a steep slope and are lost in dense forest thickets. The waterfall looks especially impressive from afar, when you can appreciate all its picturesqueness and grandeur.
The largest waterfall in Russia
This is Talnikovy waterfall. It is located in a remote place on the Putorana Plateau, or more precisely, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, near the left bank of Lake Dyupkun. The height of this waterfall is 700 meters. It falls like a sheer wall from the flat top of Mount Trapezium and rushes down 15 cascading steps.
It is noteworthy that Talnikovy waterfall is a seasonal phenomenon. It is formed in the spring during the snow melting period and lasts for several months, completely drying out by the end of summer.
Russia is a vast country, its remote corners conceal many secrets. It is quite possible that a higher waterfall will soon be discovered in our country.
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.
Since ancient times, waterfalls have delighted people. Powerful streams of water, fog and splashes are a spectacular, impressive phenomenon. Near some popular waterfalls, entire resort towns have already been built to attract more tourists.
What is the largest and highest waterfall on the planet?
Many are sure that Niagara Falls is the largest in the world, but this is not entirely true. There are still tall waterfalls on Earth that are superior to Niagara in terms of the vertical length of the flow.
Angel
The first place is occupied by the large Angel Falls, whose height is 979 meters, located in Venezuela. The discovery occurred in 1933 by pilot James Angel. A person can only get there by air or river. The height of the water fall is very high, so it is sprayed into small particles, turning into fog. A person can encounter fog several hundred kilometers away.
The place is not only very beautiful, but also mysterious. It makes a strong impression on travelers.
Tugela
Tugela Falls is slightly inferior to Angel. It is amazing because it consists of five cascades. It is also very long, the height of Tugela is 948 meters. The localization of this attraction is South Africa. To get to this place you need to walk. There are two routes that take at least six hours to complete. The adventure takes a lot of energy, so only the strongest and strongest travelers take advantage of the excursion.
Three sisters
Third place in the ranking belongs to the Three Sisters attraction. Location: Peru. The name comes from three tiers of water. Its height is 914 meters. This place is surrounded on all sides by forest, so it is very difficult to get to. Not all tourists decide to take on this adventure, so few people know about this attraction.
What is the widest drop in water called?
Typically, experts estimate the power of the waterfall's water flow, its height and width. Next, we will consider the most attractive waterfalls in terms of width.
Khon
The widest waterfall is Khon. It is located on the Mekong River. This is the border between two states: Kampuchea and Laos. The water passes through a deep gorge, at the exit the river floods a huge plain, forming an incredibly wide waterfall. The granite ledge in the river bed stretches for 12 kilometers. The sight of this phenomenon is mesmerizing, causing peace and tranquility. Travelers love this attraction very much.
Guaira
In South America there is an equally impressive waterfall - Guaira. Its width is 4800 meters. Localization - border of Paraguay and. The waterfall was flooded during the construction of the reservoir. A powerful stream of water is still in this place.
The authorities are trying to restore the landmark, but managing so much water is almost impossible.
Victoria
Victoria Falls is also incredibly wide. Width - 1800 meters. The landmark was named after the queen in the mid-nineteenth century. It is located in South Africa.
When the rainy season comes, this place turns into rain stream, there is fog, so you can’t see the waterfall. People who love extreme sports come here. This place is very popular and there are regular excursions.
Full-flowing arteries - photo
A huge stream of water rushes down, this sight cannot but surprise. The largest water flows on our planet occur in Iguazu and Niagara falls.
Iguazu
In first place was Iguazu Falls. It is located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. It was not by chance that Iguazu Falls received the status of the deepest waterfall. It consists not of one waterfall, but of several. This is real kingdom of waterfalls, there are 270 of them in total.
Brazil and Argentina attract travelers from all over the world. According to researchers, the Iguazu River erupts on average 1700 cubic meters of water per second. In the presence of such power, people often feel fear. However, its popularity is not decreasing.
Niagara
Well-known Niagara Falls is also incredibly deep. It is located between and Canada. In fact, this is not one waterfall, as many people believe, but several at once. The place fascinates tourists and attracts people from all over the world.
There is so much water in this place that hydroelectric power stations were built under the waterfall, whose total capacity can reach 4.4 gigawatts.
Little miracle of nature
The smallest waterfall in the world Sarkyrama. Its location is Western Kazakhstan. Features of the attraction:
- Located near forest area;
- Water drop height does not exceed 4 meters;
- Before 2008 called Red Falls.
The waterfall is located next to a small settlement, so tourists often visit its foot and it is not difficult to get to it.
There are many amazing places on the planet. Waterfalls have always attracted people. Their greatness and strength are frightening, but at the same time fascinates. Much time will pass, but these sights will not lose their grandeur. More and more people are interested in excursions to such places.
Large waterfalls climb over several ledges before they hit the ground. They are of the cascade type. The fastest flows of water in the world crash down mountainsides into lakes or into fog. Some have remained untouched and inaccessible to travelers, others have become real attractions.
The largest waterfall in the world is not easy to determine; scientists are constantly debating. All indicators are taken into account: height, width, flow speed and volume of falling water. The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel. A large stream of water falls from a height of 979 m of free fall.
List of large waterfalls:
- Niagara Falls connects 3 waterfalls. It is not the largest, but it has the largest volume. Approximate age: 12 thousand years. The cause of its occurrence was a glacier, from which, as it melted, streams of water formed. According to scientists, the waterfall continues its movement and in a few thousand years will connect with the lake and become one large reservoir. The discovery of the waterfall occurred at the beginning of the 17th century. Samuel de Champlain. While mapping the rivers, local residents told him about a small water ledge. 40 years later, the creation of nature was called “a waterfall of terrible height.” Extreme entertainment in the waters of the waterfall gained popularity in the 19th century. – descent in wooden barrels. Daredevils were injured or lost their lives. Now the descent is prohibited and is punishable by a fine.
The largest waterfall in the world is Niagara Falls.
- Dettifoss. Water consumption (average) – 193 cubic meters. m/s., during high tides - up to 600 cubic meters. m/s. There was no approach to the waterfall, but 8 years ago, after the construction of a road, tourists gained access to it. Thanks to the waterfall, a large number of travelers come to Iceland to look at the creation of nature. The water stream is located in a picturesque place, in a national park. The river it falls into is surrounded by vertical rocky cliffs. The water is brown and turns black at high tide. The most favorable time to watch this fascinating spectacle is the end of spring - the beginning of summer. The waterfall reaches 100 m in width and 44 m in height. A huge stream of water falls with a deafening roar. Tourists, standing at the very edge of the waterfall, can feel slight vibrations under their feet. The road to it is not equipped, so visitors follow along the edge of the cliff, and may get wet due to the large amount of splashes.
- Yosemite Falls, 739 m high, consists of 3 cascades; located in America's National Park. Its founder, Galen Clark, rests near the waterfall. The river from which the flow of water appeared originates high in the mountains, passes through a valley 16 km away, or falls from a cliff. The greatest amount of water is recorded in the spring, when melting glaciers fill the river; in summer and autumn it practically dries out. The age of the waterfall is more than 5 thousand years. It appeared as a result of melting glaciers. One of them divided the valley, and rocks appeared along which streams of water flow today.
- Kaieteur. The waterfall is located in a picturesque place; The middle cascade offers breathtaking views. The flow rate is 633 m/s. For a long time, the public did not know about the existence of the waterfall, since it is located in a place inaccessible to humans. At the end of the 19th century. one of the geologists discovered a creation of nature. The waterfall was named in honor of the Kaya Indian leader, who crossed the river in a canoe to save his people. The waterfall is located near Venezuela and is considered one of the highest in the world (height 226 m, width 105 m). This natural wonder is located in the National Park of the same name.
- Victoria. The widest waterfall in the world (1800 m) first became known in the mid-19th century. A scientist from Scotland discovered a creation of nature and was stunned by what he saw. There is no other waterfall in the world this wide and with a continuous flow of water. He gave the name of Queen Victoria to the creation of nature. At the beginning of the 20th century. work began on the construction of a railway across the Zambezi River, this contributed to an increase in the number of travelers. Since that time, many people have had the opportunity to see the waterfall with their own eyes. In the 80s XX century South Africa became independent and the number of travelers increased to 300 thousand people/year. On the surface of the river from which the water falls, there are several small islands that divide the waterfall into several parts. Below, the water flows into a narrow stream, which stretches 120 cm. The “devil’s font” is of great interest to tourists. This is a small area near the cliff of the waterfall, where the current weakens and there is a small rocky barrier. This creates a small pool. There have been fatal cases where travelers were carried over the edge of the pool.
- Langfossen. The stream of water, 612 m high, occupies the western part of Norway. The waterfall is of the cascade type. Flowing from the mountain peak, the water enters the Akra fjord. The tourism business is well developed in the vicinity of the waterfall. Hotels and holiday homes have been built for travelers who want to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and water flow views. Norway's main city, Oslo, is 396 km away. Tourists get to the area by bus, which follows a route located at the foot of the water stream.
- Gullfoss. The name of the creation of nature means “golden waterfall”. There is no exact version of where this name came from. It may be related to the rainbow that is constantly present at the waterfall. The reason for this is the large number of water droplets in the air. Streams of water rush down along 2 cascades, which are located 90˚ relative to each other. At their junction, a natural observation deck has been formed, from which tourists can enjoy the view of the waterfall and the surrounding area. Representatives of the flora: lichens, mosses and dwarf trees. In sunny weather with good visibility, tourists observe the glacier-covered peaks from the northeast side. The waterfall is protected by the state. In Iceland, a sightseeing tour is organized for travelers lasting one day. It includes a tour of the Valley of Geysers, a national park and a waterfall. Travelers get to the observation deck along a narrow path, which is constantly wet due to the large amount of spray. Equipped parking, shops and cafes are located near the observation deck.
- Kukenan. A special type of mountain in Venezuela, tepuis, from which a stream of water flows, is part of the highlands. It existed at a time when the continents of Africa and Latin America were one.
- Tugela. The waterfall consists of 5 cascades (the highest is 411 m). To get to its base, tourists pass through a gorge, dense forest and boulders. Water flows from the cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains.
- Angel. The water falls from such a height that it becomes fog before it reaches the ground.
The largest waterfall in the world is named after the pilot who flew over it in the 30s. XX century Travelers reach a natural site only by air or water.
General characteristics of waterfalls:
Name | Location | Height, m | Width, m | Volume of falling water, m³/s |
Niagara | Canada, USA | 53 | 792 | 5700 |
Dettifoss | Iceland | 45 | 100 | 600 |
Yosemite | North America | 739 | 137 | 746 |
Kaieteur | Guyana | 226 | 90-105 | 663 |
Victoria | South Africa | 120 | 1800 | 980 |
Langfossen | Western Norway | 612 | 76 | 322 |
Gullfoss | Iceland | 32 | — | 109-130 |
Kukenan | Venezuela | 610 | 54 | 556 |
Tugela | South Africa | 933 | 15 | 1 |
Angel | Venezuela | 979 | 107 | 300 |
Angel
The largest waterfall in the world is located in the National Park in Venezuela; it is more than 15 times the size of Niagara Falls. Mount Auyantepui serves as the starting point for the water flow. It is penetrated by several layers of sandstone; It is in them that water accumulates after tropical downpours. This contributes to the existence of the waterfall.
The name of the hill means “devil’s mountain.” This name was given by local residents due to the impenetrable fog that accumulated around the mountain. Such hills are characterized by a smooth flat top, a vertical cliff and a high height. The mountains, which are characteristic of the Guiana Highlands, were inaccessible to humans due to their topography for many centuries.
Rare plants grow here and unprecedented animals live.
Many centuries ago, local residents knew that there was a waterfall in the country, but the public learned about it only at the beginning of the 20th century. American pilot James Angel in the 30s. XX century flew over a hill. Together with his group, he went in search of ore and diamonds.
James's plan was to land on the top of the mountain, but an accident occurred during landing, due to which the group was unable to take off and return home. They had to make their own descent from the mountain. It lasted about 10 days. After a dangerous adventure, James Angel and his group became famous throughout the world, and the waterfall was named after the pilot (Angel - Angel).
For more than 30 years, the plane was on the top of the mountain, and then it was evacuated. In the 50s and 90s. XX century American scientists made a trip to the waterfall. In 2005, Russian climbers went to him. In 2009, the ruler of Venezuela issued an order to change the name of the waterfall, since it could not be named after a foreigner.
This change applies only to Venezuela; on world maps the waterfall remained under its previous name. The largest waterfall in the world is visited by tourists in the spring, summer and autumn months. They get to the waterfall by water or air, since there is no road to it. Inns, hotels and restaurants for vacationers have been built in the nearest village.
The planes operate regular or private flights (tickets cost $110-350). Visitors pay a small amount for entry to the National Park. Cloudy or foggy weather can prevent you from enjoying a picturesque place.
Tugela
The waterfall is second only to Angel in size; located in Africa in the Natal National Park. It consists of several cascades, the largest of which is more than 400 m. The river of the same name originates in the Drakensberg Mountains, from which the waterfall originates. The water flow is narrow, no more than 15 m, even in the rainy season. Only during the dry season does the water flow decrease.
The waterfall is clearly visible after rain or at sunset. Tourists reach the natural wonder along a path from one of the parking lots, and then climb a rickety hanging staircase. There is a road of over 7 km from the National Park, which passes through forest, boulders and a suspension bridge.
Travelers book sightseeing tours with guides or take a walk on their own. Information about the excursion can be obtained from any hotel in Africa.
Information about the waterfall:
- A group of scientists from the Czech Republic recorded the height of the waterfall at 983 m in 2016. This means that it is the highest in the world.
- The name of the waterfall translates as “sudden”. The local people gave this name to the water flow due to the fact that during rains the speed of the water increases several times.
- The mountainside along which the water flows is covered with snow during the winter months.
- There is very little information about the waterfall. Encyclopedias of the Soviet Union and Great Britain give a brief description of it. Wellington's book on Africa contains the most detailed information.
Three sisters
The waterfall is located in South America, on the territory of the state of Peru. The miracle of nature was discovered by chance. A group of photographers came to photograph another waterfall (Katarata). While working, they accidentally discovered the Three Sisters.
Its name is explained by the fact that it consists of three separate waterfalls: 2 of them are clearly visible to tourists located near the waterfall, and 3 is a large pool into which water flows. The waterfall occupies a picturesque place, surrounded by trees rising more than 30 m. Height - 914 m.
Olopena
The waterfall is located on one of the Hawaiian islands, Molokai. Its height is 900 m. It is located in a mountainous area, surrounded by volcanic hills. Due to the fact that the stream of water is narrow and located in the recess of the mountain, it could not be discovered for a long time.
The water does not fall down like other waterfalls, but flows down the rock.
Tourists vacationing in the Hawaiian Islands book guided excursions to the waterfall and its surroundings. A helicopter is the most common means of transport to access the water stream.
Umbilla
The waterfall is located on the territory of the state of Peru. The water flow falls from the eastern side of the Andes mountain range and belongs to the Amazon basin. For a long time, there was debate among scientists about the height of the waterfall, but laser measurements by geographers determined the figure to be 895 m. The waterfall was discovered in 2007 by researchers from the Peruvian Geographical Institute.
They showed photographs and information about the water flow, and it was then broadcast by the media internationally. The name of the waterfall means "heartfelt love." Many centuries ago, local residents knew about the existence of a creation of nature and gave it such a name because one of the cascades looks like a heart. Researchers are also arguing about the number of cascades: 4 or 5.
Interesting information about the waterfall:
- Compared to other waterfalls, Umbilla does not look as exciting due to the amount of water. During the dry season, the waterfall completely disappears.
- The creation of nature is located in a place untouched by man, so it is impossible to examine and study the waterfall in detail.
- Tourists need to hire an accompanying person during the excursion, since there are no equipped roads or signs here.
- The waterfall is surrounded by tropics with amazing and rare representatives of flora and fauna.
Vinnufossen
The waterfall (height 860 m) is located in Norway and is considered the highest in Europe. The water flow originates from the Vinnu River, then falls from a cliff and turns into a ghostly tail. Its length is 179 m.
Tourists, admiring the miracle of nature, remain enchanted by the spectacle, as the flow of water diverges into several waterfalls that intertwine with each other. They are separated by vegetation and rocks. As you approach the bottom of the rock, all the water flows unite. The widest section of the waterfall is at the bottom and is 152 m.
Tourists are interested in the immediate surroundings and attractions of the waterfall:
- Trollheim mountain range (“house troll”);
- Snøhetta is part of the national park. This is one of the mountains in the Dovrefjell chain;
- the tallest wall in Europe, the Troll Wall;
- Dovrefjell National Park.
To get to the waterfall, tourists arrive in Norway from Moscow or Bergen by plane, train or bus. When choosing a train, travelers will have to cover a distance of 500 km in 8 hours. Along the way you can see snow-covered mountain peaks, fjords and valleys. In one day, 6 trains transport tourists. There is an international route through Sweden.
The bus (No. 100) takes travelers from the train station and bus station to the city center for free. The bus journey from Oslo to Bergen takes 10 - 11 hours.
Balaifossen
The waterfall, 849 m high and 6 m wide, is located in Norway, occupies the eastern side of the Åsa fjord, Ulvik municipality. The water flow begins from the Bala stream, which flows out of a mountain lake.
At the foot of the mountain slope along which the waterfall rushes down, there is a small village where local residents receive tourists. From here you have a breathtaking view of the natural wonder. It consists of 3 cascades, the length of the largest is 452 m.
Puukaoku
The height of the water flow is 840 m. It is located on the island of Molokai (Hawaiian Islands). A distinctive feature of nature’s creation: it flows from the top of the mountain, and does not fall down like a rapid stream.
At any hotel in the Hawaiian Islands, tourists can book a sightseeing tour of the waterfall. It can be accessed from the air, since the waterfall is located in a place that humans could not reach, so the area is not equipped for visitors.
James Bruce
The North American waterfall is considered the largest on the continent and reaches a height of 840 m. The creation of nature is located in the Princess Louise National Park (Canada).
The water stream originates on the flat top of a mountain covered with snow and rushes down in several cascades. The waters of 2 streams, which are parallel to the waterfall, feed it. One of them exists regardless of the season; the other dries out during the summer months.
Brown Falls
The waterfall is the largest in New Zealand. It is located in the southern part of the country, near the Hall Arm fjord, within the Fiordland National Park. The water flow comes out of Brown Lake and rushes down in 6 cascades. Height – 836 m, angle of incidence – 42˚. This is a small degree compared to other waterfalls, so the spectacle of the water flow is not particularly impressive.
The width of the waterfall is 12 m. At high tide, the volume of water reaches 14 cubic meters. m/s.
In the 40s XX century aerial photographer Victor Carlile Brown flew over the fjord. During his journey, he discovered a lake named after him and a waterfall that flowed from the reservoir.
The largest waterfalls serve as the main attraction of the country, like in Iceland. They are protected by the authorities, who develop tourism businesses in the areas where they are located. There are several waterfalls left in the world that are impossible to reach, and they preserve their nature in their original form.
Article format: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about the largest waterfalls
The largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world: