The largest waterfalls in the world. Where are they located, names, photos, what makes them unique. The highest waterfall on earth The highest waterfall is on the river

A waterfall is a river along the way of which there are elevation changes, and a sharp drop in the bottom ensures a sheer drop in the flow. The spectacle fascinates with its beauty and grandeur; the higher the cliff, the more grandiose the view of the sparkling mass falling into the abyss. The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls, and it is located in South America.

Interesting facts about falling rivers

In the register of world waterfalls, and there is one in the United States of America, two main types are distinguished: the height is greater than the width, for example Angel, and the second type, Niagara - the width is much greater than the height. In some cases, the height of the water flow is comparable to the width.

These are the main types, but there are many more subtypes, such as: cataracts - traveling rivers; leaf - with a flat wide cliff; horsetail - the water does not leave the rock surface throughout the entire flow; keyhole - the flow with force makes its way to free fall, and others, which can also affect the classification.

Classification of waterfalls

Typically, three main parameters are taken into account.

Height

In this category, the record holder is the Venezuelan Angel, whose height, if you count the first and last cascade after free fall, is almost a kilometer. True, Angel is impressive only in the rainy season, while in dry times it is a meager trickle. By the way, Hugo Chavez renamed Angel to Kerepakulai-meru in 2009, but on world maps the name remained the same.

In general, many falling rivers are endowed with this characteristic, for example, on the African continent, the Tugela with a height of 900 m is distinguished. In New Zealand - the Sutherland, falling in three cascades from 550 meters. There are many such streams in Norway, but, firstly, they are seasonal, since they occur only during heavy rains, and secondly, they are not waterfalls in the sense of free fall, they are simply the flow of a river along a rocky bed to the bottom of the mountain.

Visible area

This concept means height multiplied by width. This is exactly what impresses and what the viewer enjoys. Based on this indicator, three great waterfalls can be distinguished: Victoria, Iguazu and Niagara.

Consumption of falling water in cubic meters

Indeed, an essential characteristic, but the trouble is that it is not related to the height of the flow. For example, Congo transports 17 thousand tons of water over the Levingston threshold every second, but its height is only 6 meters, so it does not make an impression and cannot be considered a waterfall. The second place in terms of volume is occupied by the Mekong, followed by Niagara, Iguazu and the Yellow River.

8 most famous waterfalls

There are many flowing rivers in the world; it is probably impossible to count and catalog them all. Each one is beautiful and magnificent simply because falling water is already a beautiful phenomenon that has a beneficial effect on one’s mood. But the most famous sheer flows in the world are listed below. These miracle rivers rightfully bear the title “the most”.

Supreme

The highest waterway in the world is called the Angel. It falls to the ground, according to some sources, from more than a kilometer in height. There is a huge river on the mainland of South America, in the Cainama National Park of Venezuela. In 1935, pilot Jimmy Angel was looking for diamonds in this area in his monoplane, but found the world's highest waterfall and opened it to humanity. Now this beautiful natural phenomenon is called by his name Angel, that is, Angel.

Biggest

The largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls, is located on the African continent. From a height of more than 100 meters, this giant rushes down with frightening power and a booming roar, as if bursting out of a huge reservoir. David Livingston, who revealed this landmark to the world, gave it the name of Queen Victoria.

The most powerful

Iguazu is located in Brazil and Argentina at the same time, or rather, on the border of these states, and is considered the most powerful waterway in the world. Iguazu incorporates a whole ensemble of two hundred and fifty rivers, stretching across the area in a 3-kilometer smooth arc. This giant is not only the most powerful, but also the deepest in the world.

The widest

The continent where the widest river falling from a cliff is located is Asia. Cambodia and Laos shelter on their border the Khon River, which does not shine with the height of the canyon, but amazes with its width. The widest waterfall in the world - Khon - stretches for almost 11 kilometers.

The most beautiful

Almost every waterfall in the world can be classified into this category, and yet the popularity of the Niagara Cascades among tourists is difficult to beat. This wide falling river is located on the Canadian border and delights not only tourists, bringing pleasure with its horseshoe-shaped appearance, but also the local population, supplying them with uninterrupted electricity.

The longest

India, where the longest river is located, has not lagged behind world standards and included a waterfall named Gersoppa in the list of the longest waterways. This beauty is located on the Sharavati River, in the southern section of the Western Ghat mountains.

The smallest

You may consider the water from the tap in your bathroom to be the smallest waterfall, but seriously, there is one and it is located in Kazakhstan, in the Karagash sands. Truly this is a magical place! After standing by the falling river for 10 minutes, visitors noted the healing effect of the water.

The oldest

The oldest waterfall turned out to be a man-made canal called Marble, created by the Romans back in 270 BC. Manius Curius Dentatus, the Roman consul, ordered the channel of the Velino River to be changed towards the Marmore rock, which gave the canal its name. Today this water monument belongs to Italy and is located in the Umbria region.

Unique waterfalls without outstanding parameters

On the continents of the whole world, a huge number of waterfalls are born, live and die, which, although not distinguished by outstanding parameters, have their own special history or an interesting nuance that distinguishes them from many other waterways. In order not to get confused in the immense list and answer the question of what, where, on what continent and what is the name of the most desirable falling stream, you can consider this list:

• Kaieteur is included in the World Waterfall Database at number 19 for its magnitude, and at number 26 for its picturesqueness. Located in the Kaieteur National Park of Venezuela;
• Detian is the fourth largest in the world qualification. Located on the Sino-Vietnamese border;
• Tis-Ysat river is located in Ethiopia. Tis-Ysat is loved by tourists from all over the world for the rainbow that regularly appears over the water;
• Huangoshu - located in China and included in the Guinness Book of Records for its picturesqueness, majesty, charm and inaccessibility;
• Jog is the pride of India. The poetic Indians compare their natural wonder to the dance of a beautiful woman;
• "Golden Falls", or, one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. Gullfoss went through difficult times, threatened with destruction, when, rented by strangers, it almost turned into a hydroelectric power station. Now the beautiful creation of nature is under the reliable protection of the Icelandic authorities.

Usually tourists take pictures of the waterfall and take a selfie as a souvenir.

To capture water in motion, there are two techniques. The first is to “freeze” the movement with a short shutter speed, while the streams of flow and splashes seem to freeze in space and time - this is impressive, but the dynamics are lost; the second way is to set a long shutter speed; moving objects in the photograph will be slightly blurred and foggy, but the visibility of the water flow will remain.

Couples in love come not to perpetuate the sights, but to capture themselves against the backdrop of the raging elements. The most universal advice of all professional photographers is not to shoot into the sun and choose the angle with taste.
The waterfall is a rather dangerous area, and visiting such an event must be approached with the utmost seriousness. Travel companies keep stories of excursions with fatalities. To prevent any trouble from happening to you, follow a few simple but important rules:

• strictly follow the instructions. Such a reminder is given to tourists when visiting an excursion in almost any country, unless by the will of fate you find yourself in the wilderness in front of a waterfall unknown to science;
• never go beyond the fences. They were placed not to limit your freedom, but to protect you from an accidental fall;
• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with hard soles and secure grip on the surface. The stones around are always wet and slippery;
• Prepare waterproof clothing to protect your suit and equipment from the splashes that will definitely appear when the wind blows.

Streams of water breaking against rocks turn into millions of tiny drops, sparkling with crystals in the sun. The deafening roar of a stream falling from a height can be heard a mile away. It is impossible to remain indifferent next to such power. Millions of tourists visit the waterfalls every year to take with them a piece of the greatness of these stunning giants.

Tissestrengene is a waterfall in Norway. Located east of the village of Tissedal, municipality of Odda, province of Hordaland. The total height of the waterfall is 646 meters, and the highest height of free fall of water is 312 meters. After the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the waterfall, there is no water in the waterfall for most of the year.

9. Cuqueran, 674 m, Venezuela

Cuqueran Falls is the second highest waterfall in Venezuela, and the second highest free fall of water in the world. Water falls from the tepui (table mountain) of the same name.

8. Mardalsfossen, 705 m, Norway

Mardalsfossen (Norwegian Mardalsfossen) is a waterfall in Norway, in the area of ​​the municipality of Nesset in the province of Møre og Romsdal. The total height of the waterfall is 705 meters. The waterfall has several levels, the highest height of free fall of water is 358 meters. The greatest width of the waterfall is 24 meters.

The name of the waterfall comes from the words Mardalen (name of the valley) and foss (waterfall). The word Mardalen, in turn, probably comes from the words dal ("valley") and Mara ("dig"). The waterfall is depicted on the coat of arms of Nesset.

After the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the waterfall, water moves through the hydraulic system for most of the year. It passes through the waterfall only from June 20 to August 20, during the tourist season.

Espelands waterfall, on the Opo River, is often placed in 8th place, citing a height of 703 m. However, the real height of this waterfall is only 75 meters)

7. Yosemite Falls, 739 m, USA

The tallest waterfall in North America and the seventh highest waterfall in the world is Yosemite Falls (739 meters). The waterfall is located in the USA, California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of the most beautiful corners of the earth.

The waterfall consists of three cascades. The height of the upper cascade is 435 meters. The falls are fed by streams flowing from glaciers into Yosemite Valley. Therefore, during dry seasons, the water flow in the waterfall is significantly reduced, and sometimes completely dries up.

6. Mutarazi, 762 m, Zimbabwe

Mutarazi ranks sixth on the list of the highest waterfalls. This is a two-cascade waterfall 15 meters wide and 762 meters high. The waterfall is located in the Honda Valley in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, on the river of the same name. According to legend, Princess Mutarazi saw a waterfall high in the mountains in a dream and ordered her subjects to find it. The waterfall was actually found and named after the princess.

Gokta is one of the highest waterfalls on Earth. It is located in the Peruvian province of Bongara, about 20 km north of Chachapoyas, the capital of the Amazonas region. Its height is 771 m. The volume of water fluctuates greatly depending on the amount of precipitation that falls in its small, rocky basin, located at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 m above sea level. The waterfall got its name from the name of a nearby village. A few kilometers north is the Yumbilla Falls, almost 900m high, but only during the rainy season.

The waterfall was first noticed in 2002 by German Stefan Ziemendorff during an expedition in an impassable natural reserve. At the end of February 2006, Ziemendorff and a Peruvian research team returned to measure its height. In this case, the measurement error could be 13.5 m.

4. Mongefossen, 773 m, Norway

Mongefossen (Norwegian Mongefossen) is the fourth highest waterfall in the world, located on the Monge River (Norwegian Monge) in Norway. It is located in the municipality of Røuma in the county of Møre og Romsdal. The height is about 773 meters. Like many other tall waterfalls in Norway, it is used for hydroelectric power, resulting in a reduction in water flow.

3. Utigård (Ramnefjellsfossen), 818 m, Norway

Norway is considered the “land of waterfalls”; the highest waterfalls in Europe are concentrated here. The highest of the Norwegian waterfalls and the third highest in the world is Utigård, its fall height is more than 818 meters. The waterfall rushes down from the Rumnefillbrina glacier (the largest branch glacier in Europe).

2. Tugela, 948 m, South Africa

Tugela is the second highest waterfall in the world. It consists of five free-falling cascades, the largest of which is 411 meters.

The Tugela falls in a narrow ribbon from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu, Natal Province, South Africa.

Tugela Falls - the second highest waterfall

1. Angel, 1054 meters, Venezuela

Angel (in Pemon language - Kerepakupai vena, which means “Waterfall of the deepest place”) - total height 1054 meters, continuous fall height 807 meters. Named after pilot James Angel, who flew over the falls in 1933.

Angel Falls - the tallest waterfall in the world

The waterfall is located in the tropical forests of Venezuela, in the Canaima National Park. Water cascades from the top of Auyantepui, the largest of the Venezuelan tepuis - its name means “mountain of the devil” in Russian. The height of the fall is so great that before reaching the ground, the water is sprayed into tiny particles and turns into fog. Fog can be felt several kilometers away.

Which waterfall is the tallest?

Many people are interested in the question: which waterfall is the highest ? Without a doubt, the record holder for the highest waterfall in the world is Salto Angel, which is located in the thick of the tropical forests of Venezuela. This stream of water falls freely from a height of more than one kilometer, and when it reaches the ground, it turns into a cloud of water particles, more reminiscent of fog than a stream of water.

Angel is the main decoration of the Venezuelan Canaima National Reserve, but getting to him is not so easy. It is located in a dense tropical forest, where there are neither roads nor even passable paths. To see what a beautiful and highest waterfall , this miracle created by nature itself, there are only two ways - by air or, for the bravest, by river. Although today, travel companies have tried hard enough to make the path to the attraction easier for travelers, and the route to the waterfall has become more accessible than even ten years ago.

Falls from the Tepuy rock or Devil's Mountain, as the local aborigines call it. These massifs were formed several billion years ago, but today their steep slopes are increasingly susceptible to destruction under the influence of large-scale rainfalls, which are characteristic of the Guiana Highlands. Now you know which waterfall is the highest and majestic on earth.

There are many waterfalls on planet Earth, huge and miniature, famous and not so well known, but tallest waterfall in the world , as mentioned above, this is the Venezuelan giant Angel, water streams that fall to the ground from a height of more than one thousand meters.

The world's highest waterfall is located on the South American continent, and is part of the Venezuelan Canaima National Reserve. Devil's Mountain, from which the water falls, is located in the thick of the tropical forest, which makes this natural attraction almost inaccessible for viewing. Since the height of the fall of water is very large, very tiny drops of liquid, more reminiscent of fog, can reach the surface of the earth at a great distance from the source. But due to the fact that the mass of the water stream is huge, you can feel this fog several kilometers before the waterfall itself. Water reaching the ground from falls into the Kerep River.

Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of tourists want to get to the waterfall every year, the route through the tropical forest to the attraction has never been built, which is due to the impassability and severe swampiness of this area. There are only two options for how you can see the landmark: from the air or by sailing here by river. For example, local travel companies offer the following visiting route the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel : flight from Caracas to Canaima, followed by a trip by water. At the same time, during the trip, tourists are provided with all the maximum possible benefits for comfort while staying outside of civilization.

Local population

Local aborigines call the flat-topped hill from which it falls Angel , Auyan Tepuy. This mountain is just one of hundreds like it located in the Guiana Highlands. Such rocks are very reminiscent of sleeping giants with flat tops and steep slopes. They were formed several billion years ago, but throughout the entire period of their existence they gradually collapse and change under the influence of tropical rainfall, characteristic of the climate in this area.

The existence of Salto Angel has been known to the aborigines for a long time, but in Europe they learned about the waterfall only at the beginning of the 20th century. It was first discovered during the expedition of the Spanish explorer Ernest Cruz, but the waterfall became world famous thanks to the American gold miner and pilot James Angel, after whom the waterfall was later named.

Angel landed his Flamingo plane on one of the peaks of the plateau, but was never able to take off again. And during his return on foot, he just discovered highest waterfall . The aircraft, which got stuck in the swampy jungle area, remained on the top of the mountain, being a unique monument to the discovery of the world record holder. Only thirty years later the plane was evacuated from the plateau, and is currently a valuable exhibit of the Aviation Museum in Maracay.

With title highest waterfall One rather interesting historical fact is connected: several years ago, speaking on television, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a statement about renaming the water stream in accordance with the name that is typical for local residents. This was argued by the fact that the waterfall has always been a national treasure of Venezuela, even before its discovery by James Angel, and therefore its name should be appropriate. But such a loud statement was never followed by any changes in world geography, the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel and today continues to remain Angel on all maps of the world.

Ancient, very beautiful and tallest waterfall in the whole world exists for hundreds of thousands of years, but humanity became aware of it relatively recently, only in the 30s of the last century. So ? Since this masterpiece of nature is located in the densest thickets of tropical forests, it is practically impossible to get there by land due to the severe swampiness of the area. Therefore, it turned out that the waterfall was discovered only during the air travel of the famous American pilot and gold miner, after whom it was later named. At the same time, the tribes of South American aborigines always knew about the existence of the waterfall and gave it the name Apemey, which means Maiden's Eyebrow.

Angel falls from the top of Mount Devil, a mountain range that has a height of 2600 meters. Dropping steeply from a steep cliff, the water travels more than one thousand meters before reaching the ground, resulting in an unforgettable spectacle. The height of the fall is so high that at the foot of the mountain, only millions of small particles of water remain from the water jet, which is more reminiscent of fog. And this water cloud covers an area within a radius of several kilometers from the waterfall.

Geographical location

Unfortunately, see it live where is the tallest waterfall in the world not everyone finds it possible. Angel is located in one of the most remote and inaccessible places on the planet, and is hidden from prying eyes in the tropical jungle. Today there are two options on how you can travel to the waterfall with minimal risk to human health and life. Local travel companies offer package tours that include flights in a small light plane and river rafting in a motorized canoe. Such an adventure attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, because it provides the opportunity not only to see the world’s highest waterfall, but also to get acquainted with the natural world of Venezuela, which is no less attractive.

Rainforests, , occupy more than half of the territory of Venezuela. But, unfortunately, their area is rapidly decreasing every year. The slopes of the Guiana Highlands are covered with endemic shrubs that do not grow anywhere else on the planet. The river banks are covered with thickets of Mauritius palms. Most of the territory is evergreen forests, which are periodically flooded or constantly grow in wetlands.

The rich flora is home to many animals, birds and insects. The inhabitants of the jungle are broad-nosed monkeys, anteaters, capybaras, peccaries, opossums, snakes, etc. Crocodiles, turtles, and electric eels live in the river waters. But such natural wealth also brings a negative effect: every year it attracts the attention of more and more tourists from all over the world. Cities are growing, even in the smallest villages hotel complexes, restaurants and other entertainment venues are being built. Man wants to know all the secrets of nature, but it is precisely with this desire that he destroys these mysteries.

Today the tallest and most unforgettable waterfall in the world , can be called one of the main attractions of Venezuela. The entire tropical forest area, including the plateau and waterfall, received the status of a national reserve. And since the 90s of the 20th century, Angel has been declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now knowing where is the tallest and most beautiful waterfall in the world , you might want to see it in person.

What is the tallest waterfall in South America?

Researchers and simply curious tourists are interested in the question: ? The main decoration of not only Venezuela, but the entire South American continent is Angel Falls, which is located in the tropical forests. The waterfall received its geographical name in honor of an American pilot who was looking for the lost “golden city” and its golden treasures in these parts, and found unique natural wealth.

The highest and most majestic waterfall falls from one of the highest mountains of the Guiana Highlands, Atsian Tepui, and flows into the Kerep River. Due to its uniqueness, today this waterfall is not only protected by the state of Venezuela, but is also included in the list of heritage sites of all mankind.

The Canaima Nature Reserve is located in the southwestern part of Venezuela, and is divided into two sections: Angel Falls is located in the western part of the national park. To get here, it is most convenient to use flights from Caracas, Santa Elena and Margarita. The starting point for the journey to the waterfall is the village of Canaima. Just a few years ago there was a very tiny village here, but today, due to the growing tourist flow, several hotels, cafes, restaurants and retail outlets have begun to operate in Canaima.

For a comfortable stay, travelers are given the opportunity to stay in cozy campsites with all amenities on the shore of the lagoon overlooking Angel Falls and Anatoly Island. Knowing what is the tallest waterfall in south america and if you have the financial opportunity, you should definitely visit this beautiful place.

Infrastructure

The main mode of transport by which you can get to this region is airplanes. Scheduled and charter flights are operated daily by several airlines. The cost of such a trip depends on the class of the aircraft, as well as the number of people in the group. It is also possible to travel to the waterfall along the river in traditional canoes or motor boats. Hiking routes are excluded due to the severe swampiness of the area and the impassability of the tropical jungle.

In the eastern part of the reserve there is the Gran Sabana Natural Park and the two villages of Santa Elena and Puerto Ordaz. Getting here is much easier, in addition to aviation and river rafting, there are also walking routes, during which you can get to know in detail the amazing and extraordinary riches of the tropical world.

The only condition that all tourists must meet when visiting the national park is to pay a tourist tax and provide certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.

What is the tallest waterfall in North America?

Like South America, North America has its own record holder. So ? It is rightfully considered one of the most important attractions of the North American continent. It is located on the river of the same name, which connects Lakes Erie and Ontario, and at the same time is the border between two countries, the USA and Canada. When Niagara Falls began to become popular, infrastructure gradually began to develop around it, so on both banks of the river, on the Canadian and American sides, two cities with the same name were formed - Niagara Falls.

It got its name from the Iroquois Indians who lived in this region hundreds of years ago, and translated from their language it literally means “thundering water.” But the natural phenomenon itself appeared long before this moment. The approximate age of formation of the waterfall is the post-glacial period, when, as a result of active melting, water flows created a channel in soft sandstone. Thus, the Niagara River was able to cut a deep gorge, which over time exposed the rocks: a large-scale breakthrough was created, and thousands of tons of water rushed down from it.

According to the calculations of the researchers, over ten thousand years of the waterfall's existence, there was a displacement of approximately ten kilometers upward to the base, and such movement continues to occur today, at approximately a speed of about three hundred millimeters per year. But, unfortunately, this fact has negative consequences: according to preliminary data from scientists, another couple of tens of thousands of years will pass, the waterfall will rise to the level of Lake Erie and this will be the end of its existence.

Features of the waterfall

It is somewhat different from its relatives on other continents. The fact is that it is more correct to call it a complex or group of waterfalls that occupy an area of ​​about one kilometer. Thanks to the existence of Goat Lake, the river splits into two branches, forming the Canadian and American waterfalls. The first of them resembles a horseshoe in shape, and it is the main one in this water system, since it passes about 90 percent of all water.

The Canadian waterfall has a depth of 3 meters, a width of about 700 meters, a water speed of 32 kilometers per hour and a fall height of about 60 meters. The American waterfall is not so wide, only about 250 meters, and smaller (50-60 centimeters), and as a result of the formation of a stone embankment, the height of the flow does not exceed 35 meters. In the middle between the American and Canadian waterfalls (on the American side) there is another small waterfall called Veil.

In the 60s of the last century, the American government commissioned a study of the waterfall to eliminate the causes of the rapid destruction of the natural landmark. For this purpose, a temporary dam was built and the waterfall had to be completely drained. It is noteworthy that the dry waterfall attracted the attention of even more tourists, so during that period the number of visitors to the waterfall increased sharply.

Every second the water flow carries up to 5.7 million liters of water. It is not surprising that this colossal energy Niagara Falls , humanity decided to use it for its own purposes. Thus, a hydroelectric power plant was built in Niagara, which generates electricity for the state of New York.

Infrastructure

Knowing what is the tallest waterfall in north america and where it is located, we can move on to the issue of infrastructure. The first water power plant was built here at the end of the 19th century; over time, its design was improved, the station was rebuilt several times, and today the working option is a power facility built in 1961. In addition to electricity, Niagara Falls provides economic benefits in the form of tourism revenue. Every year, several million people come to see the attraction, not only from Canada and the USA, but also from other countries of the world.

There is a convenient infrastructure for tourists here, including an air bridge, several observation platforms have been built, there are walking terraces, and excursion tours by helicopters and hot air balloons are organized. But the most popular are trips along the river on special vessels with the traditional name “Maiden of the Mist”. You can ride on a pleasure boat from both the Canadian and American sides, and only in this way will you be able to find yourself in the very center of events, to get as close as possible to a real miracle created by nature.

The territory of Niagara Falls has been under state protection for many years; the area around the landmark has been given the status of a national reserve. In addition, this place is traditionally included in all ratings of beautiful places in the USA and is a must-visit.

What is the tallest waterfall in Africa?

If you were interested , then this is Victoria, which is rightly called one of the wonders of the world. The sight of a huge mass of water falling into the abyss against the backdrop of picturesque nature is truly a breathtaking and incredibly beautiful sight. Its height and width are not the largest in the world, but the ratio of their values ​​allows it to be considered the largest on the planet.

Geography

Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, which flows through a wide, beautiful valley. The width of the cliff is more than 1700 m, and the height of the water fall into the basalt gorge is about 110 m.

When falling Victoria Falls makes a loud noise that resembles a roar and can be heard 40 km away. The full-flowing river dumps almost 550 million liters of water into the gorge every minute, resulting in the formation of thick fog. Thanks to these features, local aborigines nicknamed the waterfall “Mosi oa Tunya”, which means thundering smoke.

During the rainy season on the Zambezi, which lasts from November to April, the falling water forms such a dense fog that it is almost impossible to see the waterfall. During this period, the spray not only envelops the nearby area, but also rises hundreds of meters upward. That's why visible at a distance of 40 - 50 kilometers. During the rest of the year, the water level drops, numerous islands appear on the ridge, and in some places you can see the bottom of the river. Some tourists dare to take a risky walk along the shallows along the cliff.

Gorges

The bulk of the river flow Victoria Falls falls into the first crevice and passes along it between rocks more than 150 m high. After this section, the water passes through a whole cascade of gorges, moving along them for about 80 km. Then there is a sharp turn to the right with the formation of a deep pool. The second gorge is more than 2.5 km long, with a wall height of over 100 m. The third section stretches a little south of the waterfall for 2 km. A modern hydroelectric power station was built there. After it there are four more sections, the largest of which are the Songvi and Batoka gorges. During the dry season, a huge number of birds and animals gather in these places.

Story

About, what is the tallest waterfall in Africa few people know, but his real name is more common . The famous missionary and traveler Livingston was the first European to visit and describe this amazing place. He arrived here in 1855. The majestic picture of a mighty river flow falling from a great height impressed him so much that he named Victoria Falls in honor of the Queen of England. These regions first began to gain popularity during the founding of the British colony here. The development of tourism in the region began after the start of construction of the railway. Thanks to this project, two settlements appeared here: Victoria Falls and Livingston. In 1980, the people of Zimbabwe gained independence and properties with English names were returned to their historical names. For example, a famous city

Salisbury became Horrery. Under the new rules, the waterfall was now called Mosi-oa-Tunia, but outside the country it was known only as Victoria Falls . The world organization UNESCO has authorized the use of both names.

Tourism

Pre-1905 surroundings highest waterfall in Africa were completely deserted. After the railway began operating, these places gained popularity and attracted people from all over the world. Guerrilla warfare in Rhodesia in the 1960s worsened conditions for the development of tourism in the country, and the subsequent rule of a dictator almost destroyed this industry.

Only in the 80s did peace reign in these lands, and the unique natural attraction was again available to travelers. Until 2000, these regions were visited by more than 300 thousand people annually, but after another dictator came to power, the region became restless again. During the reign of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, the number of visitors to the country decreased, but to Zambia it increased. Today, tourism is booming in both countries.

Tourists in these parts are attracted not only by picturesque landscapes Victoria Falls . Several sections of the river have numerous rapids that are considered ideal for rafting and kayaking. Most of them are suitable for beginners, as there are no large and sharp stones.

Five bridges were built on the Zambezi River and one of them is located in close proximity to the waterfall. During the fighting in Southern Rhodesia, it became a venue for negotiations between the warring parties. They lasted almost 10 hours.

Thanks to Fox News highest waterfall in Africa became one of the seven most beautiful places on the planet, recommended for visiting.

David Livingston devoted 30 years of his life to travel across the African continent and missionary work in these lands. Two African cities, several waterfalls and a mountain on the shores of Lake Nyasa are named in his honor.

4. TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world

1. Angel

You may have previously wondered: What is the tallest waterfall in South America? In the east of Venezuela, among the impenetrable jungle, is the Guiana Plateau. Here is the highest waterfall on the planet, which goes into . Because of its size, it was named "Kerepakupai Meru" by the local Indians, meaning "waterfall of great depth". Its height is about 1055 m.

History of discovery

Due to the fact that the waterfall is located in sparsely populated areas, among impenetrable tropical jungles, for many centuries only Indians from the Pimon tribe knew about it. They believed that evil spirits were throwing water from the mountain, so they tried to avoid these areas.

This miracle of nature was discovered by the Venezuelan pilot Juan Angel, who in the 1930s explored this region in search of diamonds. One day he had to land on a small area located on the top of a mountain. It was not possible to take off from it, so the pilot and his fellow travelers went down, climbing over the rocks. Despite the difficult descent and almost two-week journey through the wild jungle, all participants in the adventure were able to reach civilization. They told the authorities about the beautiful, huge waterfall. A few brave souls decided to check the authenticity of the story. The travelers spent 20 days using machetes to fight their way through impenetrable thickets of tropical plants and were able to find a unique waterfall. Angel, which was later named after its discoverer.

Geography

Waterfall Angel is surrounded by impenetrable jungle and a convenient road to it has not yet been paved. To get to these places you need to walk through the jungle for many days. But thanks to this circumstance, these regions were able to preserve their virgin beauty. Here you can find anteaters, porcupines, sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and deer. The discovery of this region led to the creation of the Canaimi National Park. It has been awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get to the waterfall Angel possible by plane or motorized canoe. Most tourists prefer air travel, which gives them the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of nature from a bird's eye view. But due to the fact that during the rainy season the rocks are shrouded in thick clouds and there is no opportunity to see these edges up close, many travelers choose the river route. It will take no more than five hours to get to the place, and you can spend the whole day sightseeing. If the trip takes place during the dry season, tourists will have the opportunity to swim at the foot of the waterfall.

2. Tugela

Second place in the rating TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world takes Tugela, located in the east of South Africa in the Natal National Park. It consists of five separate streams descending from the eastern slope of the Dragon Mountain (Drakensberg). A narrow ribbon of water falls from a height of about 950 m.

Geography of the region

Tugela It is fed by the river of the same name, which is considered the largest in the southeast of the country. It originates on the mountain Mont-aux-Sources. The water in the river is perfectly clean and transparent. In winter, the edges are covered with snow, and the landscape resembles a scene from a fairy tale. These lands were first explored by French missionaries in 1836. Struck by the majesty of the waterfall, they named the mountain they found “Mont-au-serce”, which means “Mountain Springs”. Its outlines resemble an ancient amphitheater. The nearest town is Bergwil, where tourists from all over the world come all year round.

The southern part of the Drakensberg is a deserted area with majestic landscapes. The mountainous landscape includes steep cliffs and river valleys covered with thick grass and numerous trees. In some places there are small forest areas. The nature of the region has retained its pristine beauty, and only a few kilometers away you can see rare agricultural lands.

Tourism

In addition to the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the waterfall, tourists are offered various types of outdoor activities. In addition to hiking and cycling, they can enjoy mountaineering, canoeing and fishing. They can observe unique wild animals and birds.

The main goal of people coming to these parts is to travel to the waterfall Tugela. You can get to it along a mountain path passing through beautiful places. The route starts in the village of Uitsishoek, which is easiest to reach by car. The entire journey takes about five hours one way, so a visit to a local attraction takes the whole day. You can reach the top using two suspension bridges.

There is another route leading to the waterfall, which is considered easier and more convenient. The starting point will be Natal National Park. In this case, you need to walk about 7 km along the gorge and climb the mountain, passing part of the way through the forest. The only serious obstacle is crossing a cluster of boulders. After them, across a small suspension bridge you can reach the top, where you will see a stunning view of a large river dumping its mighty waters from a high cliff.

3. Three sisters

In the southwest of Peru, in the Ayacucho region, there is one of the most unique waterfalls on the planet. Name " Three sisters "It received because of its unusual stream, which descends in cascades and is divided into three parts. Its height is almost 914 m, thanks to which it is also included in TOP 10 largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world . Since it is located far from civilization, among the impenetrable jungle, it can only be reached by making your way through dense thickets of tropical plants. But this does not stop visiting tourists who want not only to admire the natural attraction, but also to test their strength and endurance on the way to the waterfall Three sisters .

This amazing and picturesque wonder of nature attracts people from all over the world. Rare animals and birds live here, and there are unusual flowers and trees. At the foot of the mountain, springs with healing mineral water gush out like small fountains. The waterfall and its surroundings have recently attracted the attention of scientists and representatives of the Peruvian authorities, who saw in it a promising object for research and development of tourism in the country. Thousands of people from all over the planet come there every year to be alone with untouched nature, admire the beautiful landscapes and breathe in the unique aroma of the tropical rainforest.

4. Olopena

Olopena is a waterfall on a small island called Molokai, located in the center of the Hawaiian archipelago. It is surrounded by mountains and tropical forests. The water in it does not fall in a massive stream, but literally slides in a thin line, cascading into several long sections. Height Olopena more than 900 m, which gives it the right to be considered one of the largest on the planet. Due to the fact that the waterfall is hidden deep in the rock and surrounded by dense forests and mountains, it remained unknown to the world for a long time.

Now, most travel companies in Hawaii include a visit to this natural wonder in their tours. An excellent view of the natural landmark opens from the ocean. Some ships come close enough to the shore so that those interested can board the boats and see the waterfall up close. But the best view of these places is only available from a helicopter. From a bird's eye view you can observe an unusual phenomenon: during strong gusts of wind, the air flow picks up the spray and scatters it in a huge fireworks display in all directions.

Unfortunately, flights in these areas are prohibited in such weather. Sunny days are the most suitable time to observe these beauties, then travelers can admire the picturesque landscapes and an unusual waterfall Olopena , its gigantic size and fully appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.

5. Umbilla

In Peru, on the southeastern side of the Andes, there is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet. With a height of 896 m, it ranks fifth in TOP 10 largest waterfalls in the world . This natural landmark was discovered to the world in 2007 after a report by several scientists from the Peruvian National Geographical Society, and a little later, thanks to the media, the whole world learned about it.

Before opening Umbillas Scientists knew these regions well among the local aborigines. They considered this place sacred and treated it with special respect. Its name from the Quechua Indian language can be translated as “love of the heart.” One of the sections of the waterfall, indeed, with its outlines resembles a huge heart. There is a belief according to which lovers who plunge into the waters of this sacred spring will never part, their love will be stormy and endless.

Information about the reliability of the height of the waterfall and the number of its sections is constantly being questioned and is a topic for scientific debate. Some argue that the number of cascades does not exceed four, others think that there are at least five, and still others believe that there are seven or eight. Height is also not an absolute value. Some sources suggest that the true value is 870 m, according to others it is 898.5 m. The National Geographic Institute, with the assistance of several well-known scientific organizations, has conducted a number of studies according to which the most accurate height of this object is 895.5 m.

Despite the considerable height Umbillas , he does not seem powerful and huge.

The reason for this is a small amount of water, which disappears completely during dry seasons. Another reason is that most of the waterfall is difficult to see from the ground. The source of the stream is located a couple of kilometers from the cliff, in a cave that has the same name. The water in it is crystal clear. This unique place is located in a wild tropical forest, in which you can observe rare examples of flora and fauna. Some representatives of flora and fauna are found nowhere else on the planet.

The best time to visit this region is the rainy season, when the volume of falling water becomes maximum and nature blooms with special beauty. Despite the inaccessibility of this natural wonder, the flow of tourists is only increasing from year to year.

6. Vinnufossen

The height of the Norwegian waterfall Vinnufossen about 860 m, which is considered the largest value among similar natural objects in Europe. According to various sources, he ranks sixth or seventh in the world. The longest section is 420 m.

The nearest settlement is the village of Sunndalser, which belongs to the Sundal district in the county of Mere og Romsdal. The waterfall originates from the Winnufonna glacier, which melts and turns into the wide, deep river Winnu. A mighty stream falls into the gorge from the huge Vinnufailet mountain, after which the water flows to the Drina River, flowing into it near the village of Holsand.

The natural attractions of the region can cause a storm of emotions in a traveler. Beauty and size Vinnufossen can charm anyone, which is why some tourists who have visited here once return here again and again. After falling from the cliff, the stream of the waterfall splits into several separate sections, flowing along the rocks and between the trees. The combination of green forests and sky blue water is an incredibly beautiful sight. There are many interesting objects in the vicinity of this unique natural attraction. The nature of the region creates a magical atmosphere, and some places seem fabulous. Tourists will be interested in excursions to the Rondane National Park, visiting the Troll Road and Staircase and the ancient church in Lomé.

The Drina originates from a glacier, and its powerful current is strong and constant. But she strangely slows down her run at the last moment, after which she abruptly drops a huge mass of water from the top. Width Vinnufossen after the fall, it constantly increases, and the observer gets the impression that the seething stream of water, falling like a solid wall, will, in a few seconds, sweep away all the trees in the huge valley from its path. Many tourists subsequently admit that they could not imagine such a breathtaking picture before they visited here.

Although there are many beautiful places in Norway now, all people who come here definitely want to see Vinnufossen . There are quite a lot of places from which you can admire this miracle of nature, and they are located at different distances from the object itself. It is possible to look at the waterfall even while driving along several highways in this region, although this is only accessible in clear weather.

7. Balaifossen

Waterfall Balaifossen is located in the mountains of Norway and is considered the seventh highest on the planet. It is located in the Hordaland region near the town of Osa. With a width of only 6 m, its total height exceeds 850 m. This unique natural site is divided into three sections. The largest of them is 452.5 m in length. Source Balaifossen is the large Bala stream, which is fed by a small mountain lake. The waterfall becomes fullest in the spring, when due to the melting of snow, the amount of water increases many times. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain valleys and huge rocks. Natural attractions attract a large number of tourists from all over the world to these regions.

Powerful water flow Balaifossen falls with great speed from the cliff onto the stones. This incredible fall creates a huge amount of splashes and white foam, which shimmer in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow, which looks very impressive and beautiful. In the spring months, the nature around the waterfall transforms; against the backdrop of green valleys and forest-covered rocks, it looks very picturesque. At this time, a unique natural site presents an amazing and breathtaking sight.

8. Puukaoku

As you know, Canada and the USA are located nearby, but the nature is significantly different. Waterfall Puukaoku , interestingly, has the same height as James Bruce (840 meters). The best time to visit this place is between November and March during the monsoon season. At this time, there is much more water and the power of the reservoir increases sharply. Hawaii has always been very popular among tourists, and the availability Puukaoku makes this place even more popular. You can watch the waterfall directly from the ocean.

9. James Bruce

James Burroughs is the largest waterfall in North America and ranks ninth in the world ranking. It is located in Canada, in British Columbia, on the territory of the Marine Provincial Park, which is named after Princess Louise. Its maximum height is more than 840 meters. Waterfall James Burroughs surrounded by inaccessible cliffs and pine forests, it consists of two sections. One of them dries up in the summer, while the other remains full of water all year round. After falling, the stream carries its waters to Lockwilt's Creek, and there, after confluence, it turns into a new waterfall called Chetterbox.

10. Brown

Waterfall Brown The Falls is located in New Zealand, on the lands of the Fiordland National Park. It occupies one of the leading places in the world ranking with an indicator of 836 m. This natural site is very popular among tourists. Its enormous size and picturesque surroundings attract visitors from all over the world. It consists of several uneven segments. The longest of them is 245 m. Width Brown The fall is only 12 m, the fall area stretches horizontally for 1300 m. The waterfall is surrounded by thickets of tropical plants and numerous rocks.

It originates from the lake Brown , which is located high in the mountains. These places have a tropical climate, so the vegetation is very dense and the forests are difficult to navigate. This factor helped these places preserve their pristine beauty. These areas contain rare species of animals and plants that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The waterfall is a delightful natural attraction that captivates with its beautiful view and grandeur, and is capable of winning the hearts of even seasoned travelers.

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The name Angel Falls does not sound the same in different languages.

In Spanish it's Salto?ngel, in Pemon - Kerepakupai Vena, or the waterfall of the deepest place, or in other words, a fall from the highest point - Parakup? Vena. Angel - the highest waterfall on Earth, its height is 979 meters or in pounds it is 3212. The height of the continuous fall of water is 807 meters or in pounds 2648.

The highest point of the waterfall is Mount Auyantepui, which is located in the Canaima National Park, in Spanish - Parque Nacional Canaima. The park is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Its location is South America, Venezuela, Bolivar state, Gran Sabana region.

Angel Falls has rightfully earned the title of the highest waterfall. It consists of the main stream of water, sheer cascades and rapids of about 400 meters in length or in miles this is 0.25 and steep rapids downstream of 30 meters or 98 feet in length.

There are many stories and legends to be told about Angel Falls. One of them concerns how the tallest waterfall on Earth was discovered. The name of the waterfall comes from the name of the American pilot, whose name was James Angel. In 1937, his plane was damaged near the top of the falls. One of his landing gear burst when the pilot wanted to land. For almost 11 days, the pilot and his team searched for ways from the waterfall to human civilization, after which they told the whole world about the waterfall. Today in Venezuela it is one of the best and favorite vacation spots for tourists and locals.

Angel Falls can be reached in one of three ways. You can get to it on foot, but such an excursion is not suitable for everyone, because... There is a fairly steep climb to the waterfall. The advantage of such a trip will be getting to know the picturesque views of the waterfall and observing the beautiful nature of these places. In addition to walking, you can get to the waterfall by boat, in which case you will also need to climb the mountain. You can see Angel Falls from a bird's eye view if you choose a helicopter tour.

Angel Falls It is also famous for the height of its sheer drop. More than twenty-six hundred feet of water rushes down. If we compare these data with the height of a continuous fall, one of the most famous, Niagara Falls, then these figures will be 15 times less. Thus, the tallest waterfall on Earth also holds the record for the longest water fall.

Canaima National Park, where Angel Falls is located, is famous not only in Venezuela but throughout the world for its exquisite beauty. First of all, tourists strive to visit this park in order to see with their own eyes all the beauty and power of the waterfall.

Angel Falls has a base of one hundred and fifty meters. The hike from the lower base to the top of the falls can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Excursions to the top of the waterfall are a success among tourists from all over the world.

In addition to the name Angel, this waterfall has other names. For example, Big River Falls or Big River Falls, Tulume Bena or Tulume Ben. You can fly to Caracas on one of the cheapest flights, which is why hundreds of tourists from all over the world fly here every year. Falling water is very beautiful because... has a silvery tint that looks like a shimmering glow.

During the rainy season, the flow of Angel Falls is divided into two parts. If the water level rises, the spray of the waterfall can be felt for several kilometers around.

the site provides an overview of the highest waterfalls in the world. Waterfalls in a simplified form are divided into two types: cascading and free fall. The first are a series (cascade) of small waterfalls following each other, or rocks flowing down the slope at a large angle. Free-fall waterfalls are the classic waterfalls that we all imagine - the river breaks off a cliff and the water falls freely down. Most often, waterfalls are a mixture of several types, including cascades and free fall.

1. Angel (1054 meters)

Angel is a waterfall on the Churun ​​River (Caroni River basin) on the Guiana Plateau. Located in Bolivar state, 60 km southeast of the village of Canaima. Tallest waterfall in the world, total height 1054 meters, the height of continuous free fall is 807 meters.

Named after pilot James Angel, who flew over the falls in 1933. The waterfall is located in the tropical forests of the Venezuelan state of Bolivar, in the Canaima National Park. Water cascades from the top of Auyantepui, the largest of the Venezuelan tepuis - its name means “mountain of the devil” in Russian.

The height of the fall is so great that before reaching the ground, the water is sprayed into tiny particles and turns into fog. Fog can be felt several kilometers away. The falling water flows into the Kerep River. In 1994, UNESCO designated Canaima National Park, which includes the waterfall, as a World Heritage Site.

2. Tugela (933 meters)

Tugela is a cascading waterfall on the Tugela River in the Drakensberg Mountains. Located in Natal province, 75 km southeast of the village of Estcourt. Waterfall height 933 m.

It consists of five steps, the height of the largest step is 411m. The Tugela falls in a narrow ribbon from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, in the Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is clearly visible after heavy rain or at the end of the day, shining from the reflection of the Sun.

The source of the Tugela River is located several kilometers from the cliff from which the waterfall falls. The cliff is often covered with snow during the winter months.

3. Three Sisters (914 meters)

Three Sisters (Spanish: Cataratas las Tres Hermanas) is a waterfall in South America, in the Rio Cutevirini river basin, in the central part. The water of the waterfall falls down into a deep canyon, five ledges with a total height 914 m.

The width of the waterfall is 12 m, it discharges on average 1 m3 of water every second, and during flood periods the water flow can reach up to 6 m3/sec. In terms of height, the Three Sisters Falls rank third in the world after Angel and Tugela Falls.

The waterfall consists of three tiers separated from each other. From the air you can only see two of them, but the third is a huge pool, where the water falls as a result. The waterfall is surrounded on all sides by tall trees that reach 30 meters.

4. Olopena (900 meters)

Oloʻupena Falls, or Oloupena Falls) - a waterfall with a height of 900 meters, located in the northeastern part of the Hawaiian island of Molokai,. The waterfall was formed on a short, seasonal stream and falls over the edge of one of the highest coastal cliffs in the world, located between the Pelekunu and Wailau valleys.

Olopena is quite thin and is distinguished by numerous transitions down from one level to another. The water does not fall down, but slides along an almost vertical cliff, falling directly into the Pacific Ocean. The waterfall can only be seen from the ocean or from the air, since it cut deep into the rocks and therefore could not be found for a long time.

Not far from Olopen there are other, smaller waterfalls, which also fall directly along a sheer cliff into the Pacific Ocean.

5. Yumbilla (895.5 meters)

Yumbilla is a waterfall in the Amazonas region. It is the fifth highest known waterfall in the world. It was opened at the end of 2007.

Although the waterfall is high, the volume of water falling is insignificant. The height of the waterfall was measured by the National Geographic Institute of Peru using laser equipment. The upper edge of the waterfall is located at an altitude of 2723.6 m above sea level, and the lower edge is at an altitude of 1828.1 m above sea level. Waterfall height - 895.5 meters.

The waterfall is located in an area that is part of the eastern Peruvian Andes, also known as the Cordillera Oriental.