Anyone who has seen the falls up close will agree that their beauty and majesty are almost indescribable. If even a small drop of water can be inspiring, imagine what it will feel like to see one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
This TOP 10 is based on the width of the falls, not the height or volume. Each waterfall on the list is wonderful in its own way.
10. Inga Falls, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Inga Falls are 900 meters wide and are located on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is one of a series of waterfalls and rapids that fall from a height of about 100 meters, but intermittently. However, in the main and most impressive part, the water falls from a height of about 20 meters in one breath. There are hundreds of channels on this waterfall, which are highlighted by many large rocks and small islands.
9. Niagara Falls, USA, Canada
Despite its relatively short height, Niagara Falls is undoubtedly the most famous waterfall on the planet. Every year 14-20 million people come to see the waterfall. At 1,200 meters wide, Niagara Falls is far from the largest waterfall, but it is the waterfall with the largest volume of water flowing through it. It has three distinct parts: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.
8. Stanley Falls, Democratic Republic of Congo
Stanley Falls stretches 1,400 meters across the Lualaba River, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite its width, it is not a very visually impressive waterfall.
7. Victoria Falls, South Africa
Victoria Falls is 1800 meters wide. It is located on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. The river falls into a gorge consisting of lateral volcanic dams that were formed due to river erosion. When the water enters the gorge, the mist and spray rise more than 30 meters high, compared to the top of the falls, giving the impression that the mist is rising from a deep hole in the ground.
6. Vermilion Falls, North America
Although this waterfall does not have an impressive height, it is the sixth largest waterfall in the world in terms of width, which is 1829 meters. It is located along the Peace River, in Northern Alberta, Canada.
5. Mocona Falls, South America
The waterfall is part of the Uruguay River in Argentina. This is one of the most unique large river waterfalls. Its width is 2065 meters.
4. Iguazu Falls, South America
The waterfall straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. It has a width of 2682 meters. Most of the river falls in an area known as the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, but the rest spreads out across a wide, flat shelf, splitting into hundreds of individual waterfalls. This waterfall can vary greatly in volume depending on how much rain has fallen. At times it is reduced to a fraction of its normal size, but in some cases it increases to 2896 meters in width.
3. Congo Falls, West Central Africa
The waterfall is 3,200 meters wide, making it the third largest waterfall in the world. The falling water is truly an unforgettable sight, and it is located among the dense equatorial forests. The waterfall is located in the Ivindo National Park, which was created to protect biodiversity.
2. Para Falls, Venezuela
Salto Para, or Para waterfall, 5608 meters. The waterfall is located on the Caura River in the state of Bolivar, Venezuela. It is shaped like a crescent and is formed at the point where two parts of the river meet. The waterfall is surrounded by lush, green jungle.
1. Khon Waterfall, Laos
This is the widest waterfall in the world. Almost twice the size of Para Falls, it has a width of 10,783 meters. The falls are part of the Mekong River in Laos, and occur where the river splits into seven major and many other smaller channels. It consists of several different thresholds.
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 fence. 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 the 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.
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Video about the largest waterfalls
The largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world:
Angel Falls is located on the territory of the state of Venezuela in the Canaima National Park on the mainland of South America. It was discovered by the Spanish pioneer Ernesto Sanchez la Cruz, not so long ago, namely in 1910. However, the whole world learned about it even later - in 1935, when it was discovered while flying nearby by American pilot and gold miner J.C. Angel. Actually, the waterfall is named after him (or rather, his surname) (in Spanish, Angel sounds like Angel).
The height of Angel Falls is 979 (according to other sources - 1054) meters, which is twenty times higher than Niagara. It falls from the top of Mount Auyantepui. Moreover, falling from a kilometer height, the water does not reach the end, but descends as fog spreading for many kilometers around the waterfall. The height of the giant was measured in 1949 by an official expedition of the National Geographic Society.
The discovery was a matter of chance; the monoplane he was piloting got stuck in the impassable jungle. This is where Jimmy noticed the giant waterfall. His plane lay at the site of the unsuccessful landing for 33 years, remaining a mute witness to the discovery of its owner, until it was lifted by a helicopter.
In 2009, the late President of Venezuela, guided by anti-imperialist aspirations, renamed his country's main attraction Kerepakupai-meru (one of the names of the local population). But for the whole world it is still better known by its original name.
Oddly enough, the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel (full name Salto Angel) - is not the most famous and popular in the world. Niagara Falls in North America and Victoria Falls in Africa are much more popular. This is largely due to the not very favorable location of the giant. It is surrounded on all sides by impenetrable tropical forest. The only way to get there is by plane or helicopter, or along the Kerep River, Angel’s final destination.
Tours to the Salto Angel Falls are organized by air from the capital of the country, Caracas, and from the city of Ciudad Bolivar, and they are sold in packages. The package also includes landing in the village of Canaima, where the entrance to the National Park is located, subsequent water crossing directly to the waterfall, food, and all the necessary accessories.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that Venezuela is rich in waterfalls. In particular, not far from Angel there is the Acha Falls, a little further - the Arrasine Falls, on the border with Guyana.
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Among all the wonders given to man by nature, waterfalls are perhaps the most popular. Their beauty fascinates tourists, and their power inspires admiration. Below is a list of the ten fastest, most powerful waterfalls in the world, including those that have been destroyed by man.
Victoria is a waterfall on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is considered one of the largest geographical landmarks in Africa. It was discovered in 1855 by Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. The width of the waterfall is approximately 1,800 meters, height - 128 meters. Average water consumption is 1,088 m³/s.
Iguazu is a cascade of waterfalls located on the Iguazu River on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná (in the Southern region of Brazil) and the Argentine province of Misiones. It was discovered for Europeans in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who arrived in the American jungle in search of gold. Interestingly, approximately once every forty years during a drought, Iguazu dries out completely. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in South America. More than 700,000 tourists try it every year. Depending on the state of the water in the river, the number of waterfalls ranges from 150 to 300, and their height ranges from 40 to 82 m. The average water flow is approx. 1,500 m³/s, and in different seasons varies from 500 to 6,500 m³/s.
Urubupunga is a waterfall on the Paraná River on the border of the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. It had a width of 2,012 meters, a height of 13 m (in a cascade of two rapids), the water consumption was 2,747 cubic meters per second. Unfortunately, it was flooded due to rising river levels as a result of the construction of the Sousa Díaz hydroelectric power station, which at one time was the largest hydroelectric power station in Brazil.
Paulo Afonso
Paulo Afonso is a series of rapids and three waterfalls in northeastern Brazil, on the São Francisco River. It has a height of 84 m and an average width of 18 m. Although the water here no longer falls freely from a great height, since the hydroelectric power station and dam have blocked the river, it can however be seen again during floods, when the additional flow of the dam is opened. Before this, the waterfall on average flowed about 3,000 m³ of water per second, the maximum flow rate was 14,158 m³/s.
Niagara Falls is a group of large waterfalls on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between the United States and Canada. Famous for its beauty. Its maximum height is 53 m, width - 790 m (Horseshoe Falls). In terms of the volume of water passing through it, it is the most powerful in North America: more than 3,160 tons of water per second, during periods of greatest activity 5,720 m³/s. was first discovered to Europeans by the Belgian missionary and traveler Louis Enpen in 1677.
Para is a waterfall located on the Caura River in South America, in the state of Bolivar, in the tropical, inaccessible forests of Venezuela. The water here falls in seven cascades from a height of 64 meters (according to other sources - 60 m). The width of the waterfall is 5,608 m, it drops every second 3,540 m³ water, during the flood period the water flow can reach up to 11,327 m³/s.
Selille is a ruined waterfall on the Columbia River in North America, on the border of the states of Oregon and Washington (USA). Selil Falls, which existed until 1957 on the lower Columbia River, was a regular fishing spot for local tribes until the construction of the 79-meter Dallas Dam. With a small height, only about 6 meters, it was one of the fastest waterfalls that ever existed on Earth, with an average annual water flow 5,366 m³/s, during floods the flow rate could reach 11,300 m³/s.
Khon is a waterfall in southeast Asia on the Mekong River, in the extreme south of Laos. The total height of the water fall here is 21 meters, the length of the cascades is 9.7 km. The waterfall consists of several thousand islands and countless water branches and channels. Its average width is 10,783 m, maximum - 12,954 m. According to this indicator, it is considered the widest in the world. On average he resets every second 11,610 m³ water, and during the period of maximum water level in the river, the flow rate can reach 49,554 m³/s. It was discovered in 1920 by researcher E. Khokhan.
Guaira is a once-existing waterfall on the Parana River on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, west of the Brazilian city of Guaira. It included 18 cascades with a total height of 114 m. The waterfall was one of the largest in the world in terms of water flow - 13,309 m³/s. The cascading water created a deafening noise that could be heard 30 km away. It was also considered an important tourism center for many years, but ceased to exist in 1982 when it was blown up to flood the Itaipu Dam reservoir. It is interesting that before his final “death” he managed to take revenge on humanity and took with him 82 tourists who expressed a desire to say goodbye to him. Guaira tore down the suspension bridge on which they stood and pulled them into the watery abyss.
Stanley or Boyoma Falls is a waterfall in Central Africa, on the Lualaba River, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a series of seven waterfalls (thresholds), with a total height of 61 m, a width of 1,372 m, and a length of up to 100 km. On average, he misses every second 16,990 m³ water, and during the flood period, water flow can reach up to 51,933 m³/s. It was named after the discoverer, famous British journalist and outstanding traveler and explorer of Africa Henry Morton Stanley.
Many of you believe that Niagara Falls is the largest, tallest and widest in the world. This is wrong. It is popular thanks to professional and competent advertising. There are taller and wider waterfalls in the world that are many times larger than Niagara.
The highest waterfall in the world - Angel
The waterfall is a giant. It is located deep in the rainforests of Venezuela. The height of Angel Falls is 973 meters(highest waterfall in the world).
The discovery happened completely by accident. In 1933 The government of Venezuela equipped an expedition in search of ore deposits. A pilot named James Angel accidentally discovered Angel while flying over the area in search of ore. This is how the tallest waterfall in the world was found.
photo of the tallest waterfall in the world - Angel
Later, in 1937, James Angel, along with his wife and two other companions, decided to land at the top of the falls, but they were unsuccessful.
The plane they arrived on was damaged and they were forced to return home on foot. The journey home took 11 days, because this waterfall is located in one of the most inaccessible places.
The fastest way to get to Angel is by river or air. In December 2009, by decision of the President of Venezuela, it was renamed Kerepakupai-meru after the name of the area where it is located. However, for most local residents, as well as tourists from all over the world, he remained simply “Angel”.
The excursion, by local standards, is quite expensive - $300, however, the spectacle that you will see is simply breathtaking. You can choose to take a tour either by plane or along the river mouth.
The most beautiful waterfall - Tugela
In the province of Natal, which is located in South Africa, high in the mountains is the second largest waterfall in the world - the Tugela Falls. It takes its name from the river of the same name. The place where the waterfall is located goes along the river and there are only two paths leading to it. You can reach the top of the waterfall on foot in 6-8 hours.
The Tugela is an amazingly beautiful spectacle of five cascades falling down. The highest height of the waterfall cascade is 411 meters. The total height of the cascade is 948 meters, and the width is 15 m. Tourists love to visit this place. The cost of the excursion is $50.
photo Tugela
The most unusual waterfall - “Three Sisters”
The most picturesque waterfall. It is surrounded on all sides by forest, the height of the trees reaches 30 meters. It is located in Peru and consists of three branches of a cascade of water falling down. The tiers of the cascade have many jets, which below form a pool with small islands and thickets. This waterfall is especially beautiful in the sun, when its top is illuminated by a rainbow. Tourists escape the heat under the canopy of trees. The height of the waterfall is 914 meters, width is 14 meters.
photo "Three Sisters"
The most famous and popular is Niagara Falls
"Niagara" translated from Indian means "rumbling water." This name was not given to him in vain. The roar from the waterfall can be heard many kilometers away. Being near him, literally, you can’t hear anything.
Niagara is the most popular and famous waterfall in the United States, separating the United States and Canada. It was formed more than a thousand years ago as a result of the melting of a glacier. The characteristic green color of the water is due to the high content of rock particles dissolved in the waters of the Niagara River and lakes Erie and Ontario.
The width of the waterfall is 1200 meters, height is 53 meters. Niagara Falls, although not the largest in the world, is certainly the most beautiful. Millions of tourists come to see this beauty. They can:
explore the surrounding area from observation platforms and towers;
take a walking tour of the galleries;
ride a cable car, helicopter and hot air balloon right above Niagara.
Niagara Falls also attracts extreme sports enthusiasts.
In 1859 Frenchman Charles Blondin crossed the Niagara Gorge on a rope suspended at an altitude of 500 meters.
In 1901 American Annie Taylor came down from it in a barrel and, at the same time, remained alive. Attempts to repeat this trick were made more than once, but ended in a hospital bed due to numerous bruises.
In the USA it is considered a major tourist attraction. Over the years, its popularity has only increased. The cost of the excursion is $30.
photo of Niagara Falls
The largest and widest waterfall in the world - Victoria
The waterfall received its name in 1855, thanks to an explorer named David Livingston, who, having visited it, decided to name it in honor of Queen Victoria. Locals call it "Thundering Smoke". Victoria Falls is located in South Africa, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria's height is 108 meters and width is 1800 meters.(this is the largest and widest waterfall in the world).
During rain showers, Victoria turns into a continuous rain stream in which nothing is visible. During droughts, Victoria dries out significantly and its flow becomes less rapid. The waterfall is also a destination for people who prefer extreme sports. Here you can do:
bungee jump tied to the legs;
fly over the canyon on a zip line;
sail on a boat along the rivers;
take an excursion to the “Devil's Throat”, etc.
The cost of excursions is $50.
photo of the largest waterfall in the world - Victoria
Iguazu Falls - 8th Wonder of the World
It was discovered by the Spanish traveler Alvaro Caseso. In 1541, he was looking for gold off the coast of Argentina and Brazil.
Iguazu is considered the eighth wonder of the world. Every hour they spew out more than 1 billion tons of water. The height is 82 meters, the width of all cascades is 4000 m.
The name "Iguazu" means "Big Water" and this is completely true. They began to form about 250 million years ago and consist of 270 cascades. Most of the Iguazu Falls are located in Argentina. Excursions for tourists are organized from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. The cost of the excursion is $30.
photo: Iguazu Falls
