The rush of being near a cascading waterfall is unmatched. Pristine water gushing down the cliffs is a mesmerising sight for one and all. Adventure seekers often search for trails near waterfalls, for the sheer thrill of standing next to cascading water. So which are some of the best waterfalls in the world? Let’s explore and find out.
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1. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
Globally, Niagara Falls is acknowledged to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls. These falls are formed by the Niagara River and are shared between the United States and Canada. The height of the Falls is 167 feet. An amazing volume of water makes for a fantastic experience! The falls consist of three different waterfalls – the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. One can also take the Niagara Recreation Trail which takes between 1 to 2 hours for each of the sections. For some of the best views of the falls, one can go on the ‘Maid of the Mist’ cruises or views anytime from the Table Rock Centre. An additional striking feature is the annual hawk migration, which can be observed in the spring.
2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia
Victoria Falls in Zambia is considered to be the highest falls, with a height of 108 metres. It has been attracting thousands of tourists for years. Though the numbers have dropped over the years, the falls authorities clarify that the waterfall is not in danger yet. These falls are called the ‘largest curtain of falling water globally’. This is one of the few falls to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Angel Falls, Venezuela
These remarkable falls plunge to 3,212 feet in the Canaima National Park (on Venezuela’s border with Brazil and Guyana) . Its sheer drop is almost the stuff of adventure movies! The water starts to drop near the summit of the Auyán-tepui tabletop mountain. And then further into the Devil’s Canyon. For adventure lovers, there is ample place to set up camp and stay overnight. Angel Falls is also a UNESCO heritage site.
4. Tugella Falls, South Africa
Tugela Falls is one of the highest in Africa, with a height of 948 metres. Its height is in fact, close to the Angel Falls in Venezuela. It is located on the Tugela River in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, with the backdrop of the Drakensberg mountains. This is one of the most visited destinations in South Africa a four-hour drive from Johannesburg. There are some nicknames for the Tugella Falls trail such as Chain Ladder Hike. And its also called the Amphitheatre Trail.
5. Iguazú Falls, Brazil/Argentina
These are located on the Argentinian/Brazilian border and are made up of 275 cascades rapidly flowing down, creating a fantastic watch. The hundreds of cascades together almost appear like a large ‘broken waterfall’
6. Yosemite Falls, USA
California’s pride, the Yosemite Falls are situated at the Yosemite National Park. This park is also famous for its beautiful walking trails, snow-covered peaks in winter and the amazing Falls. The falls drop to 2,425 feet and can be spotted from different junctures in the valley. Many adventure groups go on the trails along the Falls for a spectacular experience.
7. Kawasan Falls, Philippines
Kawasan is famous for the blue-colour pristine waters that adventure buffs can jump into from the top. The largest fall is 40 meters high, with several smaller cascades in between. These scenic falls are located in Badian, Cebu in the Philippines. Swimming in Kawasan pools is one of the most memorable moments while travelling to the Philippines. Canyoneering is another popular adventure sport in this region.
8. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the south of Iceland, with a 196 ft cascade. The waterfall is near the Seljalands River. This river is filled with glacier meltwater and as it rushes down, it plunges off the cliffs. The falls are breathtaking and surprisingly, one can almost ‘walk’ behind the falls. The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall has also been featured in movies and music videos. Justin Bieber’s music video for the song “I’ll Show You” was filmed partly at the Seljalandsfoss. Certain TV series also have had their sets at the fabulous Seljalandsfoss waters.
9. Veliki Slap, Croatia
This world-famous waterfall is in the Plitvice National Park and is 78 meters high. It is also referred to as “The Great Waterfall” as it is the highest waterfall in Croatia. It is situated at the end of the Lower Lakes and the waters come from the Plitvica Potok River. The falls open early for tourists from 7 am. In winter though, the water is frozen, but it is a different yet beautiful sight.
10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
Deep inside the Fiordland National Park, Sutherland Falls is one of New Zealand’s tallest falls that drops in three stages. The three smaller falls drop into the Arthur River, totalling to a drop of 1,904 feet. The inflow is from Lake Quill. The falls were named after Donald Sutherland, who discovered them and settled near them between 1887-80.
Waterfalls are a gift of nature, one that is a special sight for sore eyes! Almost every continent in the world has a spectacular waterfall, some are nearly sky-high. Angel Falls, Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls are some of the highest and note-worthy falls in the world.
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