The majestic waterfalls are one of the best proofs of the power and beauty of nature. The view of millions of liters of water, which noisily fall from the edge of the cliff or cascade along the rocks, is simply mesmerizing. However, in order to attract the attention of tourists, the waterfall must have some peculiarities. For example, it should be the most powerful or the highest waterfall in the world.
And if everything is simple with a powerful one - this is the Iguazu Falls (more precisely, this is a whole complex of 275 waterfalls), in which 1700 cubic meters of water flow down from a height of 80 meters in a second, then scientists cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of measurements of the Earth's waterfalls. However, based on various scientific sources, it is still possible to answer the question of which waterfall is the highest in the world.
10. Brown Falls, Fiordland, New Zealand
The waterfall, which is fed by the waters of the Brown Mountain Lake, has become the subject of controversy over whether it is the tallest in New Zealand or not.
Based on the study of the NZMapped GPS topographic map (which itself is taken from the Land Information New Zealand data), experts suggested that the height of the waterfall is 836 meters, although according to other sources its height is 619 meters. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the first 200 meters or so Brown Falls flows in an inclined stream before making a steep cascade. And the lower part of the waterfall winds through dense vegetation that hides its path from most casual onlookers.
9. James Bruce, British Columbia, Canada
This waterfall, 5 meters wide, appears to be a thin trickle when compared with other tallest waterfalls. But the length of James Bruce is truly gigantic - 840 meters.
The waterfall is fed by icy water from the snowy plain, and most of it dries up by July. Therefore, if you want to admire the deep waterfall, it is better to go to it in winter or spring.
This falls is considered the highest in North America.
8. Puukaoku, Hawaii, USA
Another of the world's largest waterfalls is located on a cliff on the northeastern coast of the island. Its height is 840 meters.
Puukaoku has formed a deep fissure in porous volcanic basaltic rocks. Because of this, it is not so easy to see him. Tourists can watch the falls either from a boat or from a helicopter, together with experienced guides who know exactly where to look for the falls. The howling wind and spray of water transforming into a "misty spray" give viewers a magnificent view of a truly rare natural phenomenon.
7. Balayfossen, Hordaland, Norway
This is the so-called “seasonal” waterfall, dependent on the melting snow in the mountains of the region.
Consequently, its appearance and flow rate can vary greatly from season to season and from year to year. In warm weather, you can see how the waterfall "shrinks" from its normal width of 6.1 meters to a narrow stream.And although the waterfall currently stands as one of the highest in Europe (850 meters), its very existence could be uncertain if climate change leads to a decrease in snow cover in the region, and it drops below the level necessary for the waterfall to exist.
6. Winnufossen, Møre og Rumsdal, Norway
This glacial waterfall is considered the tallest waterfall in Europe and one of the most spectacular. Its maximum height is a fantastic 860 meters.
As Vinnufossen falls, it splits into a series of intertwining streams, and their lace hugs the surrounding trees. The combination of running water among lush greenery delights many tourists, and given that there are a number of attractions close to the waterfall, such as the Troll Ladder and Rondane National Park, it becomes clear that Winnufossen is always full of people.
5. Yumbilla Amazonas, Peru
Discovered in 2007, the waterfall is located in the remote Amazon region of northern Peru. Despite the fact that it currently sits at number five on our list, its height is still not fully understood.
The National Geographic Institute of Peru claims that Yumbilla is 895.4 meters high, but other sources say that this falls is slightly shorter and only boasts 870 meters. Be that as it may, it is still longer than Winnufossen, which is on the sixth line in our top 10 tallest waterfalls.
Yumbilia is a level waterfall with four large tiers. Like many other waterfalls, the Peruvian giant is affected by seasonal weather conditions. Its width increases during the rainy season and narrows during the dry months.
Not far from Yumbilla are the famous Gosta waterfalls (an impressive pair of cascades that fall from a height of 771 meters) and Chinata. The Ministry of Tourism of Peru in every possible way promotes the influx of tourists to these natural attractions. Surrounded by lush rainforest in remote mountains, one of Earth's largest waterfalls awaits adventurous nature lovers (accompanied by a local guide, of course).
4. Oloupena Molokai, Hawaii
"Neighbor" Puukaoku on the island is located on an isolated northeast coast and carries its waters from a height of 900 meters.
Oloupena looks like a multi-level, ribbon-like slender stream flowing along one of the world's tallest sea cliffs. Surrounded by huge mountains on either side, this magnificent waterfall is so far away that there is no land trail to it. Like Puukaoku, it is only accessible by air or water. The best time to watch Oloupen Falls is during the rainy season (November to March).
3. Three sisters, Ayacucho, Peru
The beautiful 914-meter waterfall is named after three different levels that interrupt its flow. Water from the top two tiers enters a large, natural water sump. The third level, which is almost impossible to see, emerges from the basin and flows into the Kutivireni River below.
The falls are surrounded by lush, humid rainforests and can only be seen from the air. Although there are paths leading to the Three Sisters, the area's dense vegetation makes it impossible to observe the entire length of the falls from the ground.
2. Tugela, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The total height of the South African five-level Tugela Falls is 948 meters. It is the second largest waterfall in the world.
A narrow ribbon of waterfall falls from the eastern bluff of the Drakensberg Mountains. Getting to Tugela at the top of the Amphitheater is much easier than most of the world's tallest waterfalls. It is a well-known hiking trail through the Royal Natal National Park.
There are two trails leading to the waterfall and both offer an impressive view. One of the routes starts from the Sentinel car park in Whitsishoek and leads up to the top of the mountain. However, because of the thin air, only physically strong people can master it.
Another path is shallower and shorter, and consists of a walk through Natal Park to the place where you can see how an unrestrained stream of water rushes in a cascade from the top of the Amphitheater.
1. Angel (aka Kerepakupai-meru), Canaima, Venezuela
This waterfall has stood the test of time and officially bears the title of "tallest waterfall on Earth". Its height is 979 meters, and the height of the free fall of water is 807 meters.
Water is overthrown from the "Devil's Mountain", Auyantepui - an isolated plateau, on the top of which rainfall collects. And, therefore, the appearance of this waterfall is a miracle and an oddity in itself.
If you want to take a look at this world wonder, keep in mind that clouds often hide its top, and you need a little luck to enjoy a spectacle you will never forget. You can only get to Angel by air or by water. Tourists are sold complex tours, which include a flight from the cities of Caracas or Ciudad Bolivar to the village of Canaimu, from which a visit to the national park begins. From there you will have to get to the waterfall by water, and this is also included in the tour.
How did the double name of the waterfall appear?
The original name of the waterfall is due to the American pilot James Angel, who searched from the air for ore deposits (although there is an assumption that the subject of the search was diamonds). It was he who drew the attention of the general public to the giant waterfall, and since in Spanish the surname Angel is read like Angel, the natural curiosity "promoted" by him was named so.
The renaming of the waterfall into Kerepakupai-meru took place in 2009, at the initiative of the Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. This was a tribute to the policy of anti-imperialism. Since the waterfall was in Venezuela long before Angela, Chavez decided that the country's national treasure should not bear the name of a foreigner.
There are many waterfalls in Russia too. The highest of them is Talnikovy. This five-step 600-meter waterfall is located in the Putoransky Nature Reserve in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. However, it is rarely seen by tourists, since there is no transport or hotel infrastructure near it.