Niagara, Victoria and Angel: all powerful and famous waterfalls and we reveal where the highest and mightiest waterfalls are in the world.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
The highest and most majestic waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela. At a height of 3,212 feet (979 m), the falls are named after the US Aviator Jimmie Angel who first spotted the mighty waterfall in 1933. He revisited 4 years later to explore, but on landing the plane sank into soft ground, forcing Angel and his party to walk for 11 days to the nearest village. Today Angel Falls is still difficult to reach as it’s located within dense and remote jungle. Plane trips and seasonal river trips in wooden curiaras are the best way to explore Angel Falls.
Tugela Falls, South Africa
Deep in the heart of South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park is the impressive Tugela Waterfalls, which has a thunderous drop of 3,110 feet (948 m). Curious travellers can hike the path to the top of the falls which includes a climb to the peak of the Amphitheatre cliffs in Drakensberg. Or hike from the Natal National Park into Tugela Gorge for a birdseye view at the foot of the falls. Either way, it’s said that the best time to view the falls is late afternoon, when the sun bounces off the water.
Cataratas las Tres Hermanas, Peru
The ‘waterfalls of the three sisters’, aka Cataratas las Tres Hermanas, lies in a remote area of Peru in the Ayacucho province. The best way to see this mighty waterfall, which measures 3,000 feet (914 meters) is by aircraft since it is located within dense rainforest alongside the Cutiverini River.
Olo’upena Falls, Molokai, Hawaii
Visible only from the ocean or from the air, are the Oloupena Waterfalls in Hawaii. At a height of 2,953 feet (900 m) these are the highest falls in North America. Curious travellers can visit Molokai in Hawaii for an up close experience.
Catarata Yumbilla, Amazonas, Peru
Back to Peru for the Catarata Yumbilla Falls, which are one of the world’s best kept secrets. Located deep in the Peruvian Amazonas region, this waterfall only came to an international audience in 2007. With a height of 2,938 feet (896 m), Yumbilla is the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Most travellers to the Amazonas come to witness the more famous Gocta waterfall up close.
Vinnufossen, Norway
The highest waterfall in Europe honour goes to Vinnufossen in Norway. Located in the Møre og Romsdal, the falls reach a height of 2,822 feet (860 m). Keen waterfall hunters can’t fail but be impressed by Vinnufossen which is fuelled by glacier melts.
Balåifossen, Norway
Staying within Norway, we also have the mighty Balåifossen waterfall which weighs in at 2,788 feet (850 m) tall. Lying within the Hordaland region, Balåifossen is something of a seasonal fall, with the narrow flow actually stopping during the summer. Its best viewed during winter when the ice melt adds to the flow.
