The highest waterfalls in the world
Most tourist itineraries include a visit to waterfalls. They are a popular natural attraction. The highest waterfalls are scattered all over the world and many tourists dream of seeing them.
Angel, Canaima National Park, Bolivar State Venezuela
The highest waterfall on earth is considered to be Angel, located in the Canaima National Park, Bolivar State in Venezuela. Standing at 979 metres (reportedly even higher at 1,054 metres), it holds the record. Nearby flows the river Kerep. The waterfall is named after the pilot who saw it from the sky in 1933. The water falls from a great height and the water sprays out and forms a mist.
Tourists visit the site extensively and listen carefully to the guides. If you wish, you can get to Angel by small plane or helicopter and admire the magnificent panorama from high up.
Tugela, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Africa’s waterfalls are also very beautiful, with the highest one being Tugela. The water falls from a height of 933 metres, it is 15 metres wide and has 5 cascades. The waterfall is surrounded by the Dragon Mountains that protect it from the scorching sun, which is why some parts even freeze sometimes.
Some say that the height of Tugela is even higher than that of Ángel, but this has never been proven. Detailed calculations are difficult to make. The highest waterfall in Africa can be visited either at the foot or at the top. The local scenery is very beautiful, with water and mountains forming the landscape.
Three Sisters, Ayacucho, Peru
The third highest waterfall to look for in Peru is the Three Sisters. A tourist group discovered it relatively recently. It has three separate tiers, reaching a height of 914 metres. The waterfall is located in the rainforests of the famous Amazon River, near the town of Chachapoyas, which can serve as a landmark.
Olopena, Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA
The waterfalls of the world are quite diverse, of which Olopena, located on the island of Malokai, Hawaii in America, is the only one. It is located near the volcano of the same name and is surrounded by high mountains. The height of this waterfall is 900 metres. It cannot be reached on foot, a task that can only be accomplished by climbers with the proper equipment.
Regular tourists have only two options – by plane or by boat. In addition, there are two other high waterfalls not far from Olowpen, Puukaoku and Haloku.
Yumbilla, Amazonas, Peru
Yumbilla Falls, located in Peru, are reported to be 870 metres high and 895 metres by others. Its stream consists of 5 cascades. Another peculiarity of the attraction is its origin in a cave of the same name. One of the water streams resembles a heart, hence its name, which translates to “heartfelt love”.
Winnufossen, Norway
When planning a visit to Norway, include Vinnufossen Falls, 860 metres high, in your itinerary. This water feature is fed by the Vinnufon Glacier and the Vinna River. It is considered the highest in Europe, located east of the village of Sundalsør. There are only five waterfalls higher than this in the entire world.
Balaifossen, Norway
Nature lovers often travel to Norway which is famous for its fjords and waterfalls. There are small streams as well as mighty waterfalls. The Balaifossen waterfall, for example, is 850 metres high. It is fed by a nearby glacier. Every year the amount of water decreases and the flow of tourists decreases. It is likely that within a few years the site will disappear, leaving behind a bare, dried up cliff.
Puukaoku, USA
When listing high waterfalls, Puukaoku, located in America, namely in Hawaii, should be mentioned. To see it, you will have to make a difficult journey by boat or yacht provided by a tour company. Such a journey will not be cheap, but it will be worth it. Puukaoku is 840 metres high and looks more like a waterslide, as the water gently flows down the slope. Molokai Island Falls is adjacent to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. It can be accessed not only by water but also by helicopter. The hike is suitable only for sophisticated hikers who can boast of good physical fitness.
The natural surroundings of this waterfall are very beautiful with steep depressions, lush vegetation and mesmerising views of the ocean. Here hikers enjoy the beauty of Hawaii in a secluded and tranquil setting.
James Bruce Falls, Canada
James Bruce Falls is another high waterfall located on the North American continent. This natural attraction belongs to Canada and is named after a native of Scotland, James Bruce, who travelled the area. It has a tourist-friendly location and is part of the Princess Louise Park. There are a dozen or so other waterfalls nearby, a nature lover’s paradise. The James Bruce Falls are the ninth highest waterfall in the world and the highest in North America at 840 metres. It can be reached on foot, but the route will not be easy or by boat. Visitors often head to the top of the park to take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.
Brown, New Zealand
New Zealand is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world with its stunning natural scenery. Brown Falls are a part of it. This natural attraction is located in a valley of rivers and hills. The waterfall was named after the discoverer, a pilot, who photographed the island during an aeroplane flight. The powerful water falls from a height of 836 metres. This waterfall is of lake origin, while the others in our review are formed by glaciers.
There are other beautiful waterfalls worth visiting around the world, but these are considered the highest. There are many interesting facts associated with them, which are explained in detail by the guides on the tours.