One of nature’s miracles, seeing a waterfall is not only a visual spectacle but also an incredibly humbling experience. Their powerful force crashing over cliffs and bravely plunging depths below can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up in awe. The splendor of these watery wonders is perhaps best described by Scottish explorer David Livingstone when he discovered Victoria Falls as, “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight!”
Here are seven of the world’s largest waterfalls:
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
It’s impossible to talk about waterfalls and not mention Victoria Falls! The largest waterfall in the world, it roars and thunders as it dives down 354 feet and spans for 1.5 miles across the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Although the locals had known about the falls for years, it was ‘discovered’ and introduced to the world for the first time by Scotsman David Livingston in 1855 who named it after Queen Victoria. But its indigenous name in Tonga language, Mosi-oa-Tunya, describes it most aptly – The Smoke That Thunders!
Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina
Literally translating to ‘big water’, Iguaza Falls is the world’s largest waterfalls system in the world. In fact, such is the scale of the waterfalls that when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Iguazu Falls, she exclaimed, “Poor Niagra!”. Iguazu is not about height (269 feet) at all. Its massive width stretches for 1.7 miles, splitting its way between Brazil and Argentina!
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Nosediving 3,211 feet (almost a kilometer!) down the edge of a mountain like a slender supermodel, Angel Falls is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall! It is surrounded dramatic table top mountains known as tepuis and lush forests. A surreal sight, indeed! This unrestrained cascade too plummets down a ginormous table top mountain called Auyantepui, or the Devil’s Mountain. What makes Angel Falls particularly fascinating is that the waterfall is not fed by a river or lake or glacier melt! Its water source is the abundant rainfall from tropical clouds condensing atop the tepui.
Kaieteur Falls, Guayana
It’s rather unfortunate that even though Kaietueur Falls is four times taller than Niagara, it’s not even half as popular! Perhaps it’s because of its remote location, tucked deep inside a forest in the heart of Guyana, that few people are able to access it. But it’s remoteness is part of its charm. The easiest way to reach is via a nearby airstrip. If you’re cash starved, the alternative option includes a three-day long journey! Either way, the journey is worth it. Watching this waterfall plunge 741 feet into a deep forested chasm is a bewitching experience.
Dettifoss, Iceland
Dettifoss is reputed to be Europe’s most powerful waterfall with over 500 cubic meters of water plunging down per second! For some Dettifoss is ‘The Beast’ compared to neighboring Gooafoos, ‘The Beauty’. This behemoth is bound to take your breath away. If you’re a nature lover, go wandering on the beautiful 34km hiking trail along the canyon from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi complete with camping facility.
Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
Although there are bigger and taller waterfalls than Niagara Falls, none have managed to become as recognizable as the Niagara Falls. Its reputation precedes its splendor. Watching the River Niagara cascade down is a delightful visual experience. While the waterfall is sure to impress no matter which country you see it from, we’d still strongly recommend viewing it from the Canadian side; it’s much prettier!
Large Waterfall, Croatia
Croatians like to keep things simple. So, they named their largest and most stunning waterfall just what it is, Large Waterfall! It gushes majestically in Europe’s oldest and most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park. The area surrounding the waterfall is equally stunning too, abundant with greenery and wildlife.
Get ready for some waterfall watching!
Book international flights on EMI on Mihuru explore 7 of the world’s largest waterfalls.
Tags: Africa Argentina Brazil Europe Guyana Iceland North America South America United States of America Waterfalls Zambia Zimbabwe
