Waterfalls are one of nature's most stunning sights. The sight of foamy waterfalls falling into a pool is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
The ten best waterfalls in the world range from tall to wide and offer breathtaking experiences. These waterfalls will not only delight your eyes, but also satisfy the adventurer inside you.
1. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The thunderous roar can be heard up to 40 kilometers away and the water’s spray can reach heights of 400 meters, earning the waterfall its traditional name of Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.
The tumbling waters of the 2,574 km long Zambezi River outflow through the Falls creating an impressive cascade. Courageous visitors can swim in the ‘Devil’s Pool’, a natural pool located at the edge of the Victoria Falls.
During the rainy season from November to April, Victoria Falls’ water levels rise and a dazzling moonbow can be seen on clear days. Visit the Victoria Falls National Park to see wildlife including elephants, cape buffalo and white rhinoceroses. A canoeing safari in the national park is a unique experience and a chance to spot these incredible animals up close.
2. Tugela Falls
The Tugela River makes five consecutive leaps down an amphitheater wall high in the Drakensberg Mountains. Depending on the rainfall it may freeze and form spectacular pillars of ice. It is a spectacular sight and the world’s second highest waterfall.
It is surrounded by the Royal Natal National Park which is a part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Thukela is the Zulu word for “Startling One” and it refers to its sudden appearance.
It is a seasonal falls and its water flow drops in times of drought but it never runs dry. It is popular for tourism and plays a significant role in nature conservation as it provides a habitat for many endemic species. It is a mighty spectacle that is a must see for any adventure seeker.
3. Iguazu Falls
Known as Cataratas do Iguacu in Portuguese and Iguaçu Falls in Spanish, the Iguazu River is the source of one of nature’s most stunning shows. The falls span 2.7 kilometers along the border between the Brazilian state of Parana and the province of Misiones in Argentina. They are made up of 275 waterfalls or cataracts and include the thunderous Devil’s Throat.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazu instantly turns even the most jaded traveler into a raving fan. Unlike overhyped destinations that leave you disappointed, this waterfall is truly spectacular.
With walkways and platforms to get a close up look at the cascades, the best way to experience Iguazu is from the Argentine side. Here, the walkways are closer to the waterfalls and more importantly there is a greater chance of getting soaked – bring your waterproof camera!
4. Niagara Falls
A sight to behold, Niagara Falls awes visitors with its immense volume of water plunging over the falls and into the river below. It’s the most popular waterfall in the United States and offers a unique visual and physical experience. Explore the 162-hectare Niagara Falls State Park to experience the roar of the waterfall and stroll through 24 kilometers of trails and gardens. Taking a ride on the narrated Niagara Scenic Trolley or visiting the Cave of the Winds allows you to enjoy an up-close view and take in the beauty of the falls.
This spectacular natural wonder is a powerful symbol of the power of nature and a renowned source of hydroelectric energy. It has inspired daredevils to attempt to "conquer" the falls in a variety of contraptions from wooden barrels to rubber balls. The Niagara River drains four of the Great Lakes and provides 20% of the world’s fresh water.
5. Blue Nile Falls
Known locally as Tis Isat (Smoky Water) and reaching up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) wide during the rainy season, Blue Nile Falls is one of Ethiopia's most magnificent natural landmarks. Located near Bahir Dar in the Amhara Region, the thundering cascades are a dazzling sight.
The waterfall is not as spectacular as the famous ones found in other listicles but still offers a dramatic display of nature's power. Unfortunately, hydroelectric projects upstream have robbed the water of its former glory and during most part of the year only two or three streams fall down the narrow gorge.
The best place to view the falls is from a series of full-frontal viewpoints accessed from a 1.5km footpath that starts from the village of Tis Abay. After crossing the 17th-century Alata Bridge (the first ever constructed by Portuguese explorers) the trail climbs through a series of small hamlets to reach the main viewpoints.
6. Horseshoe Falls
The thunderous roar of Horseshoe Falls is an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. But there is much more to the story of this magnificent natural wonder than meets the eye. From daredevils who challenged its powerful currents to its unique geological formations, there are plenty of interesting aspects to discover.
During peak tourist hours, over 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) or roughly a million bathtubs of water rush over the crest of Horseshoe Falls every minute. Visitors can get an up close and personal look at the falls at Journey Behind the Falls.
Ninety percent of the Niagara River flows over Horseshoe Falls (named for their resemblance to a horseshoe) between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in the US state of New York and Table Rock in Canada. It is the largest of three waterfalls that comprise Niagara Falls.
7. Water-Curtain Cave
Featuring an enchanting waterfall that gracefully drapes over the cave entrance, Water-Curtain Cave is an absolute must-see. Besides this stunning natural wonder, the cave is also home to a rich collection of Buddhist temples, pavilions and ancient murals, making it a fascinating place to visit for travelers interested in both nature and culture.
The Water Curtain Cave is also a prototype of Sun Wukong’s hometown in Journey to the West, and there are many evidences showing that the former owner of the cave was Zhang Daoling, who was closely related to Taishang Laojun, the author of this epic work.
The Xiansheng Pond, Lashao Temple and Thousand-Buddha Cave are all within walking distance of the Water Curtain Cave, which makes it easy for visitors to experience all the beauty of this iconic scenic spot. And with a variety of hiking trails, beautiful natural landscapes, and exotic plants and animals, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
8. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city’ of the Incas, is an astounding architectural and archaeological complex. Its walls, terraces and stairways perfectly blend into its magnificent natural setting on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Its buildings showcase a masterful masonry technique in which stones are cut to fit together without mortar.
The citadel’s mysteries remain unresolved but it is known to be a religious, ceremonial and astronomical centre. It also demonstrates the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agriculture and domestication of wild plant species. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It receives hundreds of thousands of tourists a year.
9. Machu Picchu Falls
One of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, Machu Picchu is a testament to the Inca civilization's engineering and architectural prowess. The citadel's walls, terraces and stairways fit seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment.
It is also home to a number of species, including the spectacled bear. For this reason, tourists must always remain respectful of the wildlife when visiting Machu Picchu.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season between May and September. This is when the weather is clear and sunny, allowing visitors to enjoy uninterrupted views of the magnificent site. It also reduces the risk of rain, which can make the trails slippery. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear and bring sunscreen.
10. Angel Falls
Angel Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. It’s located in the remote jungles of Venezuela and has a cumulative height of 979 m or 3212 feet. The waterfall leaps off the mesa-type mountain, Auyantepui or Devil’s Mountain in local language, into the Carrao River below.
This epic waterfall was found in 1933 by American aviator Jimmie Angel during a flying expedition in search of gold or diamonds. Before that, the falls were unknown to the world. The Pemon Indians called the falls Kerepakupai Vena, which means “waterfall of the deepest place”.
This natural wonder is a major draw for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts around the world. Visitors can take guided tours or scenic flights to experience this stunning sight for themselves. Those seeking a more challenging trip can also opt for a multi-day trek to reach the falls.
