The widest waterfall The widest waterfalls in the world

Which waterfall is the highest in the world? The highest waterfalls in the world.
Top 10 highest waterfalls in the world:

1. Angel Falls or Kerepakupai Meru, Venezuela (Angel Falls, Venezuela) - 979 (1054) m.,
2. Tugela Falls, South Africa - 948 m.
3. Waterfall Three Sisters, Peru (Three Sisters Falls, Cataratas las Tres Hermanas, Peru) - 914 m.
4. Oloupena Falls, USA, Hawaii (Olo'upena Falls, United States) - 900 m.
5. Umbilla Falls, Peru - 895.4 m.
6. Vinnufossen waterfall, Norway (Vinnufossen, Norway) - 860 m.
7. Waterfall Balaifossen, Norway (Balaifossen, Norway) - 850 m.
8. Puukaoku Falls, USA, Hawaii (Pu'uka'oku, United States) - 840 m.
9. James Bruce Falls, Canada - 840 m.
10. Browne Falls, New Zealand - 836 m.

Countries with the highest waterfalls in the world

If you choose the highest waterfalls in the world (10 above 800 meters), then it is easy to count the countries that hold the record for the number of giant highest waterfalls on their territory. The leader is Norway, in which four tallest waterfalls in the world, all of which are above 800 meters: Vinnufossen (860 m.), Balaifossen (850 m.), Strupenfossen (820 m.), Utigard (818 m.). 2/3 of the territory of Norway is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. In terms of the total height of the world's highest waterfalls, small Norway surpassed one of the largest countries in the world, the United States. IN THE USA 4 tallest waterfalls in the world: Oloupena (900 m.), Puukaoku (840 m.), Waihilau (792 m.), Colonial Creek (788 m.). Geologically, the United States has been greatly helped by its distant state of Hawaii, which has three of the highest waterfalls in the United States on the slopes of volcanoes. Peru is located in the small country of Peru. two of the highest waterfalls in the world: "Three sisters" (914 m.), Yumbilla (895.4 m.).

1. Norway: 4 highest waterfalls in the world, only 3348 meters.
2. USA: 4 highest waterfalls in the world, only 3320 meters.
3. Peru: 2 highest waterfalls in the world, only 1810 meters.

The highest waterfall in the world - №1 Angel, Venezuela

Which waterfall is the highest in the world? The highest waterfall in the world - Kerepakupai-meru or Angel was discovered in 1933 in Venezuela by the American pilot James Angel. He flew in the tropical forests of Venezuela in search of either ore or diamonds. In 1937, James Angel wanted to land on an airplane on the Auyantepui plateau (the tip of Mount Auyantepui), where pieces of quartz sparkled, which he from afar mistook for the brilliance of diamonds. During landing, the plane was damaged, the landing gear burst and the pilot with his wife Marie and two companions descended for 11 days. Their arduous journey made the world's largest waterfall famous.

Angel Falls ( Salto?ngel in Spanish ) was named after him, which is how the surname Angel is read in Spanish ( Angel in English). In 1994, the world's highest Angel Falls were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Canaima National Park, where it is located. Recently, under the pretext of fighting cosmopolitanism, the world's highest Angel Falls was renamed Kerepakupai Meru ( Kerepakupai-mer?). Kerepakupai-meru is one of its local Indian names. So in 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias took revenge on the Americans. Indeed, back in 1912, Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, who explored Venezuela, mentioned this waterfall, although he did not publish his discovery officially.

All the highest waterfalls in the world are headed by Angel Falls, which is recognized for its beauty. The water of the largest waterfall in the world begins its fall directly from the clouds, because its height is 979 meters (in 1949, today other data is 1054 m), that is, a kilometer. It is fed by the waters of the Carro River (a tributary of the Carroni River). Free-falling water flows down Venezuela's largest mountain, Auyantepui ("mountain of the devil"). Due to the fact that the side of the mountain is composed of soft red sandstone, the river cut it and the water falls from crevices 50 meters below the edge of Auyantepui mountain. And the water completes its fall into the Kerep River, breaking into the smallest fog, which stands for several kilometers around.

Should I see the world's tallest waterfall?

For those who are thinking about whether to visit Angel Falls, I can only say: "the highest waterfall in the world"! when you look at this miracle of nature, you understand how small a bug a person is in comparison with the power of the earth's gravity. Being near the majestic Venezuelan Angel Falls, you understand that your life, your descendants, will end, and the water of this waterfall will also rush down furiously, despite the progress of mankind, war and destruction.

Angel Falls, the highest in the world, is free for tourists and is one of the main attractions of Venezuela. Angel Falls is located in the wilderness and you first need to get to it by regular plane. You can enjoy the beauty of the world's largest Angel Falls from below, reaching along the river, using the services of numerous guides. And you can see the world's highest waterfall from a bird's eye view on a sightseeing helicopter. This spectacle literally takes your breath away, you will not regret it!

The highest waterfalls in the world: №2 Tugela Falls (South Africa)

The second in the list of the highest waterfalls in the world is the waterfall Tugela 914 meters high on the eastern cliff of the Dragon Mountains. Drakensberg translated from German means "dragon mountain", it is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The waters that give strength to the waterfall are the purest, they can be drunk. The total length of the Tugela River, which gives strength to the second highest waterfall in the world, is 512 km. Its source is just a few kilometers from the Tugela waterfall. The cliff of the source of the Tugela waterfall in winter (our summer) is often covered with snow, and the waterfall itself can turn into ice. Unlike other highest waterfalls in the world, the Tugela waterfall has five steps, which looks very unusual and attractive up close. The highest cascade is 411 meters high.

Tugela Falls, second in height only to the world's largest Angel Falls, looks beautiful at any time of the year and in any weather, even glitters in the sun. It is best to watch it after heavy rain, when the 15-meter stream becomes more visible and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. Tourists have two main routes. The first one is shorter and takes 5 hours on foot: from the car park with a short climb to the top and further, along two suspension bridges. The second route begins with a seven-kilometer ascent through the gorge, then a suspension bridge will lead curious tourists to the foot of the world's second highest waterfall in the world.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 3 Three Sisters Waterfall in Peru

The third tallest of the "Top 10: The highest waterfalls in the world" named "Three sisters" (Three Sisters Fall) due to its unusual construction. The third highest waterfall in the world "Three Sisters" (in Spanish Cataratas las Tres Hermanas) hid deep in the dense forests of a small country. The Ayacucho region in Peru can boast of its presence. The Three Sisters waterfall has been hiding from civilization for a long time. World science has only recently been enriched with information about this highest waterfall in Peru. Photographers discovered it with a group when they were doing a photo session of another Peruvian waterfall - Katarata, which is located nearby and three times lower (267 meters high). The flow of the waterfall consists of three separate tiers, with a total height of 914 meters. Moreover, two of them (the upper ones) can only be seen from the air, and the lower, the third splashes into a huge pool, hidden among tall 30-meter trees.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 4 Olopena, Hawaii

Waterfall Olopena (Olo'upena Falls in English) is the tallest waterfall in the United States and the fourth tallest waterfall in the world. Volcano Olopena is located on the northern coast of Malokai Island ( Moloka'i). A 900-meter-high waterfall flows down the almost vertical slope of Mount Haloku ( Haloku), although usually the water flies freely from a height. The Olopena waterfall was hiding from people for a long time, because. is located inside an isolated volcanic island mountain range and is surrounded by high mountains. Even now, when the Olopena waterfall is widely known among tourists, it is more convenient to get to it by helicopter. Until now, the Olopena waterfall is not accessible to hikers. Except, as by air, it can only be approached from the side of the sea, where it directs its waters.

The best time for tourists to visit the Olopena waterfall is from November to March during the rainy season. One of the highest waterfalls in the world, Olopena is available for guided tours from boats, yachts and helicopters. The attention of numerous tourists is presented with a breathtaking spectacle of water flowing smoothly into the sea along a vertical wall. And in windy weather, tourists can see another phenomenon: the waters of the Olopena waterfall literally fly up, lifted into the air by the pressure of the air flow. Just 500 meters away is the world's eighth tallest waterfall in the world: Puukaoku Falls, which is only 60 meters lower. And even closer, 300 meters away: Haloku waterfall 700 meters high.

Fake photos of the Olopena waterfall.

Very often, photographs are published on the Internet called Oloupena Falls, showing a picturesque valley with streams of waterfalls surrounded on three sides by mountains. This photo does not belong to the Olopena waterfall, but shows the picturesque Papalua waterfall ( Papalaua Falls) is only 500 meters high. The real Olopena waterfall pours down the outer side of the mountain directly into the sea.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 5 Umbilla, Peru

The second highest in Peru and the fifth in the world - a waterfall Yumbilla(Umbilla, in English Yumbilla, but in the language of the Quechua Indians Yumbillo). Umbilla Falls is located in the Peruvian Selva. The height of the waterfall is 870 meters. However, the Peruvian National Geographic Institute insists on the figure - 895.4 meters. The flow of water of one of the largest waterfalls in the world begins from underground. Its source: the cave of San Francisco, the length of the studied part of which is about 250 meters.

This waterfall is a multi-level system, which has four large descents. True, many photographers were able to capture the 5 cascades of the Umbilla Falls. Yumbilla is considered by the government of Peru as one of the objects that will be included in a two-day tour of the largest waterfalls in this country. While the excursions are accompanied by unofficial guides, providing the pleasure of visiting the wild with fantastic views. Within a 7 mile radius of Umbilla Falls is another Gokta Falls, which is 771 meters high.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 6 Vinnufossen, Norway

The highest waterfall in Norway and Europe Vinnufossen is located on the river Vinnu, which determined its name (in Norwegian Vinnufossen means a waterfall on the river Winnu). The Vinnufossen waterfall is located near the village of Sunndalsøra (to the east of it). The total height of the highest waterfall in Europe is 860 meters. The Vinnufossen waterfall has several levels. The source of water supply for the Vinnufossen waterfall is the Vinnufossen glacier ( Vinnufonna). This glacier gives rise to the Winnu River, which flows down Mount Vinnufielle ( Vinnufjellet) in the form of the Vinnufossen waterfall. Interestingly, the modern Norwegian language does not contain the word Winnu, which is included in the names of a glacier, mountain, river and waterfall. Linguists are inclined to believe that the word vinnu comes from the old Scandinavian word for work. In modern Norwegian, work means arbeid.

The highest free fall of water from the largest waterfall in Norway and Europe, Vinnufossen, is 420 meters. Further, the waters of Vinna flow into the Driva River ( Driva). Tourists prefer the more famous and spectacular Mardalsfossen waterfall for viewing ( Mardalsfossen), which is 200 meters lower, but full of water. It is a classic waterfall that flows into a U-shaped valley and forms the lake Eikesdalsvotn ( Eikesdalsvatn).

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 7 Balaifossen, Norway

Second highest waterfall in Norway Balaifossen (Balai Fossen, Bal?ifossen Falls) is located near the Osafjord fjord ( Osafjord or Osafjorden) in the municipality of Ulvik ( Ulvik) in Khuralan county ( Hordaland). The Balaifossen waterfall has a height of 850 meters and consists of 3 cascades with a height of the highest at 452 meters. The source of water supply for the Balaifossen waterfall is the Bala stream, replenished with melt water. At the edge of the valley, where the waters of the Balaifossen mountain waterfall descend, the town of Osa was founded. A normal stream of up to 6 meters wide in a warmer than usual year can turn into a sluggishly flowing trickle, exposing the stone bed of one of the highest waterfalls on the planet.

The Balaifossen waterfall is not favored by tourists because of its small water flow, which can practically stop on the hottest days. During the warmer months, the narrow cascade of Norway's second-highest Balaifossen waterfall turns into an imperceptible trickle. The changeable nature of the Balaifossen waterfall is explained by its weak source. The waterfall is filled with melting snow from the surrounding high mountains. Consequently, the appearance, flow rate and overall impression of the Balaifossen waterfall are inconsistent and change from season to season, from year to year. Visit this waterfall in July and you can spend your trip looking at the dry stone bed of the huge waterfall. The existence of one of the highest waterfalls in Europe is dangerously dependent on a warming climate. A systematic decrease in snow cover below the level required to replenish the waterfall by the autumn months can lead to its complete disappearance.

The highest waterfalls in the world: No. 8 Puukaoku, USA

Waterfall Puukaoku (Pu'uka'oku) at 840 meters (2,756 ft) is not the highest waterfall in the world, but is ranked #8 in the world's top ten highest waterfalls. Puukaoku Falls is a natural wonder on Hawaii's volcanic island of Molokai ( Moloka'i). This island is interesting because it has 12 (!) waterfalls, of which two fall into the Top 10: The highest waterfalls in the world. The tallest waterfall on the island of Molokai, Olopena is the first highest in the United States and the fourth highest in the world. The smallest Haha waterfall on this small island is only 240 meters high. The water of the Puukaoku Falls does not fall freely, but flows evenly along the slopes, located almost vertically. The waterfall is rarely photographed because the slopes around it are inaccessible to people. Dense growths hinder climbers and do not adhere tightly enough to loose volcanic soil to support the weight of a person with equipment.

The waterfall can be observed from the sea by taking advantage of the boat excursions offered by numerous tour companies. You can get so close to the waterfall that you will be immersed in fog from the water falling from this amazing natural monument. Helicopter tours offer an even more impressive sight. During strong winds, the water of the Puukaoku Falls does not reach the ocean, but rises up. This spectacle misses many tourists who can only watch the Puukaoku Falls from boats and helicopters. It's too dangerous to ride them in this weather.

World's Tallest Waterfalls: #9 James Bruce, Canada

The tallest waterfall in Canada and North America is James Bruce (James Bruce Falls) with a height of 840 meters (2.755 ft). James Bruce Falls, number 9 on the world's top ten tallest waterfalls, is just one foot (31 centimeters) lower than Hawaii's Puukaoku Falls. The waterfall is named after the great traveler, the Scotsman James Bruce, who was the first to find the sources of the Blue Nile. James Bruce Falls is located in Canada. In British Columbia, James Bruce Falls is the top view in Princess Louise Marine Provincial Park. The small width of the waterfall (only 5 meters) is explained by the fact that, like all the highest waterfalls in the world, it is formed by melt water. The largest waterfall in North America is fed by clearly visible snow on a high plateau.

All the highest waterfalls in the world are very similar to each other. however, James Bruce differs from most of them in that he has not one, but two parallel sources. Due to the fact that one of them is created by a lower and weaker glacier, its stream is weaker and dries up in summer. James Bruce Falls is also distinguished by the fact that it constantly meanders and turns its direction among rocky mountain faults. The water source of the James Bruce Falls is small in terms of total catchment, but located at an altitude of almost two kilometers, so the total flow does not change much, depending on seasonal changes.

James Bruce Falls is most favorable for tourists to visit in rainy winter or autumn, it looks the most full of water. It is difficult to see it entirely from the lower part, where tourists usually swim in boats. It is more convenient to view and photograph the James Bruce Falls from the nearby hills. in addition, here in the Princess Louise Park, tourists can see more than a dozen smaller waterfalls. Of course, even this cannot attract as many tourists as come to see Canada's most famous waterfall on the Niagara River. Niagara Falls is visited by 25 million people annually.

World's Tallest Waterfalls: No. 10 Brown, New Zealand

Tallest waterfall in New Zealand Brown (Browne Falls) was discovered on South Island by Victor Carlyle Brown in 1940. The discovery of the tenth largest waterfall in the world occurred during aerial photography and immortalized an ordinary pilot. Today, this waterfall is part of the Fiordland National Park, located on South Island, New Zealand. The source of Brown Falls is a small mountain lake (by the way, also discovered by Brown and named after him) in the southern part of the island. The waterfall itself is surrounded by subtropical evergreen forest, consisting mainly of kauri trees 50 meters high and 6 meters wide. The width of the waterfall is 12 meters. It is not surprising that the spillway of this powerful waterfall reaches up to 14 cubic meters of water per second. But this is in those months when its filling with water is maximum. And the usual water flow is about 3 cubic meters per second. The water of the largest waterfall in New Zealand calms down in the fjord of the Gulf of Arms.

Brown Falls is the only one of the ten highest waterfalls in the world that is formed by a mountain lake, and not by melting glaciers, snow or streams. This is what causes the largest overhang among the high waterfalls. The water falling from the Brown Falls flies 836 meters vertically, and as many as 1130 horizontally! The pressure of water from the mountain lake Brown makes it possible for the water not to fall at an angle close to 90 degrees, but to fly forward at a forty-two-degree angle. The features of the mountain range are such that Brown Falls is a single-cascade. The highest drop of Brown Falls is 244 m long.

Everyone loves to do lists. Forbes magazine publishes a list of the richest people on an annual basis. Children make a list of gifts for the New Year, sending it to Santa Claus or Father Frost. The music industry is constantly creating lists of the best singles and there are many lists on the theme of nature too. In this article we will describe the largest waterfalls in the world. But in this case, it is not the size that is meant, but their height.

A waterfall is a river that bypasses a rocky ledge and creates a falling stream. Surely you have already seen this magnificent spectacle. And the higher the waterfall, the more beautiful it is. So, let's move closer to the topic. Let's make a rating called "The largest waterfalls in the world." Photos of these giants will be attached to the article. So you can see these natural masterpieces at least in the picture.

1. Angel

The height of 986 meters gives him the title of "The largest waterfall in the world." This miracle of nature is located in South America on the Carrao River. The waterfall is hidden from everyone by a dense tropical forest, it is not easy to get to it. Additional difficulties are created by the complete absence of roads. Tepui - so the natives call a flat mountain, from the top of which Angel falls. Its full name is Auyan Tepui (translated as "Devil's Mountain"), and it takes its place among hundreds of similar mountains.

The main characteristics of these dormant rocks are flat tops and vertical slopes that are constantly being eroded by heavy rains. In 1910, the Spanish explorer Sanchez La Cruz discovered, but this event did not receive wide publicity.

The official discovery was made by the American gold digger and pilot James Engel, after whom this miracle of nature was named. In 1935, he flew over Mount Tepui and landed on its flat top in search of gold. But James's monoplane fell into the swampy jungle, and the gold digger had to go in search of civilization on foot. It was then that he noticed this impressive giant and soon told the world about him.

2. Tugela

This is the second largest waterfall in the world. This is evidenced by its height of 947 meters. Tugela is located in the Natal National Park in Drakensberg (South Africa) and consists of five cascading waterfalls. In the brightest colors it can be seen after the rain. To do this, you just need to go along the main excursion road.

This giant got its name in honor of the source of the river of the same name, located not far from the cliff in By the way, the water in the river above the waterfall is clean and drinkable. During the winter months, the cliff is covered with snow. At the same time, all the surroundings become like a postcard depicting a magical winter country.

Drakensberg is a separate world of loneliness and majestic landscape. A landscape of cliffs, farmland, river valleys and vast areas of untouched wilderness opens up before tourists. Anyone can find a holiday to their liking. For outdoor enthusiasts there is hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing and canoeing. And lovers of passive pastime can choose scenic tours, day walks, bird watching or fishing.

There are two trails leading to the bottom of the waterfall. The first is to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources, starting at the car park at Whitsishokek and on to Futujaba, from where there is a short climb to the top of the Amphitheater. The total travel time (there and back) is 10 hours. Another trail to Tugelu leads from the national park. A seven-kilometer ascent along the gorge winds through the local forest. Any tourist visiting Drakensberg should definitely visit this wonderful creation of nature.

3. Waterfall "Three sisters"

It is no coincidence that this beautiful Peruvian waterfall, located in the Ayacucho region of the country, received such a name. It consists of three separate tiers. The top two are perfectly visible from the air, and the third is a huge pool into which water falls.

"Three sisters" were discovered by a group of photographers who came to shoot a completely different waterfall - Katarata (267 meters). Needless to say, they were delighted with the find. "Three Sisters" is almost completely surrounded by forests with more than 30-meter trees. The very same creation of nature rises to 914 meters.

4. Olupena waterfall

This beautiful waterfall is located in the USA, but you have to walk a lot to see it. All this is because the place of its deployment is the most remote Hawaiian island of Molokai. Most people have never heard or seen this waterfall. Even among enthusiasts, a significant part of the visual information about this giant was obtained using aerial photography.

The Olupena waterfall is surrounded on both sides by huge mountains. Despite the fact that the giant does not have enough water to discharge, it is considered the highest waterfall in the United States (900 meters). The Olupena waterfall is multi-level and extremely thin. Therefore, in the general classification, it is registered as a tape.

5. Yumbila

The fifth is located in Peru, in the region The height of this giant is still contested. According to the National Institute of Peru, it is 895 meters. Other sources indicate a height of 870 meters. Yumbila is a multi-level system with 4 descents.

Previously, Gokta with its 771 meters was considered the highest waterfall in Peru. Therefore, the discovery of Yumbila greatly pleased the government of Peru. And this event inspired the Ministry of Tourism to develop a 2-day excursion, during which you can see all the largest waterfalls in the country. Tourists should take note of this.

6. Vinnufossen

This Norwegian giant is not the largest waterfall in the world. But the total height of 860 meters gives him the title of the highest in all of Europe. It is located in the municipality of Sunndal. Vinnufossen is cascading. 420 meters - this is the size of the largest step. The maximum height of the water fall is 150 meters.

To feel Winna on your body, it is enough to walk five minutes in his direction from the nearest track. This giant is especially beautiful in summer and spring, when the river is filled with water from melted glaciers. In the course of its fall, Vinnufossen splits into parts and flows through the trees.

The widest waterfall in the world - Victoria Falls - is 1708 meters wide (but only 108 meters high). It is located in southern Africa, on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one of the largest in the world. In the language of the local African tribes, her name means "rumbling smoke".

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to discover the falls. He named it after Queen Victoria.

During the rainy season, with every minute, more than 19 million cubic meters of water falls down, sinking into the Zambezi Gorge. The result of the spray, or steam, can sometimes be seen at a distance of 25 miles.

By the end of 2000, almost 800,000 people a year had the opportunity to visit the falls, and in the next twenty years the number will increase to two million a year.

Unlike the amusement park, Victoria Falls Park receives more visitors from Zimbabwe and Zambia than foreign tourists, as it can be reached by bus and train and is therefore relatively inexpensive.

Photo of the widest waterfall in the world

Video of the widest waterfall in the world

Of all the beauties given to us by nature, waterfalls have the strongest attraction. They fascinate, sometimes frighten, but always delight. There are hundreds of them on the planet. There are high and small, wide and narrow, lonely and collected in one place, forming a unique landscape sculpture.

In the mountains of the Caucasus, in the Teberdinsky Reserve, the river Salynngan flows. In its gorges there is a unique valley called Thirty Falls. In a Japanese park, one hundred waterfalls crash into the Osugidani Valley. Norway is the world famous country of waterfalls. But small Lesotho, lost in the mountains of South Africa, is proud of its 3,000 waterfalls!

Most of the population of our planet believes that the largest waterfall is Niagara. And it won't be right. The largest is a very imprecise definition. Experts evaluate waterfalls by height, power of the water flow and width. Let's try to rank the waterfalls by their width in order to find out which of them is the largest.

Khon

The widest waterfall in the world is located on the border between Kampuchea and Laos. The Mekong, called the River of the Nine Dragons by the Vietnamese, is the largest river in Indochina. It starts from the sources on and with a roar carries its waters down through a deep gorge. Where the river comes out of it and floods the entire Cambodian plain, and there is the Kon (or Khon) waterfall.

Its basalt ridge stretched for almost 13 km. By the beginning of the 20th century, Iguazu was considered the widest waterfall in the world, until in 1920, researchers discovered a new waterfall in Southeast Asia, significantly exceeding Iguazu in width. This cascade of waterfalls was called Kon (or Khon). It is still the widest by world standards. The height of the waterfall is relatively small, but its rapids, cascades and plums make it the widest.

Not far from the waterfall, on a safe flat spot, the organizers set up a lot of tents with souvenirs and food outlets. There is even a dedicated photographer. Tourists say that the beauty of Kon gives peace and tranquility, and the locals awarded him with magical powers. It is believed that those who have seen the waterfall at least once received longevity as a gift. This cascade is the center of the national park. It is home to rare freshwater dolphins. Therefore, it is a carefully guarded national site.

Seti-Kedas

Describing the widest waterfalls in the world, I would like to mention Seti-Kedas (another name is Guaira). It was located in South America, on It was considered the border of Paraguay and Brazil.

Its width was 4800 m. It was a beautiful cascade of waterfalls. Below him was Iguazu. The flow of water per minute was equal to almost three Niagara.

The history of the waterfall is quite interesting. Discovered by an unknown gold digger. It has not been documented for a long time. All this time, until the 80s of the last century, a mass of water fell from a height of 30 meters, raising bewitching columns of water dust. But on the site of the waterfall, it was decided to build a hydroelectric power station, the most powerful in the world. In two weeks, the reservoir was filled, the rocks interfering with the construction were blown up. The national park has ceased to exist.

But nature does not tolerate such unceremonious interference. The last group of tourists viewing the falls from the suspension bridge fell into the churning stream. All 82 tourists died.

Iguazu

The widest waterfall in the world is located in South America. Iguazu Falls is considered the eighth wonder of the world. It stretched along the border of Brazil and Argentina. Its name is translated from Guarani as "big water". The width of this cascade is more than 4000 meters (much more than Niagara Falls). In an hour, Iguazu dumps one billion tons of water mass. It appeared on the maps of South America in 1541, when it was discovered by another Brazilian gold digger.

After more than one decade, a European gold digger accidentally came upon him and gave his name - Mary's Jump. The royal court did not react to this find. Therefore, for several centuries the most beautiful cascade remained in oblivion.

Iguazu fell into the category "The widest waterfalls in the world" only in the 19th century. Modern researchers claim that this is not a single waterfall, but 275 cascades. Over the centuries, they have formed a wall that looks like a horseshoe. The width of some slopes is almost 700 meters. Water dust forms countless rainbows that are visible even on moonlit nights. The national parks of both countries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2001 Iguazu was recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.

For tourists, whose flow is growing year by year, bridges, walkways, cable cars were built so that you can observe the water element as close as possible.

Victoria

What is the widest waterfall in the world? Victoria. It carries its waters in the southern part of the African continent, on the Zambezi River. It has a width of almost 1800 m. It is considered the largest in the world (but only thanks to a successful advertising campaign).

From the language of local tribes, the name of the waterfall is translated as "rumbling smoke". According to existing legend, Scottish explorer David Livingston was the first to discover the waterfall and gave it the name of the then-living Queen Victoria. Water splashes can be seen almost 40 km from it.

At its very top, the waterfall has a natural elevation, which turned out to be a natural reservoir, called the Devil's Font. Fearless tourists love to swim in it.

Niagara

If you conduct a survey about what is the widest waterfall in the world, almost everyone will answer: Niagara. It is located in North America, one of its sleeves is in America, the second is in Canada. The width of its cascades is about 1200 m. There are only three of them: Veil, American Falls (USA territory) and Horseshoe (Canada territory).

Niagara Falls is considered the most beautiful and famous in the world. The water descends with such a roar that already a few kilometers away you can’t hear your own voice. There are legends that this is why the Indians called it "rumbling water" - Niagara.

Inga and Vermilio

Continuing to describe the widest waterfalls in the world, let's talk about Inga. It is located on the Congo River in the republic of the same name. The waterfall consists of a series of cascades and rapids, forming in some places the most beautiful islands. Its width is 900 meters.

There is a beautiful Vermilion in North America. The width of its cascades is 1829 m. It is located in Canada, near the Peace River.

Stanley and Mokona

What are the most beautiful and widest waterfalls in the world? Stanley and Mokona. Stanley, 1400 meters wide, occupies almost the entire Lualaba River. And Macona is a part in Argentina. This is a one of a kind large river waterfall. Its width is 2065 m.

Pair

Venezuela is famous for the Para waterfall, or, as the locals call it, Salto Para. Its width is 5608 m. It is located on the Kaura River, where its two parts converge. From above it looks like a crescent. It is surrounded by almost impenetrable green jungle.

Gersoppa

These are not all the widest waterfalls in the world. Perhaps you can finish with the Gersoppa waterfall. It is located in India, on the Sharavati River. This river is famous for its four streams:

• Rajoy. He is slow and unhurried.
• bawler. He easily drags a large number of boulders along the channel among the rocks, creating a wild noise for many kilometers around.
• Rocket. It is he who sets the speed of the flow of water of the entire waterfall.
• Rani. It's a slow winding stream.

Cascades and descents of Gersoppa stretched for 472 meters. The locals consider the waterfall to be magical. He attracts tourists like a magnet. The water stream of Gersoppa from the top rushes down with lightning speed, in contrast to those already described.

Conclusion

Now you know which are the widest waterfalls in the world. Photos of the most famous are presented in the article. All of them are beautiful and interesting in their own way. We hope that this information was useful to you.