There 9 counties with the most amazing and tallest waterfalls. A waterfall itself is a miracle of nature, and a beauty to to behold. Every waterfall is unique in its own way, and some of the tallest waterfalls need to be viewed from the sky. It is difficult to comprehend the power, magnanimity and concentration of water from the tallest drops. Some of the feature waterfalls have a total vertical drop of at least 500 feet (152 meters) and are amongst the tallest waterfalls in the world.
South Africa
Tugela Falls in South Africa is widely accepted as the world’s second-tallest waterfall and is approximately 3,110 feet (948 meters) tall. The combination of the five distinctive drops is especially unique about this waterfall. The waterfall itself is only one of the many scenic wonders, and is also a great spot to go caving.
Switzerland
Switzerland is the home many beautiful waterfalls. Mattenbachfalle is located in Berne and approximately 3,050 feet (930 meters) tall. Mattenbachfalle is a low volume waterfall, that descends the eastern wall of Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen valley. The valley is a nature conservation area and home to 72 waterfalls.
Peru
Cataratas las Tres Hermanas, translated ‘The 3 Sisters Waterfalls’ stands at an impressive 3,000 feet 914 meters. Peru is also home to Gocta Catarata attributed to stand at 2,531 feet (771 meters) and one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. It was discovered by German researcher Stefan Ziemendorf in 2002 when he was doing research in the caves found in the Amazon. Legend has it Gocta Catarata may have treasure that is guarded by a blond-haired mermaid in the lagoon located at the lower area of the waterfall. Many visitors visit the falls to embark on their own treasure hunt.
United States
The United States has a multitude of waterfalls in which Hawaii, Washington and California are on top of the list as having some of the tallest waterfalls. An example of what Hawaii has to offer is Oloupena Falls at 2,953 feet (900 meters). Oloupena Falls is visible only from the ocean or from the air, because the location of this Waterfall is on the cliffs of the north shore of Molokai. Washington is home to Colonial Creek Falls at 2,568 feet (783 meters), with 13 distinct drops. California, another place of great beauty, is known for Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park. If you visit in late spring the water flow is at its peak. If you want to further delve into the tallest waterfalls in the United States Cloudcap Falls in Washington at 2,400 feet (732 meters) and Sperry Glacier Falls in Montana at 2,300 feet (701 meters) may interest you.
Canada
Bruce Falls in British Columbia, Canada has approximately a 2755 foot (840 meter) vertical drop. Wet your waterfall palette with Athabasca Falls, meaning “grass or reed here and there” in cree (North American Indigenous people who primarily live in Canada) and is located in Jasper Park. It may not be one of the tallest waterfalls, but deserves a salute as a highlight of the Canadian Rockies. Athabasca Falls only has an approximate height of 75.5 feet (23 meters) but its volume of water flowing into the gorge from the Athabasca River is a sight to behold.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a land of many waterfalls but none as outstanding as Browne Falls at 2,744 feet (836 meters). A great spot for visitors to enjoy the local landscape. It is in a remote location and has hidden caves, but is only accessible by boat or helicopter.
Norway
Norway is a small world of waterfalls and nature abound. Many of the country’s waterfalls have low volume water flow, but boast height. Kerrskredfossen at a whopping 2,725 feet (831 meters) can only be reached by train. The stop built in 1951 was so passengers could stop and admire the magnificent waterfalls. Also, Storoskredfossen at 2,625 feet (800 meters) top the list. Worth a mention is Tagfaossen at 2,330 feet (710 meters) with easy access and the fact you could stand almost directly beneath the falls. It is worth the walk to see the magnificent Storfossen waterfall, and it is even possible to walk behind the waterfall as well.
Venezuela
Many of the Venezuela waterfalls are hard to find but a true unforgettable treasure when upon discovery. The Angel Falls (Salto Angel), the highest waterfall in the world at 3,209 feet (978meters). Los Chorros de Cura in Aragua, Venezuela is approximately 2,695 feet (821 meters). Bolivar is home to Kerepakupai Meru, also known as Angel Falls. It is approximately 2,648 feet (807 meters).
Reunion
Trou de Fer may be obscure to find but is a wonder to behold. One of the tallest waterfalls at approximately 2,380 feet (725 meters) can easily be seen by tourist helicopters flying overhead when sky touring Reunion Island. La Reunion is a place filled with natural wonders and includes several unforgettable waterfalls.
Summary of Countries with Tallest Waterfalls
Country | Falls to Note | Feet | Meters |
South Africa | Tugela Falls | 3,110 | 948 |
Switzerland | Mattenbachfalle | 3,050 | 914 |
Peru | Tres Hermanas, Cataratas las | 3,000 | 914 |
Hawaii,United States | Oloupena Fall | 2,953 | 900 |
Canada | Bruce Falls | 2,755 | 840 |
New Zealand | Browne Falls | 2,744 | 836 |
Norway | Kerrskredfossen | 2,725 | 831 |
Venezuela | Los Chorros de Cura | 2695 | 821 |
Reunion | Trou de Fer, Casades de | 2,380 | 725 |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Daria Medvedeva/Shutterstock.com
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