World's tallest waterfalls

Waterfalls have long captivated travellers with their raw power and beauty. While many are famous for their width or volume, some stand out simply because of their staggering height. They flow from cliffs, mountains and plateaus, often in remote landscapes that add to their mystique. Here are some of the tallest waterfalls in the world.

1. Angel Falls, Venezuela


At 3,212 feet (979m), Angel Falls is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall. The waterfall plunges over the edge of the Auyán-tepui mountain in the Canaima National Park.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls, incidentally, are named after US aviator Jimmie Angel, who was the first to fly over them on November 16, 1933.
Sources: (World Waterfall Database) (World of Waterfalls) (Guinness World Records)

2. Tugela Falls, South Africa



Often at the centre of debates over the world’s tallest waterfall, Tugela Falls has a total drop of approximately 411m (1,350 feet). Located within the Drakensberg Mountains, it consists of a series of falls that tumble down sheer basalt cliffs. The surrounding hiking trails offer pleasing views of the landscape.

3. Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru



Known as the “Three Sisters Falls,” this spectacular waterfall plunges from a height of around 914m (2,999 feet) through the dense cloud forests of Peru. Hidden deep within a remote national park, it remains one of the least-visited yet most impressive waterfalls in the world.

4. Olo’upena Falls, United States

Dropping approximately 900m (2,953 feet), Olo’upena Falls cascades down one of the world’s tallest sea cliffs on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Because of its inaccessible location, the waterfall is best viewed from the air or by boat.

5. Yumbilla Falls, Peru

With a height of about 896m (2,940 feet), Yumbilla Falls is among Peru’s greatest natural treasures. The waterfall descends through multiple tiers, surrounded by lush vegetation and is increasingly gaining recognition among adventure travelers.

6. Vinnufossen, Norway



Europe’s tallest waterfall, Vinnufossen, drops around 860m (2,822 feet) down a mountainside in western Norway. Fed by the Vinnufonna glacier, it is especially impressive during the summer months when snowmelt increases the water flow.

7. Browne Falls, New Zealand





The falls are located in the stunning Fiordland National Park and are named for pioneering aerial photographer Victor Carlyle Browne, who discovered Lake Browne and the associated falls on one of his flights over Fiordland in the 1940s.

8. Ramnefjellsfossen, Norway

The falls are fed by the Ramnefjellbreen glacier and flow into Lake Lovatnet. Ramnefjellet was the scene of two tragedies in 1905 and 1936 when landslides killed over 100 people.

9. Colonial Creek Falls, USA

The falls are fed by meltwater from the Colonial Glacier on Colonial Peak and consist of 14 distinct drops or cascades. While the falls are immense, they are difficult to see in their entirety from any one spot. The area around Colonial Creek affords the best views.

10. Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe



The falls are located in Mutarazi National Park, adjacent to the southern border of the Nyanga National Park. Its waters flow into Honde Valley to feed the Mtarazi river.