Witness the magic of these stunning waterfalls—where water cascades gracefully and mist kisses your skin!
Waterfalls have a certain magic that's hard to describe, but their allure is undeniable. People travel from all over just to see water tumbling over cliffs and crashing down. These stunning sights are often protected by parks or even UNESCO. Whether it’s their sheer size, height, or impressive power, some waterfalls are extra special. Here are some of the most incredible ones you should definitely check out!
In South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Falls might be the tallest waterfall in the world, dropping 948 meters. Named after the Tugela River, these falls are best seen from November to February after heavy rain. You can hike to both the top and bottom of the falls, with the Bushmen Painting Trail being a favourite among visitors.
Victoria Falls, straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a true natural marvel. It's not the tallest or widest, but it’s the biggest by volume—spanning 1,708 meters across and dropping 108 meters. That’s about twice the height of Niagara Falls and way wider than Horseshoe Falls. You can try out the thrilling activities like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping, or just enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise. It’s a fantastic spot to visit all year, with options from both sides of the border, and it pairs perfectly with trips to South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana.
Sitting on the border between the US and Canada, Niagara Falls is an impressive sight with its three stunning waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. For a relaxing family walk, hit the Niagara Recreation Trail—it’ll take you about 1 to 2 hours per section, so pack some snacks and water. For the best views, check out the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Trail, which also takes around 2 hours. And if you’re there in spring, you might catch the annual hawk migration!
Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls,” is a top spot in Iceland, drawing visitors with its fascinating two-tiered cascade. The Hvítá River tumbles over 100 feet into the Gullfossgjúfur canyon. While it isn’t Iceland’s tallest waterfall—that title goes to Morsárfoss—Gullfoss is especially stunning in summer when the glacial runoff boosts the water flow. You can enjoy the best views from the top, accessible via a trail starting at the car park.
Hannoki Falls, the tallest in Japan at 497 meters, is a must-see in Toyama Prefecture. It only flows from April to July, fed by melting snow from the Midagahara plateau. For the rest of the year, Shomyo Falls holds the title of tallest. When both are flowing, they create a beautiful V shape, earning them the nickname “twin waterfalls.” Autumn is another fantastic time to visit for the vibrant fall colors. You can drive to the falls from mid-May to November, with varying hours depending on the season.
The tallest waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls, drops 340 meters near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Fed by heavy rainfall, its power lessens during the dry season from December to February. The waterfall features a striking lagoon at its base and is surrounded by lush evergreen forest, making it a beautiful spot to visit.
Besides these, Khone Phapheng Falls in Laos, Plitvice Falls in Croatia, Angel Falls in Venezuela, Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and Dudhsagar Falls in Goa are some of the most stunning waterfalls you must visit around the world!
