Waterfalls: how little we know about them. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

My journey to one of the most picturesque and unique creations created by nature - Niagara Falls.

Today is my birthday, but not my birthday, but my blog’s website!

Exactly 3 months ago, my significant other and I chose a name, registered a website, and I had my first baby :-)

And since today is an anniversary date, this post will be devoted to a grandiose and exciting subject.

Niagara Falls: dream and reality

Since childhood, I dreamed of traveling around the world, studying the cultures and traditions of peoples and countries, exploring nature and admiring the environment.

I remember looking at a beautiful colored book from a friend when I was about 11 years old and promising myself that I would definitely visit these extraordinarily beautiful and interesting places.

One of these places was Niagara Falls.

I was lucky to visit Niagara Falls twice.

The first time in the fall, and the second time in mid-summer. And both times differed from each other not only in the weather and the number of people, but also in the sensations.

But still, perhaps, you remember Niagara Falls when you see it for the very first time.

Although no, not like that. You first hear, feel, and then see Niagara Falls.

The roar and noise of water falling at high speed. Freshness from splashes flying in all directions. The beauty and power of this creation of nature, which truly takes your breath away.

Another proof that it is nature that is the creator of extraordinary, balanced and at the same time bewitching beauty on Earth.

But, unfortunately, we as people have forgotten how to notice and be grateful for the flora and fauna around us, perceiving it as a tribute.

By the way, one of the photographs I took of Niagara Falls was the background of all the pages of this blog for a whole year!

Here she is:

Niagara Falls and some information

Niagara Falls is not just one, but 3! waterfalls located on the border of the United States (New York State) and Canada (Ontario Province) on the Niagara River.

These waterfalls have their own names: Horseshoe Falls “Horseshoe” - the largest of all 3, American Falls “American” and Bridal Veil Falls “Bride's Veil”.

You stand on one bank of the river - you are in America, on the other - you are already in Canada. A small bridge over the Niagara River is what connects the 2 countries.

Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in terms of volume of falling water.

Niagara Falls is located within a large park, admission to which is free. There is no charge for viewing the waterfall :)

But if you want to go to local attractions and feel and even touch! waterfall, then you have to spend money. If you buy a special pass that gives you the right to all the attractions of Niagara Falls, it turns out cheaper.

We paid $35 per person. I would like to talk about each of them, because it is thanks to these attractions that you can truly become part of this waterfall!

Attractions of Niagara Falls from the American side

* Maid Of The Mist

This is such a big boat that you, along with dozens of other people, get on, first putting on an oversized, or rather, huge raincoat. By the way, I kept the raincoats as a souvenir, we had blue ones :-)

The boat, passing by the “American” and “Bridal Veil” waterfalls, comes very close to the largest “Horseshoe” waterfall (it is called a horseshoe because its shape resembles a horseshoe for a horse) and stops there for a couple of minutes.

The noise from the falling water is incredible! It is very difficult to take photographs because the water splashes in all directions. My mascara was washed off in seconds :-)

There is also fog there, and you feel as if you are surrounded by water on all sides. Even the sky merges with the waterfall into one. An extraordinary feeling. Fills with freshness and invigorates.

Then a boat of wet but happy people takes them back. This takes about 30 minutes.

Below you can watch the video that I shot from this boat: the first is from the very center of the Horseshoe, and the second is from the American and Bridal Veil waterfalls.

* Cave Of The Winds

The name speaks for itself. Cave of the Winds.

First, you are given special rubber sandals so that your shoes do not get wet and you do not slip. They are disposable, I also kept them as a souvenir!

Then you take the elevator down into an underground tunnel and from there you exit to the foot of the American Falls. There they gave us raincoats, but they were already yellow.

And we walked towards this seething beast. Or rather, the soul under Niagara Falls.

The ladder takes you right under the waterfall, where a stream of quickly rushing cold water hits you.

My God, how I screamed. It was scary and great at the same time when you realize that you are standing under a waterfall and realize how tiny you are compared to your environment.

Having yelled and swam, getting wet to the skin, we went up, again by elevator, and just sat on the grass, basking in the sun. Or rather, I was sitting, and my other half took a nap, resting his head on my lap for an entire hour!!!

* Aquarium

Very nice and well maintained aquarium. Many different types of fish and different marine life. The seahorses were especially touching - they were so tiny and starfish that were in the outdoor pool and you could admire them not through glass. We also watched a performance by Navy SEALs.

I'm not a fan of zoos and aquariums, but what really appeals to me about America is that people really care about animals and nature.

* Trolleybus

A small trolleybus travels throughout the park, which we rode towards the end, when we were tired. Sometimes it seemed like we were walking faster than he was driving!

* The waterfall itself

As soon as it gets dark, Niagara Falls begin to be illuminated and it, or rather the steam from it, shimmers with different colors. The spectacle is indescribable.

The park is very clean and well-groomed, there are many souvenir shops, where I couldn’t resist buying myself a magnet (collecting magnets is my hobby).

We spent the whole day in the park: from morning until late evening.

When we were in October, the temperature was about 22C and the trees were just beginning to turn red and yellow.

In July it was hot, about 30C and there were a lot of people. But after getting wet while boating, we quickly dried out

There are many places to eat in the park, but unfortunately most of them are fast food, which I don’t eat. That's why we had dinner at the restaurant both times. And in the same way, we liked it so much.

It was an Indian restaurant, with a name that was clear even to Russian people - “Zaika”. What translates to “taste” in Hindi, not what you think!

I am a big fan of all kinds of spices and seasonings, so Indian cuisine is one of my favorites. Soon I will share a recipe for Mango Lassi - a traditional Indian fermented milk drink that I simply adore.

Niagara Falls amazes and fascinates with its natural beauty and power. And it makes you think that in the same place you feel differently. But it’s always special if there’s a special person next to you.

I wish all of you, dear readers, to find and cherish this special person in your life!

Guys! We continue to describe various objects found in nature. This object is formed using water and rocks.

Guess the riddle.

Water rushes from the cliff,

The jets fly with a roar.

Can you guess

What is this - ... (waterfall).

♦ Let’s say the word “waterfall” again. Slowly, syllable by syllable. What two simple words is this compound word formed from? Explain its meaning.

This word is formed from two words: “water” and “fall”. Therefore it means falling water.

♦ How is a waterfall formed?

There are many large and small rivers in our country. Mountain rivers rush wildly and swiftly, while lowland rivers flow smoothly and calmly. But it also happens that a flat river becomes swift and stormy. This happens in cases where its channel is blocked by rocky rocks. Such places are called thresholds. They are very dangerous for shipping.

If the river bed suddenly breaks off in the form of a steep ledge, the water falling from it forms a waterfall.

♦ Where are waterfalls most common?

Right! In the mountains or on the border between flat and mountainous areas.

The world's highest waterfall is Angel Falls, located in South America on the Churun ​​River. Its height reaches 1054 m.

The most famous waterfall in the world is Niagara Falls (on the Niagara River in North America). The height of the ledge of this waterfall is not so great - about 50 m, but the width is about a kilometer. Translated from Indian, Niagara Falls means “rumbling water”, because its noise can be heard over a distance of up to 25 km!

The largest waterfall is located in Africa, on the Zambezi River.

In our country, the largest waterfall is named after the hero Ilya Muromets. It is located on one of the Kuril Islands. There, a mountain river makes a giant leap from a cliff into the sea. A mighty stream of water falls from a height of 141 m.

A smaller waterfall can be seen on the Suna River in Karelia. It is called Kivach, the water here falls down from a height of 11 m. Many waterfalls can be found in the Caucasus mountains.

♦ Have you ever seen a waterfall? Describe it.

Powerful waterfalls are an unforgettable sight. The water falls down with a deafening noise. It breaks into separate jets, and a cloud of water pearl splashes, foam and tiny water dust hovers around the waterfall.

On sunny days, a bright rainbow plays in the water droplets; sometimes you can see many such rainbows!

Falling from a cliff, the water rushes further and further at great speed.

Many tourists deliberately go on a long and difficult journey to admire the amazing spectacle of falling water.

Listen to the poem.

A waterfall rushes down the mountain,

He doesn't whisper, he doesn't flow,

The water flies with a roar:

Foam, stones, menacing view!

The waterfall rushes down -

Do not fill the jugs with water.

Clouds of pearl splashes,

From the bottom to the top,

Rainbows are burning in the drops!

What a miracle - a waterfall!

Answer the questions

1. What is a waterfall? How does it appear in nature?

2. What does the waterfall shown in the picture look like?

3. List the names of waterfalls that you know.

4. Where are waterfalls most common?

5. Why is Niagara Falls called “rumbling water”?

6. What are the names of the waterfalls found in Russia?

Waterfalls definitely fall into that category of natural wonders that are both impressive and awe-inspiring. This is truly a magnificent demonstration of the grandeur and power of nature. There are many amazingly beautiful waterfalls in the world, but in this list we will only talk about natural wonders created by nature without human intervention. You will be surprised to know how many such waterfalls there are, little known to man.

Huangoshu Waterfall
China's most famous waterfall definitely makes our list. A rare case of a heavy cascade that is completely surrounded by vegetation. With an impressive width of 81 meters and a height of 74 meters, Huangoshu is claimed to be Asia's largest waterfall.

Angel Falls, Venezuela
With a height of 979 meters, Angel Falls holds the title of the highest on the globe. This record-breaking waterfall deserves a place on the list, not only because of its incredible height (there are many other tall waterfalls), but because of the special shape in which Angel cascades down. This can be called the most dynamic type of falling water.


Yosemite Falls, USA
Another brilliant showcase of incredible height and natural beauty, this 739m high waterfall looks similar to its Venezuelan counterpart, with equally majestic scenery and crashing water. For this reason we are including it in this list. Another reason is Yosemite National Park, within which the waterfall is located.


Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland
Iceland, relative to its size, contains an astonishing number of waterfalls of all kinds. An example is Gullfoss. A bit disconcerting as it falls into a chasm, this 20m wide and 32m high waterfall is impressive in its strength and power.


Shoshone Falls in USA
Called the Niagara of the West, it is not surprising that this waterfall is included in the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. With a width of 274 meters and a height of 64 meters, which is higher than Niagara, this is a truly majestic waterfall. His menacing appearance fascinates and attracts at the same time.


Jog Falls in India
The tallest waterfall in India, Jog takes on its most menacing form during the monsoon season, with impressive volumes of water measuring 273 meters high and 472 meters wide.


Dettifoss in Iceland
The most powerful waterfall in Europe, measuring 100 meters wide and 44 meters high. When all the Icelandic ice starts to melt in early summer, Dettifoss is just crazy.


Victoria Falls in Zambia
At 1,700 meters wide and 104 meters high, Victoria Falls is the largest continuously falling stream of water on Earth. Its local name Mosi-Oa-Tunya translates to smoke that thunders. Victoria forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.


Niagara Falls. Canada and USA
This is one of the most obvious waterfalls on this list. Niagara Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world. It is 53 m high and forms the border between the USA and Canada. The views are amazing on both sides and are recognizable throughout the world. A particularly popular photo is of Niagara Falls completely frozen over during a very cold winter.


Iguazu Falls. Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu Falls is the mother of all waterfalls. Another representative of our list, which became the border between two countries, Argentina and Brazil. This natural wonder symbolizes power, with its series of imposing waterfalls, each measuring between 64 and 82 meters in height.


Detian Waterfall in China
Large waterfalls serve as excellent separators in forming borders between countries, like the aforementioned Iguazu between Argentina and Brazil, Victoria between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Niagara between the US and Canada. Detian Falls isn't as big as these massive flows, but is impressive enough to reserve a spot on this list. It forms part of the border between China and Vietnam, falling 50 meters down in three cascades 80 meters wide. Detian has the most lush environment, in terms of nature, it is definitely on the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.


Sutherland in New Zealand
The beautiful fjords of New Zealand have already been included in our selections more than once, and now it’s Sutherland’s turn. Just south of Milford Sound is Sutherland, New Zealand's most famous waterfall. This is an incredibly high waterfall of 580 meters, with an almost vertical angle of fall; both common mistakes with high waterfalls. The flow of water here never weakens, as happens in some similar places in other parts of the world. The thunderous Sutherland evokes admiration from everyone who happens to be nearby with its noise and roar. This is power, beauty and grace, merging together in a common flow.


Jim Jim Waterfall
With Jim Jim we slowly enter the territory of the classic rectangular waterfall with a continuous stream of water falling in one single cascade. Jim Jim is 150 meters high from straight cliffs in Kakadu National Park, located in Northern Australia. The best time to visit this place is during the rainy season, which runs from December to March in the southern hemisphere. With copious amounts of rain, the waterfall crashes straight from the upper plateau with fantastic force. Unfortunately, during the dry season the water stops flowing completely, but this remarkable transformation is what makes Jim Jim unique.


Rhine Falls in Switzerland
The Rhine Falls present themselves as one large mass of rapidly moving water. It takes a while to make out where the waterfalls, camouflaged by the Rhine River, begin and end. There is no visible starting point at the top, so the colossal volume of water covers everything. Just 23 meters high, but with a large width of 150 meters, and with a monstrous flow of water, the Rhine Falls deserve their place on this list. There are several viewing platforms that allow you to watch the waterfall very closely and experience a whole range of exciting emotions.


Montmorency Falls
The USA and Canada have many similarities. One of them is that both countries have fantastic waterfalls. Montmorency Falls is considered Canada's best waterfall after Niagara, with its amazing 275 feet high and 150 feet wide. Enormous streams of water are located on the Montmorenqui River in Quebec. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the Canadians made this place easily accessible by building a park and creating good infrastructure. It includes a pedestrian bridge and cable car over cascading waters. This tourist-friendly approach may be a little frustrating for some visitors who prefer the thrill of nearly inaccessible beauty left alone and hidden in a remote location. But on the other hand, without all these structures and amenities, it would be impossible to view the beauty of nature from all possible angles. Either way, Montmorency Falls is pure grandeur.


Tis Issat waterfalls
Usually, when thinking about Ethiopia, the first thing that comes to mind is coffee beans. But not everyone knows that this is a safe country to see natural wonders. Ethiopia's Issat Falls are also known as the Blue Nile Falls. From this it is clear that they are located on the Nile River, the longest river on planet Earth. Due to the creation of a hydroelectric dam, the water flow actually dries up during the dry seasons. But if you come during the rainy season, you will be greeted by the impressive sight of a falling wall of water up to 400 meters wide. The fall height ranges from 37 - 45 meters.


Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland
Iceland has been recognized as a true paradise of waterfalls, among which Skogafoss is also noteworthy. This is probably the smoothest waterfall on this list, as the water falls immaculately smoothly in a smooth rectangle 25 meters wide and 60 meters high. There are no rocks or ridges in between to disrupt the fall of these water streams.


Gokak Falls
The Indian state of Karnataka has its own amazing waterfalls and is the best waterfall area in South Asia. Gokak is also located here, the water of which has a brownish color, making it unique. The proportions of the waterfall are definitely impressive - 50 meters high, but more importantly, 177 meters wide. The construction of a hydroelectric dam curbed the flow of water, but during the monsoon season this fearsome element still takes its toll and the waterfall grows.


Calandula waterfall in Angola
When it comes to Kalandula, the numbers speak for themselves. 104 meters high and 400 - 600 meters wide, depending on the water flow. This Angolan treasure is the second largest waterfall in Africa, after Victoria. Nature has calmly and majestically passed through all the conflicts and wars occurring in Angola. The former Portuguese colony was in a state of civil war for a long time, and is now working to develop its tourism industry. Kalandula Falls will definitely help in this regard.


Kaieteur Falls
This exotic and little-known waterfall reaches 221 meters in height and almost 100 meters in width. It is surrounded by a constant cloud of fog, and the colossal sweat of the water makes a tremendous roar. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, as well as the most mystical and awe-inspiring. It is in no way inferior to Iguas and Niagara, which is why it takes its place of honor on our list.

Daria Nessel| Oct 12, 2017

Niagara Falls- one of the wonders of the world, located on the border of Canada and the USA. Every second, huge masses of water rush down with noise, a truly breathtaking and amazing sight. Let's take a closer look at one of the most beautiful places on our planet.

Where is Niagara Falls located?

Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River of the same name, between two states. It is not the largest in the world, its height is only fifty-three meters, but colossal volumes of water pass through it, incomparable to any other. Many people think that Niagara is one waterfall, but in fact there are three of them: American, Canadian and Veil. There are two cities near it: the American Buffalo and the Canadian Niagara Falls.

View of the Horseshoe Falls from above.

The history of Niagara Falls

The history of Niagara Falls goes back twelve thousand years. The reason for its formation, like the river, was the appearance of the Wisconsin Glacier; it moved across Canadian territory. Glacial masses compacted rocks and soil layers, creating a unique landscape, river beds, lakes and rapids. After the glacier began to melt, huge volumes of water created soil erosion, as if pushing apart the bowels of the earth, thereby creating entire gorges and cliffs filled with water.

The destruction of the soil continues now, Niagara Falls is gradually moving up to the source of the flow. We won’t see this happen, but according to professors’ estimates, in twenty thousand years it will reach Lake Erie, becoming one huge body of water.

Discovery of Niagara Falls

The discovery of Niagara Falls belongs to Samuel de Champlain in 1604, by pure chance. While studying and mapping the beds of the St. Lawrence River, the scientist learned from local residents about the existence of a small ledge of water between Lakes Erie and Ontario. He put it on the map, and there the Europeans learned in absentia about the new wonder of the world.

The next eyewitnesses of the unprecedented miracle were missionaries in 1640 and 1647, then they called it “a waterfall of terrible height.”

Niagara Falls - a beautiful legend of love

A touching and romantic legend of the local Indian flame is associated with Niagara Falls. It tells about the beautiful Lelavalaya, the daughter of the leader of one of the tribes. Her father, against her will, betrothed her to an honorable warrior; the girl sincerely hated him. Not resigning herself to her fate, she sacrificed herself, throwing herself into the watery abyss, in the name of the bright love of God He-No, the lord of thunder, who lived in a cave. He-No was fascinated by the girl and did not let her die, he picked her up on the fly. Since then, their souls have lived in peace and love, guarding Niagara Falls. This is where its name came from; it literally means “rattling water” in Indian.

Niagara Falls, observation decks.

Extreme fun in Niagara

In the 19th century, an unusual, risky fun appeared - descent in wooden barrels. The first person to descend from Niagara was, oddly enough, an ordinary teacher Annie Taylor; she not only overcame it in a wooden barrel, but most importantly, she survived, receiving only a small wound on her head.

After this strange act, hundreds of extreme sports enthusiasts in wooden barrels rafted through the waters of Niagara, many received serious injuries, often this adventure ended tragically, but there were those who made this extreme jump several times. Every year the sad list of unsuccessful descent attempts grows and it has become a popular place for suicides, a beautiful death in front of a huge public.

Now descending it is prohibited, it is punishable by a large fine and even imprisonment, but despite all the prohibitions there are daredevils or madmen who want to conquer the raging elements.

VIDEO: Niagara Falls

Watch the video “Journey to Niagara Falls”

Excursions at Niagara Falls

The best place to see the natural splendor is at Table Rock Lookout.

Many tourists choose the deck of the Maid of Mist ships. They depart from both sides every thirty minutes, the capacity of one such boat is about six hundred passengers. The price from the Canadian side is 15C$, from the American side 9$. The tour lasts about twenty minutes.

The most interesting part begins when approaching the center of the Horseshoe, the ship goes around it in a circle. At this time, people on the deck are being doused with a mass of water, enthusiastic exclamations and screams can be heard everywhere, many are trying to wrap themselves in raincoats, but this will not help much, water will be everywhere.

You can admire the amazing beauty of Niagara Falls from a bird's eye view by booking a helicopter ride, it will cost $140.

The infrastructure in this area is very developed; you can visit a 3D cinema, where anyone can watch videos related to a local landmark. In the nearest cities, there is a Ferris wheel, various lifts, platforms and terraces, a wax museum, and many attractions.

Note to tourists!

• If you are going to sail on a boat near Niagara Falls, if you have the opportunity, then buy not an ordinary raincoat, but a cellophane overall and swimming goggles.
• The equipment should also be better packed, and in no case should it be missing, otherwise the minimum: it will simply flood, the maximum - you will simply lose it due to a strong flow. It’s better to take beautiful shots from observation platforms.
• Additionally, take a second pair of shoes with you to continue the tour in comfort.

Niagara National Park

Not far from Niagara Falls there is a national park of the same name - a small and cozy place where you can relax a little after a busy excursion. The ticket costs only ten dollars, and parking costs the same. There are several cafes and restaurants in the park where you can eat delicious food, not just fast food, but quite healthy and satisfying dishes. On its territory there is an aquarium, where interesting shows with fur seals are organized for children, as well as a museum dedicated to the discovery, study and interesting facts related to the main attraction. Near the museum there are shops and stalls with souvenirs that will remind you of your unusual journey.

Niagara Falls - winter light show

Traditionally, during the winter festival, which lasts from November to January, Niagara Falls is painted with millions of colors, a spectacle of incredible beauty. Although the waters are illuminated throughout the year, it is during the festival that the colored spotlights are turned on not for just three hours, but for seven or more.

To better enjoy the show, there is a special route along which a small tram runs.

They decided to organize a light show in 1860. In honor of the arrival of the royal person, the Prince of Wales, a grandiose show was staged with colored spotlights and fireworks. Tourists and local residents liked the magical spectacle so much that colored lighting has since been used constantly.

Waterfalls are some of nature's most beautiful and impressive creations. The sight of water falling freely through the air and crashing on the ground in a cloud of splashing and thundering roar is truly one of the most beautiful experiences in life.

In addition, most of the waterfalls are located in pristine, breathtaking terrain, and beautiful rainbows can always be seen in the areas near the waterfalls.

Bird's eye view of Angel Falls The world's tallest Angel Falls was discovered by American pilot Jimmy Angel in 1935 while he was prospecting for gold in southeastern Venezuela. He was flying his small plane through a narrow canyon when he noticed an arrow of water rushing from a height of 979 meters from the tepui down to the mountainous tropical lowland.

The Tugela Falls in South Africa are almost as high, with a total height of 933 meters. (Some sources indicate a height of 850 meters, while it is still the second highest). However, not many people have heard of Tugela Falls because it is not the tallest waterfall.

The tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls is the sixth tallest waterfall in the world.
Located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, it presents a fantastic and breathtaking spectacle. In fact, other than Angel Falls, few people have ever heard of any other tallest waterfalls.
The fact is that most high waterfalls are located in remote mountains, far from human eyes. And besides, they are usually found on small rivers. After all, many rivers are born in the mountains, where they must flow for a long time, receiving more and more water from their tributaries, before they become really large. But what if a river like the Amazon, Nile, or Mississippi falls off a cliff? One such super waterfall is Khon Falls on the Mekong River in Laos.
Its height is only 22 meters, yet an average of 11,000 cubic meters of water flows through it per second. Read on.

Much more famous is the waterfall on the Nile River in Africa. Murchison Falls National Park is established in Uganda. But the largest waterfall in the world, consisting of a single stream, is another African giant, Victoria Falls. Situated on the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, this fearsome giant lets out a deafening roar as a wall of water approximately one mile wide crashes down to the ground from a height of almost 120 meters.
The story of the discovery of Victoria Falls is also known. The first European to see it was David Livingstone, who named it after Queen Victoria. Iguazu Falls The most spectacular waterfall creator in the world is the South American Parana River.
On one of its tributaries, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is the Iguazu Falls. A series of rocky and wooded islands divide the river into approximately 275 streams that fall 280 feet from cliffs more than two miles wide.
Water flows averaging about 1,600 cubic meters per second increase to more than 11,000 during times of flood. In 1986, Iguazu Falls was declared a natural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. You've probably never even heard of the largest waterfall on Earth. Located downstream on the Parana River, Guaira Falls had 7.5 times the average flow of Iguazu.

Unfortunately, it was flooded by the construction of the Itaipu Dam in 1982. Niagara Falls North America's most famous waterfall is located near the middle of the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
On one side of the island in the river is the long, straight line of the American Falls; on the other is the graceful crescent of Horseshoe Falls. Both fall approximately 51 meters, together forming the famous Niagara Falls. Etienne Bruhl, the first European to see Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Superior, may also have been the first to see Niagara Falls, in 1615. Of course, it was hidden deep in the wilderness 400 years ago.
Today, Niagara Falls is famous mainly because it is located near one of the world's largest population centers. Of course, this is an amazing sight, even if it cannot be compared with some of the giants in other countries. The American Falls plummet from 21 to 33 metres, while the Canadian Horseshoe Falls plummet from 51 meters into the Pond of the Maiden of the Mists. More than 4,300 cubic meters of water rushes through the falls every minute during peak flow. Niagara has gained particular fame as a place that attracts lovers. The falls also appeal to daredevils, scores of those who have found fame—or death—trying to survive one of the fastest river floats around, a drop of no more than five seconds from Niagara Falls.

The wooden barrel could even be considered the official vehicle of the falls. If you think that there are many huge waterfalls in the Himalayas and Andes, you are not alone, I thought the same thing. Yet, even though Asia is the largest continent, there is only one waterfall worthy of making the list. North America puts on quite a show with half a dozen superwaterfalls.
Yet tiny Norway surpasses Canada, the United States and Mexico combined in this part - as many as eight. With France and Switzerland having one super waterfall each, Europe easily beats the other continents with a total of ten waterfalls for the record books. Even tiny, arid Australia has three times as many superwaterfalls as Asia.

List of the 20 highest waterfalls in descending order:

Angel, Venezuela,
Tugela, South Africa,
Utigård, Norway,
Monge, Norway,
Mutarazi, Zimbabwe
Yosemite Falls, USA,
Espelands, Norway,
Lower Mar valley waterfall, Norway,
Tissestrengene, Norway,
Kukenan, Venezuela
Sutherland, New Zealand,
Kjell, Norway,
Takkakau, Canada
Tape, USA,
Upper Mar Valley waterfall, Norway,
Gavarnier, France,
Vettis, Norway,
Hanlen, Canada
Tin Main, Australia,
Silver Strand, USA.