Discover the world’s most spectacular waterfalls [photos]

Waterfalls have long captured the imaginations of intrepid travellers and adventurers the world over — the meandering waters of a river gushing over a high precipice to create a vision of power and glory. While there are myriad magnificent waterfalls across the planet, here are some of the global classics and less-eulogised natural marvels that simply take our breath away…

The world’s most spectacular waterfalls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders”, Victoria Falls is arguably one of the most breathtaking waterfalls on earth.

Forming the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the mighty Zambezi River spills into a 108-metre-deep canyon over 1,708 metres wide to make Victoria Falls one of the largest waterfalls on the planet.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Thundering over 275 different drops between Brazil and Argentina, the magnificent Iguazu Falls are simply out of this world. Also known as the Iguassu or Iguaçu Falls — depending on which side you are standing — the water from the Iguaçu River hurls itself over a near three-kilometre wide stretch to drop more than 80 metres into chasms below.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Cascading over the 979 metres, the heart-shaped precipice known as Auyantepui into Devil’s Canyon, the thundering Angel Falls or Salto Ángel is the world’s highest waterfall and Venezuela’s number-one tourist attraction.

Standing proudly in the Canaima National Park, the impressive waterfall is formed where the River Kerep plunges 979 metres into a chasm below and is more than 16 times higher than Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls, United States of America

Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls marks the border between the US and Canada and claims fame for its extraordinary beauty. The Falls are formed from two sections that are separated by an island – the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, which drop 53 metres), and the American Falls on the American side, which drop 21–30 metres.

Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland

Iceland could very well be the spiritual home of the waterfall with its craggy contours and striking, stark beauty.

With a reputation for being Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is formed from the unstoppable force of the River Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which rushes down at a rate of 212 tonnes of water per second and barrels 60 metres over time-worn, rugged coastal cliffs carved out by the receding Atlantic.