7 Waterfalls Every Traveler Needs to See in This Lifetime

Visiting a waterfall is probably one of the most extraordinary experiences. It makes it hard not to be in awe at the immensity of the water spectacle. 

Waterfalls are usually either situated in very remote locations, hardly accessible, or they only flow seasonally, which makes planning to visit one that much more difficult. To help you out, we made a list of what we believe are the 7 most beautiful waterfalls in the world, together with the best time to visit them. Take a look at the list and start planning your trip now!

Angel Falls

Angel Falls is perhaps one of the most popular waterfalls out there, and for good reason. This is known to be the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, with water falling from 979 meters high. It is located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela and it was named after Jimmie Angel, an American aviator.

The fall is quite difficult to reach, as visitors need to pass through isolated jungles and rainforests to get there. The region is also frequently covered in clouds, revealing the entire beauty of the waterfall only to those who manage to get there on a clear day. The rainy season (June - November) seems to be the best time to visit Angel Falls, because the flow is much more spectacular, but you do risk experiencing some clouds, but after November, the Carrao River becomes almost impossible to navigate, making it hard to reach the waterfall.

Victoria Falls

There is a reason why Victoria Falls is included on the Seven Natural Wonders of the World list. The waterfall, located in Livingstone, Zambia, is the world's largest waterfall, considering both its height and width, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit. And if the majestic view does not convince you, maybe the fact that it has a large natural pool where you can swim will.

You can see the waterfall's spray from a 50 km distance, and its indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which can be translated into "the smoke that thunders" describes it perfectly. The perfect time to visit is in April, where the waterfall is at its peak flow.

Kaieteur Falls

Located in Guyana, in the beautiful Amazon rainforest, Kaieteur Falls is the single drop waterfall with the largest volume of water flowing over it. It is almost 5 times higher than the Niagara Falls, comparing both height and volume, making its visit one of the most unique things you will ever experience.

The easiest way to get to the Kaieteur Falls is by plane, but if you are feeling adventurous, then you must definitely take the hiking approach. You will be in for some spectacular views, and you can even spot some rare wildlife on your trip.

Besides its impressive appearance, the waterfall is surrounded by legends and stories, which local tour guides will often share with visitors. Exploration Junkie has a detailed article about the experience at Kaieteur falls, which you should not miss.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls needs no further introduction, as it is probably one of (if not the) most visited waterfalls in the world. Being a popular tourist attraction in both Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls needs little presentation. In fact, what you may not know about it, is that the name does not describe a single waterfall, but a collection of three, which combined make for the waterfall with the highest flow rate in North America. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are both situated on the U.S. side of the border, while Horseshoe Fall is on the Canadian side.

Being a very touristy place, the waterfall is surrounded by hotels, casinos and many other attractions, being a perfect choice for family trips or honeymoons. 

Bigar Falls

I know you may have probably never heard of it, but Bigar Falls is one of the most marvelous locations on this list. Located in Romania, in a protected natural reserve, Bigar Falls is a true wonder of nature. Its stream falls over an unusual rounded stone, covered with moss and vegetation, which then diverts into hundreds of small streams that create a water curtain falling over the basin underneath.

Its incredible scenery is not the only aspect that makes this small waterfall unique, but rather its location. The waterfall sits exactly on the 45^th parallel north, which is the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole.

Iguazu Falls

The waterfalls of the river with the same name, Iguazu Falls are located right on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and make for the largest waterfall system in the world. In total, there are 275 individual waterfalls that stretch across two miles of cliffs covered by rainforests, making for one of the most important natural treasures on the planet. In fact, when Eleanor Roosevelt, the U.S. former first lady saw the waterfalls for the first time, all she could say was "Poor Niagara!", admitting the grandeur of the waterfalls.

The main attraction of the Iguazu Falls is the Devil's Throat, a U-shaped waterfall, but what makes this location truly wonderful is the fact that some areas allow visitors to be surrounded by water 260 degrees, which is as close as we can get to full-circle.

Wallaman Falls

Situated in the Girringun National Park in Australia, the Wallaman Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the country. Its location makes it part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which hosts some of the oldest rainforests in the world. If you look closely, you may be able to spot a variety of endangered plant and animal species.

If you come visit during midday, you may be able to spot some interesting rainbows produced by the midday sun that shines over the waterfall's base. You will need to do some hiking to fully gaze at the beauty of this waterfall, so make sure to come prepared