14 Incredible Waterfalls You Need to See to Believe

Waterfalls are nature’s dramatic exclamation points, none more than a burst of raw power and beauty that just commands attention. Waterfalls have always caught our imagination whether they delicately cascade over certain cliffs or violently drop into mist-lined abyssal pools. You don’t need to look very far to see some of the most breathtaking sights our planet can offer — they will leave you astounded and without words.

We’ve got you covered if you have a few more awe-inspiring destinations on your bucket list. There are waterfalls in all shapes (from verdant jungles, to icy terrains) and sizes, each with its own story to share. Pack your bags (or your daydreams) and get ready to be wowed.

Angel Falls, Venezuela: The World’s Tallest Marvel

Angel Falls is such a tall waterfall, it’s staggering, hidden deep in the lush Canaima National Park. It plunges 3,212 feet from a flat topped plateau, called Auyán-tepui, to become the tallest uninterrupted waterfall on Earth. Getting there isn’t for the faint of heart — you’ll have to hop a small plane and maybe paddle remote rivers. Every ounce of effort is worth it though. It’s a surreal thing to watch this colossal waterfall disappear into a cloud of mist before it hits the ground. Fun fact? Paradise Falls in Disney’s Up was inspired by the falls.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina: A Thundering Giant

Taking up almost two miles, Iguazu Falls, straddling the Brazil–Argentina border, is more like an entire orchestra of 275 falls. Can you picture yourself standing on a wooden platform where the roar is so loud you can barely hear yourself think, and the mist soaks through your clothes? That’s Iguazu. Its name translates to ‘Big Water,’ and that sounds like the understatement of the century. Don’t forget to check out “Devil’s Throat,” the main U shaped display, where 14 powerful cascades merge into an enchanting vortex.

Niagara Falls, USA and Canada: North America’s Crown Jewel

While Niagara Falls may be a very well-known name, it is an entirely different story when you see it in person. It’s a powerhouse on the U.S. Canada border moving almost 85,000 cubic feet of water per second. Horseshoe Falls is the star of the show, but the falls are split into three sections. Take a misty boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, or watch the nightly light show — for Niagara is much more of a waterfall. Pro tip: Rather, if you can, try coming in the winter, when some parts of the cascade freeze into a lovely ice sculpture.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe: The Smoke That Thunders

It’s called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” by locals, and it’s not hard to see why. The spray of the Zambezi River as it plunges over a 355 foot cliff can be seen from miles away. Victoria Falls is more than a mile wide and it’s a spellbinding curtain of water. The Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool resting at the brink of the falls, is so exciting adventure seekers can even take a dip at the edge. Warning: This isn’t for the faint of heart!

Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia: A Fairytale Setting

Plitvice Lakes National Park feels like a fairytale, so imagine stepping right into one. The network of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls makes this Croatian gem. The waters are so turquoise they look photoshopped, but they’re the real deal. Wooden walkways snake in and out of the park, providing you with an up close view of falls that are anything from gentle trickles to roaring torrents. Bonus: There are lots of great spots to explore for wildlife lovers.

Yosemite Falls, California: America’s Iconic Cascade

Yosemite Falls is impossible to ignore when standing in Yosemite Valley. At 2,425 feet, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. The best time to visit? When the snow melt makes the falls a raging torrent in late spring. If you’re feeling ambitious, hike to the top and be rewarded with jaw dropping views of the valley below. If you’re lucky, you might see a “moonbow,” a rainbow created by the light of a full moon hitting the mist.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana: Remote and Rugged Beauty

Kaieteur Falls is nestled in the heart of Guyana’s rainforests, for those who love off the beaten path adventures. Plunging 741 feet, five times the height of Niagara, is this single-drop waterfall. Kaieteur is unlike tourist heavy spots, it feels untouched and wild. The solitude and raw power of this fall are worth every second, but getting there requires a small plane ride. Plus, it’s home to golden frogs and cock of the rock birds which adds a little extra magic to your visit.

Skógafoss, Iceland: A Photographer’s Dream

Almost too pretty for a travel brochure, Iceland’s Skógafoss is the perfect waterfall. Easily accessible to visitors, this 200 foot waterfall crashes dramatically over cliffs and into a flat riverbed. The view is priceless, and there’s a theory that Viking buried treasure behind them. When it’s sunny, you’ll probably catch a rainbow in the mist, your photos will look straight out of a fantasy film.

Detian Falls, China and Vietnam: A Hidden Wonder

Almost on the China-Vietnam border, Detian Falls is a special case of natural beauty in conjunction with cultural significance. Surrounded by greenery, these multi tiered cascades are so tranquil they appear like a watercolor painting come to life. Depending on the season, they are soft streams, or roaring torrents. If you’re lucky, you might see locals fishing in the pools below the falls.

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand: A Remote Gem

Sutherland Falls is spectacular and as isolated as it gets — part of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. It plunges 1,904 feet in three distinct tiers to become a testament to the rugged beauty of the South Island. Hiking the Milford Track, known as the ‘finest walk in the world’ will get you to the falls. Although the trek is tough, the hike to stand in the shadow of this amazing waterfall is one you will never forget.

Havasu Falls, Arizona: A Desert Oasis

Havasu Falls is just what you see now, deep in the arid Grand Canyon, where it stands out like a turquoise jewel. The blue green waters tumble over red rock into pools so crystal clear you don’t feel like you’re of this world. Havasu is an adventure enthusiast bucket list, accessible only by a grueling hike or helicopter ride. Pro tip: Permits to visit this sacred land are hard to get – so please plan ahead.

Gocta Falls, Peru: The Lost Wonder

Peru’s Amazonas region kept Gocta Falls to itself for centuries. It’s one of the world’s tallest waterfalls at 2,530 feet but it stayed a well kept secret until 2002. Nowadays it is a must for those who come to the Peruvian jungle. With plenty of rewards, hiking to the falls also offers the opportunity to spot toucans, marvel at the two tiered cascade or both. And of course, make sure to ask your guide about the myths of this mystical area.

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: Borderland Beauty

An unassuming mass of power, Ban Gioc Waterfall is located along the border with China in northern Vietnam. Surrounded by karst peaks and green rice paddies, the falls themselves are picture-perfect. Bamboo rafts can be taken right up to the falls, or walk the peaceful surroundings. It’s peaceful and exhilarating in the same place, just like how some of us want it.

Tugela Falls, South Africa: A Five-Tiered Spectacle

Tugela Falls in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains isn’t just beautiful, it’s record breaking. It drops a total of 3,110 feet, and vies for the title of the world’s tallest waterfall. There are five tiers of falls, each more beautiful than the last. For the adventurous hiker there is access up to the top via the tough Tugela Gorge Trail which rewards with incredible views of the cliffs and valleys.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience