Travel Globe

The world is full of the most amazing sights, both man-made and natural and with the benefits of air travel it is possible to travel to different countries in a matter of hours. Perhaps the most stunning natural sights are the waterfalls which grace the landscape with their powerful beauty.

Most Amazing

The waterfall which has the highest uninterrupted drop in the world is the Angel Falls in Venezuela, South America. Situated in the Canaima National Park, they tumble 979 metres over the Auyantepui Mountain to the Rio Gauya or Kerep River. The Angel Falls are surrounded by isolated jungle and so visiting them is challenging. However, river trips to the base of the falls run from June to December. The Victoria Falls lie on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. A nineteenth-century explorer, David Livingstone, is said to have been the first European to view them and he gave them their name in honour of Queen Victoria. With a height of 108 metres and a fall of 1708 metres, they form the largest display of falling water anywhere in the world and attract many hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Perhaps the best way to view the falls is from the air by either microlite or helicopter, although incredible views can be seen by following any one of the various trails which run by the falls. There is always the chance to see some wildlife as the falls are bordered by two national parks. The one waterfall in the world that you should not miss is Niagara Falls, which is situated on the border of the United States and Canada. There are actually three falls: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls on the US side. Over 30 million tourists are attracted to these spectacular falls each year, with many seeing them from a boat, the Maid of the Mist, which cruises to the base of the falls and has been doing so since 1846. Illuminated by night on the Canadian side, Niagara remains one of the most beautiful and accessible falls to visit.

Most Beautiful

Switzerland is a land of waterfalls and one of the best is the Staubbach Falls near Lauterbrunner. These fall in a straight 300 metre drop from hanging cliffs above the Lütschine River. They are best seen after heavy rain or melting snows. Morocco is a land of contrasts and it is here that the Ouzoud Falls can be found. They are 110 metres high and are located near the village of Tanaghmeilt, north east of Marrakech. They are surrounded by lush green valleys and gorges and a trip at sunset is highly recommended because it is possible to watch troops of monkeys playing in the dusk. New Zealand boasts dramatic and beautiful scenery and any visit to the South Island should include a trip to the Sutherland Falls. These are situated in the Fiordland National Park and have a drop of 1904 feet. The falls can be viewed from the air or by trekking to the base, where the sound of cascading water is incredible. Hopefully you’ve been inspired to visit at least one of these magnificent waterfalls, but before you jet off, don’t forget to sort out your travel insurance with Moneysupermarket.com!