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Is Victoria Falls the tallest waterfall in the world?

While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, the Victoria Falls is classified as the largest, based on its combined width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) and height of 108 metres (354 ft), resulting in the world's largest sheet of falling water.



While Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth, it is not the tallest waterfall in the world. That title belongs to Angel Falls in Venezuela, which has a staggering total height of 979 meters (3,212 feet). Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, stands at a height of 108 meters (354 feet). However, Victoria Falls is often classified as the "largest" waterfall in the world based on its combined width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and its height, which creates the world's largest single sheet of falling water. Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders), its sheer volume during the rainy season is unmatched, with over 500 million liters of water plummeting over the edge every minute. In 2026, it remains a premier destination for travelers who want to see the massive plume of mist that can be seen from miles away. While Angel Falls wins on vertical height and Tugela Falls in South Africa takes second place, Victoria Falls is arguably the most powerful and immersive curtain of water you can experience on the African continent.

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Angel Falls called Salto Angel in Venezuela with a height of 979 metres i.e. 3212 ft is the highest waterfall in the world.

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IT IS THE LARGEST WATERFALL IN THE WORLD Victoria Falls is neither the widest nor highest waterfall in the world, but it's the world's largest sheet of falling water, which solidifies this classification. It is twice the height of North America's Niagara Falls, and is only rivalled by Iguazu Falls in South America.

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The highest or tallest waterfall in the world is generally agreed to be Angel Falls, or Kerepakupai Merú, meaning 'waterfall of the deepest place', in Venezuela, which drop a reported 979 metres. The Victoria Falls, with its maximum drop of 105 metres, does not even make the top 100.

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The third highest waterfall in the world is Three Sisters Falls, found in the remote Ayacucho region of Peru.

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At 979 metres (3,212ft) it is twice as high as New York's Empire State Building and about three times taller than another popular monumental structure – Paris' Eiffel Tower.

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The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls is the world's greatest sheet of falling water and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls i.e. the spray, mist and rainbows.

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With scale, drama, power and beauty it is easy to see why The Victoria Falls has been accredited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Such an awe-inspiring experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe one of our world's most precious areas of natural magnificence.

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It is possible to swim in the rock pools right underneath the waterfalls at certain times of the year ('low water'). This is an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth!

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Here are some fascinating facts which may surprise you, or simply encourage you to see the area for yourself.
  • IT IS THE LARGEST WATERFALL IN THE WORLD. ...
  • VICTORIA FALLS IS PART OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER. ...
  • IT IS FOUND IN TWO NATIONAL PARKS. ...
  • ITS ENGLISH NAME WAS CHOSEN BY DAVID LIVINGSTONE. ...
  • YOU CAN SEE THE FALLS FROM TWO COUNTRIES.


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Located on the border dividing the Argentine province of Misiones from the Brazilian state of Paraná, Iguazu Falls is the largest system of waterfalls in the world. It's taller than Niagara Falls (269 feet) and 3,000 feet wider than Victoria Falls, with a majestic beauty that can only be described as jaw-dropping.

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Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this extraordinary natural wonder is formed by the mighty Zambezi River. The rivers waters plummet more than 100m over an escarpment and down into a rocky gorge, sending huge clouds of spray up into the air.

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Victoria Falls is generally a safe place to visit and is separate from Zimbabwe in a political sense, due to the country relying on it for its tourism. Social and political unrest is therefore kept at bay, roads are maintained, cash is usually accessible (check with us first), and the town is kept clean.

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The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the region's summer rains, when you'll see the world's largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume.

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Modern tourism The beauty of the falls lies in their natural state, but the area is at some risk of runaway tourism-based development—more resorts, hotels, and even a possible dam below the falls that could flood several park gorges.

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You can take a swim at Angel Falls. You can hike to Angel Falls in an hour. In a dense rainforest you walk to the base of Angel Falls. The path is flat until you get to the waterfall.

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You'll hike over big roots and stones and hear mysterious sounds coming from the jungle. You'll make your way through the forest until you reach a small plateau that boasts the best view of the Falls. You'll never forget the feeling of standing under the world's highest waterfall: Just enjoy the moment.

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