The title of the "second highest waterfall in the world" is a subject of some geographical debate, but Tugela Falls in South Africa is the most widely accepted answer in 2026. Located in the Drakensberg Mountains within Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls has a total combined drop of 948 meters (3,110 feet) across five distinct tiers. It is surpassed only by Angel Falls in Venezuela (979 meters). However, some modern geologists and "waterfall hunters" argue that Tugela Falls might actually be the tallest, citing potential measurement errors in the height of Angel Falls, though this remains a minority view. For travelers visiting in 2026, the best time to see Tugela's full power is during the rainy season (November to February), when the falls can even be seen from the main road in the park. Another contender often mentioned is Tres Hermanas Falls in Peru (914 meters), which is technically the third highest. For a definitive 2026 answer: officially, Angel Falls is #1 and Tugela Falls is #2, providing South Africa with one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the African continent.