Giant of the Western Ghats

One of many wonders of India is Western Ghats – an exotic mountain chain, or rather, escarpment near the western coast of the Indian subcontinent. Few other places in the world have such a well-pronounced cycle of monsoons: every year around June – September here come heavy rains from the Arabian Sea, while the rest of the year is drier. Along this escarpment has evolved an interesting tropical forest with a multitude of unique species of plants and animals.

Abundant rain brings a lot of water. As a result in the Western Ghats have formed countless interesting waterfalls. The biggest of them all is Jog Falls.

Description of Jog Falls

This giant waterfall has formed on the Sharavati River. During the monsoons, this river turns into a torrential stream which is several hundreds of meters wide and is bracing towards a seemingly bottomless abyss… and disappears in it with grand noise and a giant cloud of spray, if it is possible to see it through the rain and mist of monsoons.

Waterfall at its full force is heard long before reaching it. As one is approaching it, falls become louder and louder, the ground is trembling and the man feels small and insignificant before this spectacle.

Jog Falls have formed in a thick layer of gneiss, throughout many thousands of years creating in this rock an impressive canyon that is up to 290 m deep. During the monsoons, the waterfall is up to 580 m wide. Add to this the impressive height of 253 meters and this easily is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls!

In the dry season of the year though it is much smaller. Then Jog Falls divides into four streams, that slide down along the cliff. These four streams from north to south are:

• Raja (King) Fall – a spectacular fall, which plunges down some 250 m without interruptions;
• Roarer in its upper part disappears in a smaller ravine and then reappears near Raja Fall, near the base almost reaching it. Yes, it creates a lot more noise than the others!
• Rocket hits the cliffs several times, creating impressive jets;
• Rani (Queen) is the calmest – it slides down along the cliff.

During the monsoon, the waterfall, for the most part, is hidden in mist and rain clouds. The best time to see the falls is between November and January when monsoons have ended but there still is a lot of water.

History

Waterfalls are known to people for many thousands of years and around them have evolved and disappeared ancient cities. Though in the 19th century, when Europeans learned about this wonder of nature, the area around the waterfall was covered with jungle and it was even hard to find a spot to look at the falls.

Earlier the falls often were called Gersoppa Falls after a large village fairly far downstream. Now the waterfall is called Jog Falls after the nearby village of Jog… which in turn has been named in the local Kannada language after the falls.

A new trend – to harness the power of rivers for electricity production – took the world by storm throughout the 20th century. The legendary Indian engineer Visvesvaraya visited the falls around 1900 and exclaimed: “What a waste!” – meaning the waste of nature’s energy.

Such views led to the demise of this magnificent landmark. In 1949 there was built a hydropower station (Linganmakki dam) that takes a major part of the water away. Only during the monsoons, the floodgates are opened and the waterfall is at its full force.

Now the area around the falls has been arranged for tourists. There have been developed tourist trails to allow better visibility from different viewpoints, and step by step is evolving the tourist industry.

There are also constant discussions about the future fate of the hydropower plant – many locals dream about the time when the water will be returned to the falls and one of the world’s greatest waterfalls will return to its former glory.

References

1. Jog Falls, World Waterfall Database. Accessed on 9 January 2019

Jog Falls are included in the following list:

Size and description

Niagara Falls has formed on Niagara River – a powerful but short river between some of the world’s largest lakes – Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. This river brings plentiful waters from the giant Great Lakes (except one – Lake Ontario which is downstream) towards the Atlantic Ocean. The river is just 50.8 km long but it has a discharge that is comparable (a bit less) to the discharge of the Yukon River.

Falls have characteristic green water – it is colored by the lime suspension and salts.

The waterfall is located approximately halfway between the lakes. The river here is divided by islands, thus the waterfall is divided into three parts: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

Three parts of Niagara Falls

American Falls is entirely on the American side. The small Luna Island divides it from the Bridal Veil Falls which also are in the area of the United States. After some 480 m wide Goat Island comes the most impressive – Horseshoe Falls which is located both in Canada and a little bit – in the United States.

American Falls receive some 10% of the total flow of Niagara. Nevertheless, even if considered alone, this is a magnificent waterfall, 21-34 m tall and 290 m wide. If the height of the talus is added, the height of the falls is 57 m. The enormous heap of talus at the base of falls formed over the last 150 years, when the overhanging ledge of falls fell down.

Bridal Veil Falls is just 17 m wide. Vertical fall is 24 m, followed by fall over 31 m tall heap of the talus: thus the total height of this fall is 55 m. Behind this waterfall formed an alcove: Cave of the Winds, which is some 9 m deep, 40 m tall, and 30 m wide. Guided tours to this place behind the falls started already in 1841. Visiting the cave was an interesting experience because the moving mass of water moves the air as well and in the cave is a constant whirlwind that could be as strong as a tropical storm. The cave became dangerous and collapsed in 1954. Currently, visitors can descend to the base of falls in this place and enjoy the damp air, splashes, and wind.

Horseshoe Falls receive some 90% of the Niagara waters. This is the tallest of three parts – 51 m tall and 820 m wide, the most admired part of Niagara Falls.

Flow rate

The flow rate in this waterfall is the highest in North America and one of the highest in the world – average flow is 2,400 m³ per second but a flow of some 6,400 m³ per second has been recorded as well. The highest flow is in the late spring-early summer when Lake Erie receives more water.

Sound

Early European explorers of Niagara Falls were amazed by the powerful sound of the falls. Falls could be heard from a distance of some 45 kilometers and more than one kilometer from the falls people could not hear each other.

Today it is not like this anymore – a major part of the water is diverted to the hydropower plants.

Geological history

Niagara Falls formed on Niagara Escarpment – an enormous escarpment that extends from Rochester (New York, USA) to the western side of Lake Michigan. It was formed by the erosion of rocks that have varied resistance – the harder layer of limestone and dolostone forms the escarpment while the softer rocks have been washed away over millions of years. Hundreds of bigger and smaller waterfalls have formed over this escarpment but Niagara Falls are the largest by far.

Falls formed at the end of the last ice age more than 10 thousand years ago. Then water from the Great Lakes found a way over the Niagara Escarpment right here.

Initially, at the end of the last ice age, the waterfall was closer to Lake Ontario per some 10.9 km. Waterfall receded per some 0.9 m every year but now, due to the lesser amount of water erosion has slowed down to some 0.3 m every year. Nevertheless, after some 50 thousand years the waterfall would reach Lake Erie and this would mean the end for the waterfall and also the decrease of Lake Erie.

Human history

Timeline

• The first people (Clovis culture) could be present already at the moment when the falls formed.
• Name of Niagara, most likely, comes from one of the Iroquoian languages although there is no consensus about its origin and meaning.
• Europeans heard about the falls from local people already in the 16th century when the exploration of Canada started. But it is not entirely clear which European was the first to see these falls: these could be some of the participants of the expedition of Samuel de Champlain in 1604 but the first proper description of this waterfall belongs to Belgian missionary Louis Hennepin in 1677.
• In the middle of the 19th century, this became a notable tourist destination and tourism gave work to many local people.
• The best-known tourist attraction here is a boat cruise “Maid of the Mist” operating since 1848.
• One of the first photographs of a natural landmark (the first one?) was taken in 1840 at the falls.
• Around the 1870ies industry takes the first hand and numerous local industries started to use the power of falls and limited the development of tourism.
• In 1881 near the falls was built the first hydroelectric power plant in the world – Schoelkopf Power Station No. 1.
• In 1885 was created Niagara Reservation – the first state park in New York. Further work with the restoration of the landscape around the falls was an innovation. Nevertheless, the landscape around the falls is urbanized now, with skyscrapers and observation towers, boats, and an endless flow of tourists.
• Here was developed also one of the first alternating current power plants in 1885. Now some 50 – 75% of the flow of Niagara River is diverted to hydropower plants through underground channels. Canada and USA have also agreed to keep a certain flow of water in order to maintain the tourist industry in the region. Hydropower plants should maintain an unbroken curtain of water in the falls.
• Tourism in this area further increased after the use of automobiles became commonplace after World War I. Since then intense development around the falls started. This development is conflicting: humans want to harness the power of the water for electricity generation, they want to earn as much from tourism as possible, and at the same time: they want to preserve the natural beauty of falls.
• Every year this amazing monument of nature is visited by some 14 – 28 million visitors.

Stunts

If there exists a waterfall that is part of the pop culture, it is Niagara Falls.
This famous waterfall and eternal crowds around it have attracted countless daredevils, jumping in the falls with barrels, boats, or just without anything, walking in ropes. This is strictly forbidden but nevertheless, from time to time daredevils manage to jump here, some surviving, some – not.

The latest great stunt was the 550 m long tightrope walk by Nik Wallenda in 2012 – the longest unsupported tightrope walk in history.

References

1. Colossal Cataract: The Geologic History of Niagara Falls. 1981. ISBN-10: 0873955234.

Niagara Falls are included in the following article:

Geology

South Nahanni River has a rather unusual geological history. This is a very ancient river which was flowing here well before the mountains started to form. Thus the course of the river is typical for the river of flatlands – it is flowing with wide meanders, cutting through the mountain ridges with magnificent, deep canyons. The river cut through the slowly rising mountains like a hot wire through the wax, without changing its course.

During the latest ice ages the middle part of South Nahanni valley escaped the glaciation – while elsewhere mountains experienced the mighty flow of glaciers, the valley was unscathed by the glacier. Thus it is one of the few places in Canada which was ice-free during the last ice age.

Virginia Falls have formed in the Fourth Canyon (Painted Canyon) – the uppermost canyon of South Nahanni. It has been cut in limestone and at least part of this 8 km long canyon has been formed by Virginia Falls themselves as the falls receded upstream, leaving an almost 100 m deep rut (1).

Description

This giant waterfall is some two times taller than Niagara Falls. And, just like Niagara Falls, it is divided into two parts by a large rock. This approximately 120 m tall Mason’s Rock (unofficial name) has been named after Bill Mason (1929 – 1988), a famous filmmaker, author, and canoeist.

Upstreams the river is calm and then, in a bend, it starts… At first, the mighty stream enters impressive rapids – the Sluicebox. And then, among the cliffs is another turn to the other side and the whole stream turns into violent whitewater and disappears far, far below. The power of water pulverizes anything including trunks of trees.

The wider part of the waterfall to the south from Mason’s Rock is taller – 90 m. The northern part is narrower. At first, the northern part continues as a steep rapid, and then, after a sharp bend, it falls down some 52 meters. At the base of Mason’s Rock, both parts of South Nahanni River meet again.

The width of Virginia Falls varies at different water level, reaching up to 259 m width (2).

Thanks to this combination of the significant height of 90 m (just like approximately 25 floors tall building), the width and the huge amount of water in this northern river, as well as the wealth of good vantage points Virginia Falls belong to the most impressive waterfalls of the world.

Thanks to the constant mist around the waterfall the vegetation around it is somewhat different than elsewhere – here grow also several rare orchids.

Discovery and naming

Of course, local Dene people knew about this giant waterfall. Their given name for this fall – Na’ili Cho – means "big water falling down".

White people though love to give their own names and there is a whole story about the current official name "Virginia Falls".

First white people arrived in this area in the late 19th – early 20th century. Nahanni River was an area of legend and promise for rich gold finds. Quite mysterious events took place in Nahanni valley – headless gold prospectors were found, reviving many local legends about yeti and also about the mysterious Naha people – possible predecessors of Dene people who considered that Naha are mysterious warriors from the mountains who would attack Dene camps from time to time. Mason’s Rock to them represents one of the spirits of these Naha.

People of European descent heard from Dene about the giant waterfall. It seems, the first white people who reached the falls were Raymond Patterson and Albert Faille in 1927.

Nevertheless, the current name was given by another, later traveler. Fenley Hunter – an adventurer and businessman from New York – heard about these falls from the geologist Charles Camsell (who in turn heard about it from Dene people). Thus he decided to reach them during his surveys in this area on behalf of the Geological Survey of Canada.

On August 22, 1928, he together with his comrades George Ball and Albert Dease reached the falls and measured them. Already before he decided to name this waterfall officially. The first option was simply The Falls of Nahanni but then he changed his mind and named them Virginia Falls, after his then 16 years old daughter.

Unfortunately Virginia did not see these falls herself. When Fenley Hunter returned to the USA, he abandoned his family and embittered Virginia was not interested in the adventures of her father and his discoveries (3).

Currently Victoria falls are visited by hundreds of people every year. Almost all arrive by a chartered floatplane that lands in the river above the falls. This is a somewhat extreme and spectacular experience by itself.

There is also a proposal to rename the falls to honor Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau (father of the current prime minister Justin Trudeau) who saw the beauty of Nahanni Valley in 1972 and established a National Park here. This park was one of the first places on Earth to receive the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978.

References

1. D. C. Ford. Development of the Canyons of the South Nahanni River, N.W.T. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 1973, 10(3): 366-378, 10.1139/e73-033
2. Virginia Falls. World Waterfall Database. Accessed on January 1, 2017.
3. Ed Struzik. Ten Rivers run through it: Adventure Stories from the Arctic. 2005. ISBN 0-9736719-4-7.

Virginia Falls are included in the following article:

Description

Gocta Falls are located in the southern part of the Amazonas Region – an area rich with world-class waterfalls. This waterfall has formed on Cocahuayco River and starts at the height of some 2.6 km.

The river is fairly large – the average volume of the stream is some 6 m³ per second and the river is some 10 – 30 m wide, but after heavy rain – even 60 m wide.

Waterfall has two main drops. The upper one is approximately 210 – 215 m tall and represents a freely falling waterfall that hits the cliff ledges only at its lower part.

After this leap the river flows down a steep mountainside for some 250 – 300 m and there comes the next leap – the tallest one. This approximately 540 m tall leap is almost vertical: at the beginning it flows down along nearly vertical slope and then proceeds as a freefall plunge deep in the canyon.

This waterfall can be observed from many viewpoints because it falls into an impressive amphitheatre. To the southeast from Gocta Falls in this amphitheatre are falling several more tall waterfalls.

History

Just like the nearby (12 km to the north) Yumbilla Falls Gocta Falls were known to locals for centuries. Locals could see the waterfall every day from the nearby Gocta village. Nevertheless local people had a fear from this waterfall – there were tales about evil spirit – a kind of siren living at the base of the falls. None should walk near this place if he wanted to stay alive. There are even stories about a certain man – Juan Mendoza – who reportedly was turned into a stone below the falls. Thus locals did not tell to the outsiders about this magnificent waterfall and it was unknown to the world until recently.

Wider world learned about the falls only in 2002 when these falls were observed by German engineer Stefan Ziemendorff who participated in the development of water treatment plants in Peru. He recognised that these falls are among world’s tallest ones. He measured the height of the falls in the early 2006. Total measured height was 771 m with a possible mistake of 13.5 m. Since then this gorgeous monument of nature is increasingly popular tourist destination.

References

1. Gocta, Catarata, World Waterfall Database. Accessed in 10.01.2016.

Gocta Falls are included in the following article:

Iguazu – the boundary river

Iguazu is a 1,320 km long river, which starts near Curitiba in Brazil. The name of the river, most likely, was given by the speakers of Tupi or Guarani language, where "y" means water and "ûasú" – big.

The river meanders through Paraná plateau, collecting smaller and larger tributaries. Before the falls Iguazu is mighty, approximately 1 km wide river.

At the discharge of Rio San Antonio Iguazu starts to serve as the border of Brazil and Argentina. After 100 km it reaches the rim of Paraná plateau, where the waterfall has formed in a sharp bend of the river.

24 km after the waterfall Iguazu falls into Paraná. In this place meet three countries – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. After the falls Iguazu is 125 m wide, but at the mouth – 260 m wide.

Geology of Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls have formed on the rim of the basaltic Paraná Plateau, Serra Geral Formation. This volcanic plateau formed in Lower Cretaceous period some 132 million years ago in an enormous volcanic eruption. It is possible that this was the largest eruption in the history of the last several hundred million years.

On the rims of this plateau formed fhousands of waterfalls and impressive cliffs. Not too far (some 40 km) from Iguazu Falls were located Guaíra Falls (Sete Quedas) – the largest waterfall in the world by the volume of water. Unfortunately, it was flooded in 1978 under Itaipu Dam. Another example is the magnificent Canyon of Itaimbezinho with its fantastic waterfalls.

Description and figures

There are several ways to measure and rank waterfalls of the world – by the height, by the width, by the volume of water, by the height of the tallest vertical drop.

Iguazu Falls excel in width and volume.

Width

The width of falls is 2,682 m – this is the widest true waterfall (e.g. excluding those which look more like rapids) in the world.

The width of waterfalls is measured along the rim of the falling water. In the case of Iguazu, this by far is not a straight line: the direct distance between both sides of the waterfall is 1,140 m.

Volume

The average annual flow in falls is 1,746 m³/s. Among the true waterfalls of the world, it is one of the largest, maybe even second to Niagara (2,407 m³/s). Maximum recorded flow is 46,800 m³/s. It was reached in June 2014. To compare this: only the Amazon River has a higher average flow!

At low water the amount of water in the falls decreases significantly. Thus, in the summer of 2006, it was only 300 m³ per second.

Iguazu Falls are wider and more water-rich than the other big fall of the world – Victoria Falls, but does not have uninterrupted water curtain and is not that high. Although this can not be measured, Iguazu Falls seem to be somewhat more photogenic than Victoria Falls.

Height and steps

The height of different parts of Iguazu Falls fluctuates from 60 to 82 m. If compared to the tall waterfalls of the world, this might seem to be a rather low figure – but if we take into account the huge mass of water and width of falls – this is very impressive number!

The configuration of Iguazu walls is complex – in some places the water is falling from one vertical precipice but in some places, there have formed two well-expressed steps and many smaller steps.

Different parts of waterfall

The wildest part of Iguazu Falls is Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo, Garganta do Diabo) – a unique, U-shaped, 700 m long and 150 m wide chasm – an uninterrupted wall of falling water. Approximately one half of the river flows through Devil’s Throat and the border of Brazil and Argentina goes through it.

In Brazil are located some 20% of the total width of falls – but from Brazil open wonderful sights towards Argentina.

Further to the west, behind the San Martin Island in Argentina are located other parts of Iguazu Falls – San Martin Falls, and Adán, Bossetti, Dos Hermanas, Alvar Nuñez, Bernabé Mendez, Mbigua, Chico, and Lanusse Falls. Some smaller cascades are penetrating also San Martin Island – Rivadavía and Escondido Falls. Each of them is beautiful.

No one can say the true number of separate falls. Some say that there are 275 falls but, depending on the water level their number fluctuates from 150 to 300.

Ecosystem and national parks

The beauty of the falls has helped to protect the surrounding forests.

Iguazu Falls are surrounded by subtropical rainforest of Alto Paraná Atlantic forest ecoregion. This ecosystem might be somewhat less diverse than the Amazon rainforest further north. An occasional visitor will not notice this because the diversity of nature here is amazing. In the surrounding forest grow more than 2000 species of vascular plants, here live jaguars, giant anteaters, ocelots, and caymans. Visitors are amazed by the incredible number and diversity of butterflies around the falls.

There is an advantageous competition between Brazil and Argentina about the conservation of natural values around Iguazu Falls. Each country has developed modern tourist infrastructure to manage the huge flow of visitors and – naturally, to earn from this.

Iguazu Falls in Brazil – Iguaçu National Park

Already in the 19th century, in 1876 there started a campaign in Brazil to protect the area around the waterfall. Gradually there was established a nature protected area. A national park was officially established in 1939.

In 1984 this park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Now the area of the park is 1,700 km². The border of the park is easily seen on satellite images: a sharp, direct line between primeval tropical forest and agricultural fields and buildings.

Only 0.3% of the total park area is available to the main flow of visitors.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina – Iguazú National Park

Iguazu Falls is a popular tourist destination since the end of the 19th century. In 1902 there started the first official activities to protect the area around the falls. The national park was established in 1934.

In 1987 this park was included in the extended UNESCO World Heritage monument. Today this park is 550 km² large – and, similar to the situation in Brazil, its borders divide primeval nature from intensely managed lands.

Although Argentina has most of the falls, the access from this country is more complex. An interesting solution to this problem is Paseo Garganta del Diablo – approximately 1 km long footpath across the river until the wild Devil’s Throat. This footpath is accessed with a romantic tourist train.

Legend

Local Guarani Indians tell the following legend about the creation of Iguazu Falls:

Guarani people sacrificed every year a beautiful virgin to the M’Boi – a Serpent God of the Iguazu River. Girls were bred to be sacrificed and people were used to this – no one objected.

Once lived a beautiful girl Naipí. She loved Tarobá – a warrior of the neighboring tribe.

Naipí walked along the Iguazu River and M’Boi saw her reflection in the water and fell in love with her. God demanded that Naipí should be sacrificed and the elders of her tribe were too frightened to object.

Tarobá and Naipí decided to escape with a canoe. Unfortunately, M’Boi noticed them and started to chase them. In spite of the agility of the Serpent God, Tarobá managed to keep ahead of him.

M’Boi became furious and split the earth in front of the canoe. The boat with two lovers fell down the spill of the river. Naipí was turned into a large rock. Tarobá survived the fall by jumping out of the boat before the falls. He saw the transformation of her beloved girl below the fall and rushed towards her… and was turned into a palm tree on the precipice.

Tarobá and Naipí were separated forever – but on sunny days (and clear nights) there is a rainbow from the palm tree to the rock.

References

1. Iguazu, Cataratas del, World Waterfall Database. Accessed in 22.01.2012.
2. Johhny T. Cheng. Iguazu Falls (Iguazú Falls, Iguassu Falls, Iguaçu Falls, or Yguazú Falls), World of Waterfalls. Accessed in 22.01.2012. Numerous images and videos.

Iguazu Falls are included in the following list:

Geology of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls have formed on some 300 m thick layer of 179 – 180 million years old basalt of Batoka Formation.

Waterfall has a peculiar form. Well before the falls, the Zambezi river widens from some 350 m to more than 1 km, and it becomes more shallow and with many islands. Here it flows on the surface of the basalt layer.

Cooling of the basalt formed fractures which were widened some 110 million years ago and filled with sandstone – a less sturdy material than basalt.

As the powerful stream of Zambezi reached these sandstone-filled fractures, sandstone was washed out, gradually forming a deep gorge with a wide waterfall falling into it.

It is considered that the first waterfall on the Zambezi formed some 5 million years ago – it was located further downstream.

Current waterfall is the sixth consecutive waterfall and was formed some 250 – 100 hundred thousand years ago.

Description of waterfall

These are not the only falls on Zambezi river – 340-370 km upstreams are the 1.3 km wide and 8 – 20 m high Ngonye Falls, there are several more impressive rapids between both falls.

Victoria Falls though is by far the most impressive one. Zambezi river here flows through a plain and this dramatic abyss could come as a surprise – if not the thundering noise of falls and an enormous cloud of mist above the gorge.

First Gorge

The fracture of the basalt is fairly even and thanks to this the front of the falls is almost straight. At the falls Zambezi reaches a width of 1,708 m (at high water – up to 1,951 m) and the whole river falls into a deep abyss – the First Gorge.

First Gorge is only 50 – 120 m wide. At the western end, falls are considerably lower – 80 m, at the middle the height reaches a maximum of 108 m.

Islands and streams

Waterfall is dissected by two larger islands – Boaruka Island closer to the western bank and Livingstone Island in the center. When water is low, there appear many more islands.

Starting from the west the most pronounced streams in the waterfall are – Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, the highest part – Rainbow Falls, and the Eastern Cataract.

At Livingstone Island on the Zambian side is located Devil’s Pool. Between September and December, when the water is low, the stream here is less powerful and the natural stone barrier prevents it from falling into the abyss. Then the adventurous swimmers can enter this basin, but should do this with great care: mistakes lead to imminent death.

In Devil’s Cataract forms a new gorge, which will add a new stage of a zigzag, starting at the western end of the current falls. Most likely some 10,000 years from now there will be another waterfall – the seventh one.

Rainforest and fish

In the plains around the falls has developed woodland savannah – this region of Africa has a rather dry climate. The mist of the waterfall though has facilitated the development of a small patch of true rainforest in a cliff pocket below the falls. This rainforest contains numerous rare species of plants and animals.

Below the falls in Zambezi live 39 species of fish, but above – 89 species. Species on both sides of the falls are different – a testimony of the times when in the site of present-day Zambezi were two different rivers, which were later united by tectonic movements.

Other gorges – previous falls

Water leaves the First Gorge through a 110 m wide cleft and enters the zigzag of earlier waterfalls. Next comes the 2.15 km long Second Gorge, which is crossed by the gracious Victoria Falls Bridge. Then comes the 1.95 km long Third Gorge, 2.25 km long Fourth Gorge, 3.2 km long Fifth Gorge, and 3.3 km long Songwe Gorge. The last – Songwe Gorge – is the deepest, 140 m deep. All these gorges in the past served as the fronts of waterfalls, one by one receding upstreams. Thus, when the waterfall 5 million years ago was falling in Songwe Gorge, it was 3.3 km wide – much wider than now and 140 m tall: taller than now.

Rainy season and dry season

Contrary to the two other giant falls on Earth – Iguazu Falls and Niagara Falls – Victoria Falls have pronounced fluctuations in flow throughout the year.

In late November – early April there is a rainy season and in April come floods. Then Victoria Falls are heard from a long distance. Even further away – up to 45 km far can be seen mist from falls, which can rise up to 300 – 500 m high.

The flow of water then can reach 12,800 m³/s – unsurpassed by any major waterfall in the world.

WHen the water has a high level, falls are definitely impressive but not easy to observe – all the area is shrouded in mist, so it is not advised to use photo cameras. The spray is as powerful as strong rain and often falls upwards, driven by the turbulence of the air in the deep crevices.

When the dry season comes, the stream becomes scarce. In November the flow rate falls to 170 m³/s. Then it becomes possible to enter the First Gorge by boat and walk along some stretches of the gorge.

Human history

People have been living at the falls for millions of years – here were found stone artifacts made by Homo habilis 3 million years ago.

As time went by, people speaking different languages came and left, leaving traces of different cultures.

Livingstone

There is a possibility that some Europeans saw the falls earlier (falls are shown on European maps, which were issued in 1715 and 1750), but the first one to appreciate and describe the falls was a Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, who reached the falls on 16 November 1855.

Livingstone was excited about his discovery and wrote: "No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." He named the falls in honor of Queen Victoria, although noted that locals called it Mosi-oa-Tunya – "the smoke that thunders" (could be that more exact translation is "the smoke that rises" (1)).

Tourism development

After Livingstone falls were visited and described by several European explorers but more visitors came when the railway was built in 1905.

Gradually tourism developed here. Warfare lasted for long decades in this region of Africa in the 20th century – but the area around the falls was comparatively calm. Since the 1980s mass tourism developed, and Livingstone town (Zambia) and Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) became comparatively prosperous.

Stay in this area is expensive also by European and American standards – but a short visit is not that expensive. Unfortunately, the development of tourism gradually removes the natural charm of falls, there are increasing problems with waste management.

Local people, in general, recognize the importance of Victoria Falls. Since 1934 falls are protected, and Mosi-sa-Tunya National park was established in 1972. The waterfall was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1989, but improper development and management of this unique landmark is a matter of concern.

References

1. Native Name of Victoria Falls, The Northern Rodesia Journal. Volume I, No.4., 1951. Accessed on 01.04.2013.

Victoria Falls are included in the following article:

Tepuis

The landscape of south-eastern Venezuela and its neighboring countries provides some of the most spectacular sights in the world. Above the dense rainforest here rise more than 100 tablelands which in most cases are isolated from the “land below” with tall cliffs. These cliff walls are hundreds of meters tall, often – significantly taller than one kilometer. These tablelands – tepuis – are formed from Pre-Cambrian sandstone and quartzite and the life on the top of tepuis has been isolated for millions of years.

Hundreds of spectacular waterfalls, caves, sinkholes, amazing cliff formations, and unique ecosystems are found on tepuis, as well as gold, diamonds, and other gemstones. Many unusual stories are told about tepuis – indigenous people are certain that evil spirits live there, but people of European descent often tell about paranormal experiences.

Auyán-tepui

The largest of tepuis is Auyán-tepui (see the map) with the surface area of 667 km². Indigenous Pemon people considered this to be an evil place (they are in similar opinion about most tepuis) and named it – "Devil mountain" (Auyán-tepui).

One of the local legends tells that in Auyán-tepui (more exactly – in the Aonda canyon) lives the terrible Canaima – a kind of Death, which always is chasing people and sooner or later finds and kills each of them.

The enormous Auyán-tepui is well isolated with tall walls. Numerous endemic species of plants and animals have evolved in this chilly, windy and foggy "world".

All tepuis receive much rain – and this helps to create powerful streams and spectacular waterfalls in spite of the small area of these tablelands.

Description of Angel Falls

Gauja

Angel Falls have formed in the inner part of Auyán-tepui, on Gauja stream – a left tributary of Churún. The waterfall is not only the world’s tallest – but it is also very spectacular, located in a gorgeous, pristine natural setting in the canyon of Churún (Cañón del Diablo).

Gauja starts in the swamps of the central-western part of Auyán-tepui and flows for several kilometers before approaching the rim of the plateau. Several hundreds of meters before the rim it disappears among the stones in a deep ravine, which is 40 m deep at the rim. This cleft was created over millions of years and we are lucky that quartzite is that sturdy – otherwise, the ravine would be much deeper and falls – much lower.

Falls

River is not wide at the rim – just a few meters. As the water falls down, the stream spreads and gradually turns into mist. As a result at the base of falls has not formed basin.

Nevertheless after rain the stream becomes more powerful and falls hit the base. Several smaller waterfalls then appear on both sides of the main waterfall.

Further down, some hundreds of meters below the main falls is a smaller, 30 m tall cascade. Of course, its beauty is overshadowed by the main fall.

Height

The height of falls was measured once – in 1949. Then the number of 979 m was obtained and is used up to this day. It is possible that this is the height difference between the Churún river and the upper rim of falls – thus it may include part of the slope below the falls, which is not a part of falls.

The main drop is 807 m tall – the tallest single drop in the world.

Discovery

Before Jimmie Angel

It is not known with certainty whether Pemon people knew about the existence of falls before the coming of white people. According to current propaganda they named the falls long ago – Kerepakupai ("waterfall of the deepest place") – but there are doubts about this, this name has been used for other falls elsewhere. According to some reports indigenous people call the falls Parakupá Vená ("the fall from the highest point") – but it is not known whether this name was used in older times. Pemon people really feared from these places.

First rich gold finds were made near Auyán-tepui in the middle of the 19th century and legends about fabulous finds of gold are heard here up to this day. First diamonds were found in 1913 in Caroni, near Auyantepui.

Thus, when airplanes became available, numerous adventurers and treasure seekers started to explore this rugged, unusual and beautiful country.

It is well possible that some white adventurers saw the falls in the early 20th century. Ernesto Sánchez la Cruz in 1949 announced that he discovered falls in 1910 – but, according to his diaries he was in Sierra Pacaraima then and, possibly, saw Montoya Falls (more than 500 m tall). Some more treasure seekers most likely passed by without too much interest in world’s tallest waterfall.

Jimmie Angel

Adventurer and daredevil, master pilot Jimmie Angel (1899 – 1956) first flew in these places in 1923. Before this, he met in Panama with an old geologist J.R. McCracken who asked for a favor to bring him to a secret place. Angel did this – they both flew through clouds and fog and happily landed on the top of tepui (most likely Auyán-tepui). Adventurer knew the site – it was a rich gold find. In three days they collected some 25 – 35 kg of gold (they could not take more) and departed – they pushed the plane over the rim of tepui and only then it caught the speed and started to fly.

McCracken soon died – and Jimmie Angel could not remember how to reach the gold find. He started to fly to Auyán-tepui in the search of his landing place.

In these times – in the 1920s – 1930s – Auyán-tepui was not on the maps and in Caracas many did not believe that such mountain exists. Thus Jimmie Angel became a discoverer of new lands.

On March 25, 1934, Jimmie Angel with three companions noticed the incredibly tall waterfall. As he returned, he told about this discovery to everyone and the news was published. Soon he took first images of falls and his discovery became a sensation. Angel was confident that the waterfall is one mile (more than 1.5 km) high.

Crash of the plane

Further fame to falls came with an unpleasant accident. Angel decided that gold is found on the plateau near Angel Falls and organized an expedition with Miguel Delgado and Gustavo Heny to the top of the mountain. As they rolled out of the plane, the wife of Angel stopped the plane and demanded to take her, because she would not want to live like a widow.

Thus all four landed on the top of Auyán-tepui on 9 October 1937. Unfortunately, the plane was struck in a swamp and had to be abandoned. They left a message “All OK” on one wing of the plane and an arrow in the direction where they left. It took 14 days (not 11 as frequently mentioned) for them to find a way down the plateau and to reach the civilization.

Plane remained on the top of the plateau for several decades until it was removed (against the death wish of Jimmie Angel) and now is at the airport of Ciudad Bolivar.

Waterfall was first published on a Venezuelan government map in December 1939 and named – "Salto Angel" – Angel’s Falls.

Aleksandrs Laime

The first man to reach the base of falls was Latvian Aleksandrs Laime (1911 – 1994).

Laime arrived here in 1941 and became obsessed with the exploration of Auyán-tepui – searching for gold and diamonds but maybe – adventures. He befriended local people and learned Auyán-tepui better than anyone else.

Laime reached the base of falls alone, in 1946. Later he told that this was an amazing feeling to stand below the falls, to feel the stings of water drops, and to think that he is the first one standing below the world’s tallest waterfall.

Laime was also the first to ascend Auyán-tepui and reach the upper side of falls in the late 1950s. He started to live next to the falls until his death in 1994.

Names of rivers

On November 18, 1955, independence day of Latvia, Aleksandrs Laime declared in the Venezuelan newspaper “El Nacional” that he wants to name the waterfall stream after the Latvian river – Gauja. Soon after he registered the name in National Cartographic institution.

Later some more newly discovered streams on Auyán-tepui officially got Latvian names – Ogre, Venta, and Daugava.

In the last decades there have been attempts to rename the streams, especially Gauja. It got the name Kerepacupai or Kerep – after the Pemon name of the waterfall which most likely also is a recent invention.

Ruth Robertson

American journalist and adventurer Ruth Robertson (who by that time mostly wrote for Venezuelan journals) saw the falls from Jimmie Angel’s airplane. She decided to reach the base of falls and to measure their height.

She financed the expedition by the sales of her waterfall’s photographs and booklets. Robertson asked for the assistance of the American National Geographic Society but was refused – after all several earlier expeditions (led by man!) failed to do this. Finally, she agreed that “The National Geographic Magazine” would publish her material and pay her… after the expedition.

Ruth Robertson managed to hire Aleksandrs Laime with a team of Pemon Indians (who painted themselves red to fend off evil spirits) and they reached the falls on May 13, 1949. They measured the height of falls and… to the disappointment of Jimmie Angel, this was not a mile-high waterfall. Nevertheless, it was proved that Angel Falls are the tallest in the world.

Correction of some popular errors:

• The first officially approved name of the waterfall is Angel Falls, named after Jimmie Angel. Kerepakupai Vená most likely is a recent invention, but there is a chance that Pemon people named the falls – Parakupá Vená. The merits of Jimmie Angel should not be diminished – most of the other adventurers, including local Venezuelans, were interested only in wealth, but Jimmie Angel (who, of course, was also interested in wealth, but…) manifested to the world the beauty of Venezuelan tablelands, thus paving a road for the later conservation efforts of this unique place.
• The officially approved name of the stream of Angel Falls is Gauja. Kerepacupai or Kerep most likely is recent invention.
• Ruth Robertson was not the first to reach the base of falls. This was done in 1946 by Aleksandrs Laime, later guide of Ruth.
• Expedition of Ruth Robertson was not organized or financed by the National Geographic Society. She financed and organized it herself after the National Geographic Society refused any assistance.
• Often it is claimed that the tepuis of Venezuela inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write his timeless novel “The Lost World”. Wrong!!! Conan Doyle was inspired by the tales of his good friend Percy Harrison Fawcett who discovered the similar amazing Huanchaca Plateau in Bolivia.

References

1. Karen Angel. Why The World’s Tallest Waterfall is Named Angel Falls. Terrae Incognitae, Vol. 44 No.1., April, 2012.
2. Andris Stavro. Aleksandrs Laime un viņa zelta upe. Jāņa sēta, Rīga, 1999. (In Latvian)

Angel Falls are included in the following list:

Yosemite Creek

Yosemite Valley could be one of the most wonderful places on Earth. This 13 km long valley has been shaped by glaciers and is up to 914 m deep.

Valley has many amazing waterfalls, but the largest and tallest is Yosemite Falls. It is formed by Yosemite Creek. This stream flows some 12.8 km before the falls, on its way falling for some 300 m. And then it… whoosh… falls for 739 m over a distance of approximately 700 meters. Afterward, it flows some 1.2 km and enters Merced River.

Here have been developed trails leading towards the waterfall and providing many fine views of it – and from it.

Volume

The volume of water in Yosemite Creek is fluctuating. This is caused by the thin soil on granite surfaces around Yosemite Valley. Water does not accumulate in this thin soil and – as the rain falls, the water is quickly drained by the river network.

Yosemite Falls is especially impressive in May when the snow in the mountains is melting. In this period the force of water is creating a constant tremble of the ground and a deep, unforgettable roar.

After dry summers Yosemite Creek – and Yosemite Falls – get dry. The waterfall can be dry from August to October. But it is enough to have a rainy day – and falls "start" again.

In the winter at the base of the upper fall forms an impressive ice cone. It forms because this supertall waterfall turns into mist, which is frozen on its way.

Seven drops

Most descriptions divide Yosemite Falls into three parts – Upper Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Fall. As Middle Cascades have five smaller plunges, we can consider that Yosemite Falls has seven drops.

It seems that the last time when the exact height of falls was estimated, was in 1913 – and since then it has not been checked with contemporary methods.

Upper Fall is a 436 m tall cascade. In the upper part of falls the stream hits a ledge – and then the water is thrown in the air and most of it turns into mist before hitting the ground.

Middle Cascades are five smaller plunges in between the two large falls. Yosemite Creek drops here 206 m over the distance of some 550 m. These falls are very impressive as well – but this sight is hidden in a narrow gorge and it is very hard and dangerous to access these cascades.

Lower Fall is well visible, 98 m high drop. For most part it falls free, hitting the cliff closer to the base. Below the falls has formed a smaller pool.

Land of Ahwahnechee

At the base of the waterfall was standing the main center of the natives of Yosemite Valley – Ahwahnechee people. Ahwahnechee means "dwellers of Ahwahnee" – Ahwahnee is the older native placename for Yosemite Valley. The name of the valley has been given by them – "Yo-sem’-i-te" means "adult grizzly bear".

White people – the Mariposa Batallion led by James D. Savage – found the valley in the pursuit of Indians around the 21st of March 1851. Member of Mariposa Batallion – Lafayette Bunnell – gave the Falls their present name – Yosemite Falls. Natives called it simply – "the fall" – Cholock.

Ahwahnechee lived here up to the 20th century. Unfortunately, these people were evicted from their beautiful homeland by the government of the United States. Their last village in the valley was burned down in 1969 for… firefighting practice. Nature conservation ideals of those times required creating a wilderness in Yosemite Valley – thus it was cruelly created.

Ahwahnechee believed that the pool at the base of the falls was inhabited by the spirits of several witches whom they called Poloti.

One local story tells about a woman who came here to take some water from the pool. As she took a bucket full of water, it turned out to be full of… snakes. Later in the night spirits brought an act of revenge – a whirlwind took the house of woman with her and her newborn to the pool and drowned them.

References

1. Yosemite Falls. World Waterfall Database. Accessed on June 11, 2012.

Yosemite Falls are included in the following article:

Late discovery

Ventisquero Colgante glacier was discovered only in 1875, during the hydrographical research led by Captain Enrique Simpson Baeza. Captain reported that the snow of the glacier is just 100 m from the bank of the channel. It is not entirely clear whether he saw the waterfall and whether this waterfall was visible at all – but it is clear that the glacier has retreated since then and now the ice is 8 km from the edge of the channel.

Queulat National Park

The native Chono people (now extinct) named this area "Queolat" – "the sound of waterfalls". This is a land of rare beauty, with deep fiords, rainforest and glaciers. The area indeed has numerous waterfalls – most of them seasonal.

In 1982 this area was reached by one the most beautiful roads in the world – Carretera Austral. Soon – on October 13, 1983 – here was established Queulat National Park (154 093 ha).

This huge natural area remains pristine up to this day. Many interesting tourist paths have been built here but many parts of the national park remain unexplored.

Waterfall

The hanging valley of Ventisquero Colgante has been shaped by ice. As the climate became warmer, this 50,000 years old glacier retreated and a cliff wall of incredible proportions opened.

The ablation process is ongoing and a powerful stream of meltwater flows from the base of the glacier and immediately falls down from the giant wall.

The number and location of falls change according to the weather conditions and the position of glaciers. Sometimes there is seen one lower fall, sometimes two mighty streams – one taller and a lower one. There are times when only the taller waterfall flows. There are several more, even taller seasonal falls nearby.

Additional effect is created by the frequent crash of ice. The quake of the soil is felt some kilometers far.

Ventisquero Colgante Falls are flowing throughout the year. In summer the sight becomes more impressive – there is more water and less ice at the base of falls.

At the lower part of falls has formed a cone of ice and talus. In winter it becomes higher, covering up to half of the falls, in summer it melts down. The stream disappears under this cone for a short distance.

As the stream (Rio Ventisquero) leaves this underground section, it forms a small lake – Laguna Témpanos – and then after some 6 km enters the Canal de Puyuhuapi.

Height of falls

The estimates of the height of these falls are very diverse, from 130 m (VisitChile.com) to more than 550 m (World Waterfall Database)

When looking at the seemingly slow fall of water in video, it becomes clear the these falls are very high, above 500 m.

References

1. Ventisquero Colgante, Cascada de, World Waterfall Database. Accessed in 13.01.2019.

Ventisquero Colgante Falls are included in the following list:

The most exclusive waterfall in the world!

Kaieteur waterfall is very special due to the combination of several factors:

• Large height (251 m) – it is five times higher than Niagara Falls;
• Large width and large water volume – average width is 113 m and average volume – 663 m³ per second. Kaieteur is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world – and bear in mind that most other contenders are lower and without tall plunges.
• Impressive free fall of water. The main plunge is 226 m high. Most waterfalls do not have such a high free fall of water.
• Beautiful scenery – primeval tropical forest around the falls. Many of the great falls of the world have altered landscapes which decreases their impressiveness.
• Feeling of exclusiveness. While most large waterfalls of the world are surrounded by crowds of tourists, Kaieteur is comparatively desolate. General tourists come here only by plane and when they arrive, they are left in private (especially on weekdays) with one of the most impressive sights in the world.

Description of Kaieteur falls

Kaieteur is located in the central part of Guyana Highlands, consisting of several billion years old rocks. This part of Guyana Highlands contains a higher ridge named – the Pakaraima Mountains, consisting of plateaus with steep sides.

Guyana is rich in waterfalls but this region is superior in this respect. Numerous powerful rivers fall here over the edges of plateaus.

Geology

Kaieteur falls over a 6 – 10 m thick layer of conglomerate which overlies a softer layer of sandstone. Rebounding water is eroding the softer sandstone thus creating an overhang. Over time overhang falls down – thus the front of the waterfall is slowly retreating. A major part of the enormous escarpment has been created by this process – it is possible that the waterfall has retreated in such a way for several kilometers.

After the fall Potaro River flows through a deep, 32 km long canyon until it leaves the escarpment.

Size

Width of the river above the falls is approximately 120 – 130 meters. The stream is slow until a few hundred meters before the precipice water starts flowing faster and faster. The depth of the river close before the falls reach 4 – 5 m or, at flood time, even 6 meters. The volume of water is 663 m³ per second.

Waterfall itself is approximately 113 m wide, in flood time – up to 120 m. The basic part of the fall is a 226 m tall plunge.

As the dark reddish-brown water of the tropical jungle river falls down the precipice, it turns into bright white foam and mist. Water disappears into a roaring basin, hidden in an eternal cloud of mist.

Basin is approximately 200 m wide and 100 m long.

At the base of Kaieteur the force of the falling water creates a weird phenomenon – constant hurricane. There are constant waves in the small pond, the air is full of fleeces of foam gyrating chaotically. The wind is pulling the visitors and it seems that the day is grey and stormy. But – as one leaves the base of the falls – it turns out that the sun is shining and all trees stand calmly.

As the water leaves the basin, it gradually falls 25 meters in a short distance. Thus the full height of falls is 251 m.

Potarite

In 1924, while looking for diamonds (with some success!) there was discovered a new mineral in the canyon below the falls – potarite. This is an extremely rare and unusual mineral – a natural alloy of two metals – palladium and mercury (PdHg). Potarite is unsightly – small, heavy brittle grains, consisting of a metallic, opaque silver-colored mass. Later this mineral was found in some more locations around the world.

Another exciting discovery is one of the world’s smallest ferns – Hecistopteris kaieteurensis. This 2 cm long fern was discovered on the edge of Kaieteur in 1997.

Discovery by Europeans

In the late 19th century British Empire had increased interest in the research of the mineral wealth of its possessions. Thus it was decided to investigate closer the little-known British Guiana as well – with attention on the research of rivers as natural waterways.

British geologists Charles Barrington Brown and James Sawkins were appointed to make these investigations in 1867. Sawkins did much work and retired somewhat earlier (in the summer of 1870).

Brown continued his work with excellence. Over six years period, he traveled some 3,500 kilometers by foot and some 13,000 kilometers in a boat, in rivers. The tireless explorer traveled nearly all the rivers of Guyana, made a geological reconnaissance, and discovered numerous beautiful landmarks.

His greatest and best known discovery took place on April 24, 1870. Brown together with seven local men heard of the fall already on April 23. April 24 was a grey day and, as Brown reached the rim of a precipice, he thought at first that the mist is coming from the rain. There though opened a view of one of the most unbelievable sights on the globe – a waterfall of gargantuan size falling deep down the precipice.

There was issued a scientific report “Report on the Kaieteur Waterfall”, published in the "Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of London", Vol.15., No.2. (1870-1871). He wrote in this scientific paper: "I was much struck with the beauty and grandeur of this fall, and regretted extremely that I could not remain longer to make proper observations of its height, width etc."

He returned to the waterfall the next year and made the necessary measurements.

Later Brown wrote several books, including "Canoe and Camp Life in British Guiana", 1876.

Falls of sacrifice or betrayal?

Beautiful natural attractions, for the most part, take an important role in the culture of local people. Kaieteur is not an exception – it is an important site for Patamona Amerindians. Indians do not want to approach the base of the falls.

There are several stories about the origin of the name of fall. Here will be given two very diverse ones.

Story of betrayal

This story was reported by C. Barrington Brown himself. When Brown after the discovery of the fall spent the night on the escarpment, Indian interpreter told the following story at the fireplace:

"Once upon a time there lived an old Indian at a village above the fall, an exceedingly feeble old man, whose feet became infested with chigoe fleas to such an extent that he gave his friends and relatives an immense amount of trouble in picking them out for him every morning.

So they determined to rid themselves of the nuisance, and accordingly placed the old man in a woodskin just above the edge of the fall, and shoved it out into the stream. The strong current hurried him to the brink and swept him over its foaming water, and he was seen no more.

But not long after, strange to relate, his wood skin appeared at the end of a small island, in the smooth stream just below our camp, in the form of a long slab of rock; while on a slope on the right-hand side of the fall, a large square rock represents his canister similarly petrified.
After this tragedy had been enacted, the Indians named the fall Kaieteur, which means "old-man-fall"." (2)

Story of sacrifice

Previous story is not very well suited to boost national self-confidence. But – there is another one, with more noble events, described:

People of Toshao were endangered by the raiding party of the savage Caribs. There was needed a sacrifice to appease the Great Spirit Makonaima. The old and revered chief Kai sacrificed himself – he took his canoe and paddled over the falls.

Old man and his canoe were immortalized by nature – there is a cliff formation near the falls formed like a man in the boat.

Thus falls got their name – "Kai-fall".

Biodiversity and protection

Surroundings of the waterfall are teeming with life. Here can be met numerous beautiful and rare plants, birds, insects and other forms of life.

Especially abundant life is seen below the falls, where eternal mist has been present for many thousands of years. Valley is covered with cloud forests containing numerous species which thrive in a very moist climate. Trees here are covered with a thick carpet of mosses, lichens, orchids, and bromeliads. Especially impressive is tank bromeliad Brocchinia micrantha, which grows up to 4 m high. Several endemic species of plants have been found here including a fern Hecistopteris kaieturensis. Most likely there are numerous plant and animal species which are not been discovered yet.

One can marvel at giant bromeliads with water held permanently between their leaves. There is even a frog living in these bromeliads – tiny golden dart-poison frog (Colostethus beebei).

Only in recent decades a diversity of life in Kaieteur National Park is conceived and the research in the park is ongoing and constantly bringing new discoveries.

White-chinned swifts (Cypseloides cryptus) live in the enormous escarpment and even behind the waterfall. During their flight, these birds even dive directly through the waterfall. Behind the falls the force of water has formed an enormous, inaccessible cave – thousands of swifts live in this safe habitat.

British Colonial Administration designated a National Park here in 1929 in order to preserve the natural beauty and rare species of plants and animals in the area. This is one of the oldest national parks in South America and the Caribbean. Initially, the area of the national park was 117 km².

After the pressure of the mining industry the park was downsized to a mere 19 km² in the 1970s but then expanded again in the 1990s to protect the watershed and to decrease the impact of mining. Now the park covers approximately 627 km² area. The administration of the park is located in Mahdia town. Most of the park is intact – nearly all tourists are seen only in a few square kilometers around the falls.

Tourism

Kaieteur might be the most recognizable landmark of Guyana. Happily, since the time of discovery, the surroundings of this waterfall have not changed.

Number of visitors differs – but in general here come only some 200 people per month.

Kaeiteur is located in the middle of true wilderness, without roads, or luxury hotels. The high cliff has no guarding rails.

Waterfall can be reached by feet or by airplane.

The walk from Mahdia town lasts three days – and those who did it, often consider this to be their life adventure. When the tourists reach the bottom of the falls, they make a strenuous ascent and are awarded by an incredible sight. There is a possibility to stay in a guest house near the falls.

There is a tiny airstrip near the top of the falls as well – and most tourists come here by air. Tour operators often offer two beautiful falls per day with an airplane – Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls.

References

1. Kaieteur National Park. The website was accessed on 29 May 2010
2. Charles B.Brown. Report on the Kaieteur Waterfall in British Guiana. Journal of the Geographical Society of London, Vol.41, (1871).

Kaieteur Falls are included in the following lists and articles: