Introduction
While tall waterfalls impress with height, the widest waterfalls overwhelm with sheer scale. Some span several kilometers, creating thundering walls of water.
Width depends on the volume of the river and the geology of the riverbed. Wide, flat rock ledges create the most expansive falls.
1. Khone Phapheng Falls, Laos
- Width: ~10,783 m (10.8 km)
- Height: 21 m
- River: Mekong River
Khone Phapheng is the widest waterfall in the world. The Mekong River splits into countless channels as it flows over a series of rapids and falls in southern Laos.
The falls prevented navigation on the Mekong, forcing the French to build a railway around them during colonial times.
2. Para Falls, Venezuela
- Width: ~5,608 m (5.6 km)
- Height: 64 m
- River: Caura River
Para Falls is one of the widest and least visited major waterfalls. Located in a remote Venezuelan jungle, it is a horseshoe-shaped cascade on the Caura River.
3. Kongou Falls, Gabon
- Width: ~3,200 m (3.2 km)
- Height: 56 m
- River: Ivindo River
Kongou Falls is the largest waterfall in Central Africa. It is located in Ivindo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by pristine rainforest.
4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
- Width: 2,700 m (2.7 km)
- Height: 82 m (max)
- Individual Falls: 275
Iguazu consists of 275 individual falls spread across 2.7 km. The Devil's Throat section is a massive U-shaped cascade that generates a permanent cloud of mist.
Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly said "Poor Niagara" upon seeing Iguazu for the first time.
5. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
- Width: 1,708 m (1.7 km)
- Height: 108 m
- Local Name: Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke That Thunders)
Victoria Falls creates the largest single sheet of falling water in the world. The spray can be seen from 50 km away, earning its local name "The Smoke That Thunders."
During peak flow, over 500 million liters of water per minute cascade over the edge.
6. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
- Width: 1,203 m total
- Height: 51 m
- Flow Rate: ~2,800 m³/s
Niagara is the most famous waterfall in the world. The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side are 792 m wide, while the American Falls are 323 m wide.
About 20% of the world's freshwater passes over Niagara Falls.
7. Boyoma Falls, DR Congo
- Width: ~1,400 m
- Height: 60 m (over 100 km series)
- River: Congo River
Boyoma Falls (formerly Stanley Falls) is a series of seven cataracts over 100 km of the Congo River. It has the highest average flow rate of any waterfall.
8. Mocona Falls, Argentina/Brazil
- Width: ~3,000 m
- Height: 12 m
- Unique Feature: Runs along the river, not across it
Mocona is unique because the waterfall runs parallel to the river rather than perpendicular. Water falls from one section of the Uruguay River into a deeper canyon alongside it.
Key Facts
- Khone Phapheng at 10.8 km is wider than many cities.
- Iguazu Falls consists of 275 individual cascades across 2.7 km.
- Victoria Falls creates the largest single sheet of falling water on Earth.
- Boyoma Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall.
- Mocona Falls is unique for running along the river rather than across it.
Fun Facts
- Iguazu Falls generates so much mist that permanent rainbows are visible most sunny days.
- Victoria Falls' spray creates a rainforest on the opposite cliff face.
- The roar of Khone Phapheng can be heard from several kilometers away.
- Niagara Falls once stopped flowing completely for 30 hours in 1848 when ice jammed the source.
Final Thoughts
The widest waterfalls create some of the most powerful and dramatic scenes in nature. From the 10-kilometer breadth of Khone Phapheng to the thundering curtain of Iguazu, these falls showcase the awesome power of rivers.