From the thunderous plunge of Kaieteur Falls in Guyana to the awe-inspiring spread of Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, these natural wonders invite adventurers to witness their majesty. 

With well-over 7,000 documented waterfalls in the world, we narrowed the list by focusing on the best waterfalls to visit at the start of the year.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls is set deep in the heart of Guyana in Kaieteur National Park. It is the world’s tallest single drop waterfall (meaning the water doesn’t break into multiple cascades before reaching the ground) at 741 feet. The falls are formed by the Potaro River and originate in Pakaraima Mountains, tumbling down over a series of sandstone cliffs before making its descent into a deep plunge pool. 

First sighted by European explorers in the 19th century, the falls are surrounded by lush rainforest which is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from an array of bird species to monkeys and the elusive jaguar. To get there, take a short flight from Georgetown. The best time to see the falls is during the dry season from January to April, when the water flow is at its most powerful. 

Victoria Falls, Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe 

Besides going on safari, Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic, must-see destinations in Africa. The falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tanya, “the smoke that thunders” In local dialect, is a natural wonder located on the Zambezi River forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. First discovered by Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, they are named in honor of Queen Victoria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

As one of the most extensive waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking sight. At 5,600 feet wide and 350 feet tall, Victoria Falls is the largest single curtain of water in the world. 

The best time to see the falls is during the wet season, from February to May when the Zambezi River is at its fullest and the falling water is most spectacular. 

Iguazu Falls, Border of Argentina and Brazil

Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises 275 individual waterfalls. The most remarkable of these falls is the Devil’s throat, a waterfall with a 269-foot drop. The falls are surrounded by rainforest. As you approach them, you hear the sounds of the jungle — calls of exotic birds, rusting leaves, and the distant roar of the falls. 

There isn’t a bad time to visit Iguazu Falls, however they are at their peak from January to March during the wet season. They can also get crowded during the holidays. 

Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Sutherland Falls are New Zealand’s most famous waterfall. The falls are surrounded by the beauty of Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area in the South Island. Sutherland Falls are popular with visitors to New Zealand for its many well-marked walking trails that access the falls. Surrounding the falls, the landscape is a mix of beach forest, flats, and herb fields. 

One of the best ways to see the falls is with a scenic helicopter flight. They'll have the highest water flow between September - December. However, traveling there between December - February is ideal for clear views and mild weather.

Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. Formed in 1949, the vast park has been protected since 1979 and has 16 lakes, famed for their varying colors, from green to grey or blue, and interconnected by a series of waterfalls. 

The park has a network of trails and wooden walkways to explore the lakes and waterfalls. Each season offers something different, but by visiting in the spring, you’ll see the falls when the water levels are at their highest and the park is covered in wildflowers. 

Murchison Falls, Uganda

One of Uganda’s oldest conservation areas, Murchison Falls National Park sits in the northwestern region of Uganda near the peaceful shores of Lake Albert. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which winds its way through the park and gives life and prosperity to the diversity of wildlife making its home in this rugged environment. Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from its own Murchison Falls waterfall where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes, all of which are best experienced during a Murchison Falls safari. 

One of the highlights of a visit to Murchison Falls National Park is a boating excursion from Paraa to the foot of spectacular Murchison Falls. The best flow periods for the falls are from March to May and September to November when it’s rainy. Wildlife viewing is at its best from December to February and June to August, however, it can be hot and dusty during those periods.