The World’s 100 Best Waterfalls · 2026
The Best Waterfalls in Africa
3 of the 100 waterfalls in The World’s 100 Best Waterfalls 2026 are in Africa, in 3 countries. The highest placed is Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zimbabwe, at number 7 in the world. Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda (number 17) and Maletsunyane Falls in Semonkong, Lesotho (number 77) follow.
Southern Africa
Victoria Falls sits on the Zimbabwe and Zambia border. The Zambezi River plunges more than 100 metres into the Batoka Gorge under permanent mist. Visitors cross the border bridge between viewpoints on each side. Maletsunyane Falls lies near Semonkong in Lesotho. Its 192-metre drop enters a gorge among mountains, hills and valleys. Visitors drive a gravel road, often in a 4x4, then walk 10 to 15 minutes to a lookout.
Uganda
Murchison Falls lies in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. A river forces through a 7 metre gap in rock and drops about 43 metres, with mist and rainbows around the falls. Visitors reach it by boat up the Nile or on a short walk from the car park. The walk can be slippery in places, and a park ticket is needed with an extra fee for the falls walk. Expect to get wet from the spray.
Waterfalls
Best by region
- The NordicsGullfossHvítá, South Iceland, IcelandN° 19
- EuropePoço da Ribeira do FerreiroFlores, Azores, PortugalN° 5
- AsiaTumpak SewuLumajang, East Java, IndonesiaN° 3
- The Middle EastKapuzbaşı WaterfallsYahyalı, Kayseri, TurkeyN° 20
- North AmericaHavasu FallsHavasupai, Arizona, United StatesN° 2
- Latin AmericaIguazu FallsMisiones and Paraná, ArgentinaN° 1
- AfricaVictoria FallsVictoria Falls and Livingstone, ZimbabweN° 7
- OceaniaMarokopa FallsWaitomo, New ZealandN° 47