- Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is four times taller than Niagara Falls at 822 feet height
- It is the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume, with 23,400 cubic feet per second
- The falls are located in a remote jungle home to unique species like golden frogs
Niagara Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America. But do you know about a lesser-known waterfall that is significantly four times taller than Niagara Falls and hidden in the middle of a jungle? A video going viral on social media features a top-down view of the breathtaking waterfall - Kaieteur Falls, captured by Dylan Wray, a content creator focused on ancestral living. It was captioned, “Everyone knows Niagara Falls. But few realise there's a waterfall four times taller hidden in the middle of a jungle.”
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Kaieteur Falls: The World's Largest Single-drop Waterfall By Volume
Deep inside the untouched rainforest of Guyana, a country on South America's North Atlantic coast, the Potaro River drops 226 metres (741 feet) straight into the earth, giving rise to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume. From its first break, the waterfall flows over a series of steep cascades that, when included in the measurements, bring the total height to 251 metres (822 feet).
On the other hand, the Horseshoe Falls of the Niagara Falls are 188 feet (57 meters) high and have a curving crestline that stretches about 2,200 feet (670 meters). Additionally, the American Falls is 190 feet (58 meters) high and 1,060 feet (320 meters) across.
Kaieteur Falls is 4-5 times as high as Niagara Falls. Every second, 23,400 cubic feet of water plunge off its edge, surrounded by jungle so remote it's home to golden frogs that live only inside the spray of its cliffs.
Many local stories and scientific reasoning go behind the formation of the waterfall. While local legend says the falls were born from sacrifice when an elder paddled his canoe into the abyss to save his people, many scientists believe it's one of Earth's oldest landscapes, untouched for millions of years.
First sighted by C. Barrington Brown, a British geologist, in 1870, the falls are the central feature of the Kaieteur National Park, established in 1930.
Tourists usually visit the site by a 12-13 seater chartered aircraft from Georgetown, Guyana, typically arranged through local tour operators. The trip usually lasts 2–3 hours, offering breathtaking aerial views and guided, easy-to-moderate walks to multiple safe vantage points. A road and river expedition is also at times organised by the locals.
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Tips To Visit Kaieteur Falls In The Amazon Rainforest
Book in advance - Due to limited seat availability on the charter plane from Georgetown, you need to book ahead to avoid the rush.
Best time to visit - As the journey depends on weather conditions, it is recommended to visit from September to April to witness the highest water levels.
What to wear and pack - Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots for uneven terrain, along with light, breathable clothing. Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a reusable water bottle while travelling.
Be flexible with your itinerary - As the journey can be unpredictable due to weather and the remote location, be prepared for flight delays or changes to your initial plan.
