About Tugela Falls: Tugela Falls plunges off the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment in five separate free-leaping drops. It only reaches its full, thundering size after heavy rain, when snowmelt and rainfall swell the Tugela River above. Its Name Means 'Startling' — Named for the sudden, dramatic sight it makes on the cliff.

Location: Royal Natal National Park, South Africa · Height: 948 m (3,110 ft) across 5 free-leaping drops The second-tallest waterfall on Earth. · Water Flow: Only reaches full force after heavy rain · Fed By: The Tugela River Begins high on the Drakensberg plateau. · Formation: Erosion of the basalt Drakensberg escarpment · Countries: South Africa · Wildlife: Bearded vultures nesting on nearby cliffs · Notable Feature: Falls in five separate dramatic leaps · World Rank: The second-tallest waterfall on Earth Ranks just behind Venezuela's Angel Falls.