Previously, we’ve looked at the 7 New Wonders of the World, focused largely on buildings created in the last 2000 years. Today, we will be looking at the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, most of which have been created throughout millions of years, with one notable exception. While this list is not without controversy and debate, it’s fair to say all of these wonders are spectacular. So, without further ado, here’s the list.
Mount Everest, situated in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet, is kicking off our list. Officially the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, stands at 8,849 meters above sea level. This also makes it officially the highest place on earth. Since before it was first conquered by Edward Hilary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, it has attracted adventurers and thrill-seekers alike. There are now believed to be over 4000 successful climbs of Mount Everest. While Mount Everest isn’t the most aesthetically beautiful mountain, it makes the list because of its sheer size.
Second on our list is a much more accessible location, the magnificent waterfalls of Victoria Falls. Fed by the mighty Zambezi River, these falls are located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. If ever there is a more beautiful spot for a border post, we’re yet to see it! While Victoria Falls is not the highest or the widest waterfall in the world, it does have the largest flow of water. This factor and the beauty of the falls ensure that Victoria Falls comes out just ahead of Niagra Falls and Iguazu Falls.
Interested in visiting? You can find out more about visiting Victoria Falls as part of an African overland trip.
We head to North America for the third wonder on our list, the majestic Grand Canyon. Located in Nevada, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and an average of 10 miles in width. It’s often called the largest canyon in the world, but that honor belongs to the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, which measures 314 miles in length. However, what is so stunning about the Grand Canyon is its desert location, accessibility, and the many colors of the desert rock.
Moving across the Pacific Ocean to Australasia for wonder number four, we have the breath taking Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,700 km and comprises 2,900 individual reefs and over 900 islands. Located along the east Coast of Australia, the reef is best viewed up close in person or from a significant distance. Such is its scale and size, the reef is even visible from space. Given it’s unlikely you’ll be in space anytime soon, you’ll need to make do with a scenic flight or a scuba or snorkeling trip.
Our fifth wonder is located in South America and is integral to one of the world’s great cities, Rio de Janeiro. The harbor of Rio de Janeiro, often referred to as Guanabara Bay, is the world’s largest deep-water bay. Surrounded by mountains made of solid granite, this is one spectacular wonder of the world. Coupled with the presence of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, one of the world’s modern wonders, Rio de Janeiro is an exceptional location to visit.
One of the lesser-known natural wonders of the world is the Paricutin cinder cone volcano. Located in western Mexico, the volcano rose from a cornfield when it first erupted in 1943. It continued to erupt and grow for a further nine years. By 1952 the volcano stood at a huge 424 meters with the crater 200 meters across. The eruption and formation of the volcano was the first of its kind that modern scientists have observed. Now officially extinct, climbing the volcano and walking around the entire rim is possible. The exceptional nature of Paricutin ensures it merits a place on the list.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a fitting end to this list. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in areas north of the Arctic Circle in North America, Europe, and Asia. The result is an exceptional light show caused by solar particles colliding with the atmosphere 150 miles above the earth. It’s been documented that all of the colors of the rainbow can be seen, although green is the dominant color. For its popularity and uniqueness, the Aurora Borealis belongs on this list.
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