IN PICS | See what got voted the world’s most unforgettable landmarks

From the majestic peaks of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to the spellbinding Wadi Rum rock formations in Jordan, natural landmarks offer a diverse and enriching travel experience. But which ones are unforgettable?

Trying to answer that question, UK-based travel company Explore Worldwide worked with its walking and trekking tour guides to identify more than 150 popular natural landmarks worldwide.

They then delved into travel review data to find what percentage of reviews for each landmark used the words “unforgettable” or “memorable” to describe their experience of it.

With the results in, we can reveal Explore Worldwide's top five most memorable natural landmarks.

1. MOUNT KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA 

Taking top spot as the most unforgettable natural landmark in the world is Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania. The high percentage of reviews citing this landmark as “unforgettable” or “memorable” (11%) reflects the inspiring power of the iconic mountain. The hike to the summit is often described as climbing through the four seasons, with the forest floor slowly turning into heath and moorland and then transforming into an alpine desertscape before you reach the ice cap.

2. GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA AND CHINA

In second place is the Gobi Desert, a remarkable landmark in Asia. The Gobi Desert is known for its dune-filled landscapes and undisturbed grasslands. It is home to rare animals such as snow leopards and Bactrian camels, which make it a unique experience for travellers and contributes to the high percentage of reviews describing it as unforgettable (10%).

3. MOUNT CAMEROON, CAMEROON 

Mount Cameroon, the second entry for Africa’s natural landmarks, rounds off the top three. Unlike the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Cameroon’s unique landscape is defined by its active volcanic nature. Visitors describe it as a special experience as it offers a rare sight of dense forests and volcanic landscapes, as well as the excitement of an occasional lava flow.

It is a unique adventure for those who want to explore diverse ecosystems and witness the power of Mother Nature.

The region’s cultural richness adds another layer of significance to the experience, with communities around its base, particularly the Bokwaongo and Buea villages, offering a warm welcome to visitors. 

4. AMAZON RAINFOREST, SOUTH AMERICA

Moving away from Africa and on to the first South American landmark, the Amazon Rainforest follows in fourth place. Often referred to as the “Lungs of the Earth,” the epic Amazon Rainforest leaves its visitors (who may have experienced it in any one of the nine countries it covers) with unforgettable memories as it is home to millions of species of plants, insects and animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

As well as its incredibly biodiversity, the Amazon is also home to indigenous communities who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

5. CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS, GEORGIA 

Wrapping up the top five are the Caucasus Mountains, the first unforgettable landmark found in Europe. The best time to visit the mountain range is either side of July or August with spring in full bloom and the autumnal foliage providing a beautiful backdrop for those exploring Georgia by foot.

Other sites in Africa that make it into the top 20 are the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Nile River in Egypt, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. 

Michael Edwards, MD of Explore Worldwide, said: “Our research highlights just how much natural wonder there is to explore on our Earth. We hope our study serves as a reminder for everyone that these landmarks are not only points on a map [but they] provide once-in-a-lifetime memories for those fortunate enough to have travelled there.”

See the full top 20 list here.