It’s an amazing world out there, with jaw-dropping natural wonders on every continent, from powerful waterfalls to expansive deserts. It’s not an easy task, but we’ve narrowed down our top ten natural wonders you should experience in your lifetime!

#1 Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa

Over time, however, life flourished in the crater, and today it has incredible biodiversity, all in a relatively small area. While in other safari destinations you have to drive for long distances to find the spot, here thousands of animals live within close proximity. This also means that you are much more likely to see the “circle of life” in action.

#2 Uluru, Australia, Australia

You can drive for hours in the centre of Australia and see nothing except swathes of red sand in every direction, as far as the eye can see. Perhaps the odd bush or gnarled tree if you’re lucky — that is, until the enormous orange Uluru rock rises seemingly out of nowhere.

Thought to have formed some 550 million years ago, Uluru’s size is incredible – it is 348 metres tall, and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometres. Then there’s the way its colours shift in the changing light, and particularly at sunrise and sunset. It’s no wonder the indigenous Anangu people have so many myths and legends about it.

#3: Iguazu (Iguaçu) Falls, Argentina/Brazil, South America

Said to make the United States’ Niagara Falls look like a trickle, the impressive Iguazu Falls border Argentina and Brazil. Both countries argue that their side is better, but in reality, the falls are jawdroopingly spectacular from any vantage point.

Spanning over 2.7 kilometres with more than 275 individual waterfalls, Iguazu really is a sight to behold. The tallest waterfall, the Devil’s Throat, is more than 80 metres tall. All in all, the falls dump up to five swimming pools’ worth of water every second. Pretty incredible, right?

#4: The Grand Canyon, USA, North America

We don’t know exactly how old it is (scientists believe it’s somewhere between 5 and 6 million years old), but we do know that it is one of the most impressive landscapes on earth.

Over time, the Colorado River carved out a trail some 446 kilometres (277 miles) long, creating a stunning canyon that snakes through the barren landscape. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination with hikers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to take advantage of the amazing views.

#5: The Dead Sea, Jordan, Middle East

Sometimes natural wonders inspire and amaze us, and sometimes they make us laugh – the Dead Sea in Jordan does both! Here, due to the extremely high salt content in the water, you float right to the top of the ocean.

Yes, instead of sinking in the water, you bob right to the top like an apple on Halloween. It’s an amazing, unique sensation that feels downright bizarre at first. Plus, don’t forget to liberally apply Dead Sea Mud on your face and body before you start floating — experts say it’s brilliant for your skin.

#6: Trolltunga, Norway, Europe

In truth, most of Norway’s fjords – valleys carved out by glaciers over millions of years – would fit comfortably on this list. They are absolutely awe-inspiring, reminding you of the beauty and power of the natural world.

One of the most impressive sights of all, however, is that of ‘Trolltunga’ (Troll’s Tongue) in the Hardangerfjord region. It’s a challenging hike to get there, but those who do will be rewarded with impossibly spectacular and mesmerising views over the cliffs of Norway – and some truly jawdropping photos.

#7: Mount Everest, Nepal, Asia

It couldn’t be a list of the top natural wonders of the world without including the biggest (and perhaps the best) natural sight of them all: Mount Everest, the world’s largest mountain.

It is a dream for many to conquer the 8,848 metre mountain, and reaching base camp at least is actually pretty achievable for those who have done the proper preparation. Of course, if you’d prefer just to take in the sights, there are scenic flights or easier hikes that will allow you to take in its beauty.

#8: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Asia

When it comes to striking natural landscapes, it doesn’t get much better than the stunningly beautiful Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, made up of thousands of individual islands that create an almost magical appearance over 120 kilometres of coastline.

It’s fitting, then, that the name of the bay literally translates to the “Bay of Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese. It only adds to the appeal and mystique of this amazing place, which is best experienced on a traditional long boat ride.

#9: Galapagos Island, Ecuador, South America

For animal lovers, there is perhaps no natural destination as appealing and enticing as the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Sheltered from nearly all predators (including human expansion), many unique species of flora and fauna have flourished on the islands.

From the prehistoric-looking Komodo Dragons and Giant Tortoises, to amazing plants and birds found nowhere else in the world, it truly is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.

#10: Sahara Desert, Morocco

It is not just the sight of the endless burnt orange sand that makes the Sahara Desert such an incredible natural wonder; it is also its sheer size. Covering most of North Africa, the impressive hot desert is the world’s largest and covers an area similar to the size of the entire United States.

Although it covers a number of countries, some of the most impressive views are in Morocco. Not only does the country enjoy swathes of huge red sand dunes, but a journey through them also offers the opportunity to learn about how Bedouins have thrived in the desert for centuries.