Giant Nature: Visit the World’s Oldest and Largest Natural Things

When it comes to nature – the bigger and the older the better! There is nothing more breathtaking than seeing something that is unthinkably large or old. We look at five of the oldest and biggest marvels of nature below.

World’s Largest Lake – The Caspian Sea

World’s Largest Lake – The Caspian Sea

Although there is debate over whether the Caspian Sea is actually a lake – it is largely regarded to be the largest one in the world. Surrounded by Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan – the Caspian Sea has a surface area of over 371,000 square kilometers.

Within the lake there are also numerous islands – with the largest (Ogurja Ada) being 47km long. Locals from the surrounding countries make good use of the lake by using it for water sports, as an energy resource and for relaxing next to on a warm day.

World’s Largest Volcano – Mauna Loa

World’s Largest Volcano – Mauna Loa

What better excuse to visit the stunning Hawaiian Islands than to see the world’s largest and one of the most active volcanoes – Mauna Loa. Situated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, Mauna Loa is a popular tourism destination for visitors from around the world. The impressive volcano regularly has lava flows, which you can see on guided tours of the area.

Although Mauna Loa is still active eruptions are rare and are rarely explosive.

World’s Largest Barrier Reef – Great Barrier Reef

World’s Largest Barrier Reef - Great Barrier Reef

No guide to the world’s biggest and best natural wonders are complete without mentioning our very own Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is situated off the north coast of Queensland and was named a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Home to over 900 islands, thirty species of whales and dolphins, 1500 fish species and 400 coral species – the Great Barrier Reef is a nature-lovers paradise arguably one of the most beautiful regions of the world. You’ll find cheap flights to various parts of the Great Barrier Reef from most major Australian cities.

World’s Oldest Tree – Sweden

Nature World’s Oldest Tree – Sweden

It might seem like a long way to go to see a tree – but it’s certainly a talking point when you tell people where you’ve been. In 2008, the world’s oldest tree was discovered on Fulufjallet Mountain in Sweden. It is estimated that the Norway Spruce tree – named Old Tjikko – is around 9,550 years old (around the end of the last ice age).

While you’re visiting, why not enjoy the interesting folk culture and traditional Swedish buildings of the Dalarna Province.

World’s Oldest Desert – Namib Desert

World’s Oldest Desert – Namib Desert

The Namib Desert in the south-African countries of Namibia and Angola is considered to be the oldest in the world at over 55 million years old.

The desert is home to an interesting range of flora and fauna – many of which are only found there. The majority of animals in the Namib Desert are arthropods (can survive on little water), however you’ll also find gazelles, elephants, ostriches and antelope in certain parts.

Although the desert is largely uninhabited and inaccessible, there are a range of tours operating out of the major cities around the desert that can take you right in amongst one of the oldest regions of the world.

About the Author

There is nothing more breathtaking than seeing something that is unthinkably large or old. We look at fiveBorn in the UK, Jenny Kellett has spent all of her life travelling the world. Her passion for all things travel began when she spent much of her younger life living between Texas, UAE and London.

Working her way around the world, Jenny ended up living in Australia – first Perth and now Melbourne. She loves travelling to places that are off of the beaten track and dreams of visiting the world’s highest, coldest, warmest and most remote places!

Article provided by Flight Centre, provider of cheap flights worldwide.

2 comments

  1. That is NOT the worlds oldest tree a Norway Spruce from Sweden. If you are going to post stuff at least be accurate.

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