Natural wonders of the planet: Java, Amazon and Sahara route
Explore three of Earth's most extraordinary natural landscapes across continents: Java Rainforest & Mount Semeru in Indonesia, the Amazon Rainforest in South America, and the Sahara Desert in North Africa. This 26,877.9 km route connects diverse ecosystems from tropical volcanic peaks to vast desert expanses.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Java Rainforest & Mount Semeru, Indonesia
- End
- Sahara Desert, North Africa
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Java Rainforest & Mount Semeru, Indonesia — Tropical rainforest surrounding Java's highest volcano, offering biodiversity hotspots and challenging trekking routes through lush jungle terrain.
- Amazon Rainforest, South America — Earth's largest tropical rainforest spanning multiple countries, home to unparalleled wildlife diversity and indigenous cultures dependent on its ecosystem.
- Sahara Desert, North Africa — World's largest hot desert characterized by vast sand dunes, extreme temperatures, and ancient trade routes connecting diverse North African civilizations.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Getting to Angel Falls involves traveling by plane to an isolated area with dense jungle and numerous mountains, making access difficult.
- Tip
- The hike to Java Rainforest & Mount Semeru involves trails with steep incline that can be challenging, but the view is worth the effort.
- Timing
- Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons are best visited between January and June when heavy rains fill depressions; they persist even in dry season due to underground rivers.
- Timing
- Water flow at Iguazu Falls increases dramatically during the rainy season.
- Tip
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features the world's longest and tallest pedestrian glass bridge offering panoramic views of sandstone pillars.
- Tip
- Visit Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, one of the most accessible glaciers in the Columbia ice field region.
- Tip
- Gullfoss Waterfall comprises two separate waterfalls meeting at right angles; viewing angle affects whether it appears to vanish or fall into an abyss.
- Avoid
- Mount Everest climbing is extremely dangerous due to snowstorms, avalanches, crevasses, and lack of oxygen at high altitude.
- Tip
- Mount Everest requires government permits, specialized equipment, and logistical support; climbing is expensive.
- Timing
- Sahara Desert temperatures drop dramatically at night due to low humidity and lack of clouds to retain heat.
- Timing
- Salar de Uyuni looks like a giant mirror during the rainy season when covered with water, creating an illusion of infinity.
- Timing
- Antarctica's southern summer (October-March) features 24-hour daylight; southern winter (April-September) has months of continuous darkness.
Video on this route
Natural wonders of the planet | The most fascinating places on all continents