Nature dominant destinations are where the wild remains wild. These are countries where natural landscapes take centre stage – vast rainforests, soaring mountains, endless deserts, dramatic coastlines, and pristine wilderness. If you're a nature lover, a hiker, a photographer, or simply someone who finds peace in the great outdoors, these destinations offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with the natural world.
This guide lists every country classified as having a "Nature dominant" landscape in the TravelCompass database. These destinations have extensive natural areas, national parks, and limited urban development. Below, you'll find each country with a brief snapshot of what makes its natural landscape special.
When exploring nature dominant destinations, book eco‑lodges and cabins near national parks, join guided nature tours, and pack durable hiking gear for the best experience.
Why Choose a Nature Dominant Destination?
- Breathtaking scenery: Some of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
- Outdoor adventures: Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and photography.
- Peace and solitude: Escape the noise of cities.
- Rich biodiversity: Incredible wildlife and plant life.
- Authentic experiences: Connect with nature in its purest form.
40+ Nature Dominant Countries – Your Wild Options
Below is the complete list of countries classified as having a "Nature dominant" landscape in the TravelCompass database. Each entry includes a description of what makes its natural landscape special.
Afghanistan's rugged mountains, including the Hindu Kush, dominate the landscape – offering dramatic scenery and remote trekking for the adventurous.
Algeria's landscape is dominated by the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains – a vast, arid, and breathtaking natural region.
Australia's outback, rainforests, and coastlines are nature dominant – from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre.
Bangladesh is defined by its river deltas, mangrove forests, and the world's largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans.
Belize's landscape is dominated by rainforests, the barrier reef, and Mayan ruins in the jungle – a nature lover's dream.
Benin's nature includes Pendjari National Park, wetlands, and the diverse landscapes of West Africa.
Bhutan's landscape is dominated by the Himalayas, dense forests, and pristine rivers – a nature‑first kingdom.
Bolivia's nature is spectacular – the Uyuni salt flats, the Andes, and the Amazon basin are all dominant.
Botswana's landscape is dominated by the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert – a wildlife haven.
Brazil is nature dominant – the Amazon rainforest covers most of the country, with the Pantanal and the Atlantic Forest.
Brunei's landscape is dominated by tropical rainforests, pristine rivers, and the South China Sea coast.
Burkina Faso's nature includes the Sahel, savannahs, and the Pendjari National Park – wild and beautiful.
Cambodia's landscape is dominated by the Tonle Sap lake, Mekong River, and the jungles that hide ancient temples.
Cameroon is 'Africa in miniature' – with beaches, rainforests, mountains, and deserts all in one country.
Canada is nature dominant – from the Rocky Mountains to the Arctic tundra, and from the boreal forests to the coastlines.
Cape Verde's volcanic islands are nature dominant – with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and ocean views.
The CAR is dominated by rainforests, savannahs, and the Dzanga‑Sangha forest – a biodiversity hotspot.
Chad's nature is dominated by the Sahara, the Ennedi Plateau, and Lake Chad – remote and breathtaking.
Chile's landscapes are dominated by the Atacama Desert, the Andes, and Patagonia – some of the world's most dramatic scenery.
Colombia's nature includes the Amazon, the Andes, the coffee region, and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
The DRC's landscape is dominated by the world's second‑largest rainforest, the Congo River, and active volcanoes.
Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise – rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and incredible biodiversity.
The Dominican Republic has mountains, rainforests, and the Caribbean coast – a diverse and beautiful natural landscape.
Ecuador is nature dominant – the Amazon, the Andes, and the Galapagos Islands are all spectacular.
Egypt's landscape is dominated by the Nile River, the Sahara Desert, and the Red Sea – a natural wonder.
El Salvador's nature includes volcanoes, lakes, and Pacific beaches – a small but beautiful country.
Ethiopia's landscape is dominated by the Great Rift Valley, the Simien Mountains, and the Blue Nile – dramatic and beautiful.
Fiji is nature dominant – coral reefs, tropical islands, and lush rainforests are the main features.
Finland is dominated by forests, lakes, and the Arctic – a nature lover's paradise in the North.
Gabon's landscape is dominated by rainforests, pristine beaches, and wildlife – one of Africa's most untouched countries.
Gambia's nature includes the Gambia River, wetlands, and coastal beaches – a small but natural gem.
Ghana's nature includes the coast, rainforests, and the Volta River – a diverse West African landscape.
Guatemala is nature dominant – volcanoes, rainforests, Lake Atitlán, and Mayan ruins in the jungle.
Guinea's nature includes the Fouta Djallon highlands, waterfalls, and coastal mangroves – spectacular scenery.
Guyana's landscape is dominated by the Amazon rainforest, savannahs, and Kaieteur Falls – one of the world's most powerful waterfalls.
Haiti's nature includes mountain ranges, coastlines, and the Caribbean Sea – a beautiful but often overlooked landscape.
Honduras has rainforests, the Caribbean coast, the Bay Islands, and Mayan ruins – a nature‑rich Central American country.
Iceland is entirely nature dominant – glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights.
India's nature is incredibly diverse – the Himalayas, the Thar Desert, the Western Ghats, and the Ganges.
Indonesia's islands are nature dominant – rainforests, volcanoes, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife.
Iraq's landscape includes the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the Kurdish mountains, and the Mesopotamian marshes.
Kenya's nature is famous – the Maasai Mara, the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and the coastal beaches.
Kyrgyzstan is dominated by the Tien Shan mountains, Issyk‑Kul lake, and vast alpine landscapes – a trekking paradise.
Laos's nature includes the Mekong River, limestone karsts, and jungle‑covered mountains.
Liberia's landscape includes rainforests, beaches, and the Sapo National Park – one of West Africa's last true wilderness areas.
Libya is dominated by the Sahara Desert, with the Mediterranean coast and ancient ruins.
Madagascar's nature is unique – baobab forests, spiny deserts, rainforests, and abundant endemic wildlife.
Malawi's landscape is dominated by Lake Malawi, mountains, and the Great Rift Valley.
Malaysia has rainforests, beaches, and the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu.
The Maldives are nature dominant – coral islands, turquoise waters, and rich marine life.
Mali's nature includes the Sahara, the Niger River, and the Bandiagara Escarpment – a dramatic landscape.
Mauritania is dominated by the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic coast, and the ancient Chinguetti.
Mongolia's nature is vast – the Gobi Desert, the steppes, and the Altai Mountains.
Mozambique's landscape includes the Indian Ocean coast, coral reefs, and inland savannahs and mountains.
Myanmar's nature includes the Irrawaddy River, the Himalayas, and the Andaman Sea coast.
Namibia's landscape is dramatic – the Sossusvlei dunes, the Skeleton Coast, and the Etosha salt pan.
Nepal is nature dominant – the Himalayas, including Everest, and lush valleys and forests.
New Zealand's nature is world‑famous – fjords, mountains, glaciers, and beautiful coastlines.
Nicaragua's nature includes volcanoes, lakes, and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Niger is dominated by the Sahara and the Sahel, with the W National Park and the Air Mountains.
Nigeria's nature includes the Niger River, rainforests, and the Jos Plateau.
Norway is nature dominant – fjords, mountains, the Northern Lights, and the Arctic coast.
Oman's landscape includes mountains, deserts, and the Indian Ocean coast – a natural wonder in the Gulf.
Pakistan's nature includes the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountains – some of the world's highest peaks.
Panama's nature includes rainforests, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Peru's landscape is dominated by the Andes, the Amazon, and the Pacific coast – a country of natural wonders.
The Philippines' nature includes thousands of islands, rice terraces, volcanoes, and coral reefs.
Russia's nature is vast – from the taiga to the steppes, from Lake Baikal to the Arctic tundra.
Rwanda's nature is lush – mountains, volcanoes, and rainforests, home to mountain gorillas.
Senegal's nature includes the Sahel, the Senegal River, and the Atlantic coast – diverse and beautiful.
The Seychelles' nature is pristine – granitic islands, coral reefs, and giant tortoises.
Sierra Leone's nature includes rainforests, beaches, and the Freetown peninsula.
Slovenia's nature is stunning – the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and the Soča River valley.
Somalia's landscape includes the Indian Ocean coast, deserts, and the Shebelle and Juba rivers.
South Africa's nature is diverse – from the Drakensberg to the Cape, from savannah to coastline.
Sri Lanka's nature includes beaches, rainforests, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Sudan's landscape is dominated by the Nile, the Sahara, and the Red Sea coast.
Suriname is dominated by the Amazon rainforest and the rivers that flow through it.
Sweden's nature is vast – forests, lakes, and the archipelagos of the Baltic Sea.
Switzerland's nature is spectacular – the Alps, lakes, and pristine valleys.
Tajikistan's landscape is dominated by the Pamir and the Tien Shan mountains – a trekker's paradise.
Tanzania's nature includes the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Zanzibar coast.
Thailand's nature includes beaches, jungles, and the mountains of the north.
Togo's nature includes the Togo Mountains, the Mono River, and coastal lagoons.
Trinidad & Tobago's nature includes the Caribbean beaches, rainforests, and the Asa Wright Nature Centre.
Turkmenistan is dominated by the Karakum Desert, the Caspian Sea, and the Kopet Dag mountains.
Uganda's nature includes the Nile River, Lake Victoria, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Venezuela's nature is spectacular – Angel Falls, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Caribbean coast.
Vietnam's nature includes Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, the mountains of the north, and the coast.
Yemen's nature includes the Socotra archipelago, the Tihama coast, and the mountains of the interior.
Zambia's nature includes the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and its national parks.
Zimbabwe's nature includes Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the Great Zimbabwe ruins in a natural setting.
Tips for Nature Travel
- Pack for the environment: Good walking boots, weather‑appropriate clothing, and insect repellent.
- Leave no trace: Respect nature and follow responsible travel practices.
- Join guided tours: Expert guides enhance the experience and keep you safe.
- Check seasons: Nature destinations have specific high and low seasons – plan accordingly.
🥾 Essential gear for nature travel
Our top picks for exploring the great outdoors.
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Waterproof Hiking Boots Amazon – Rugged and reliable for all terrain.
- Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket Amazon – Lightweight, breathable, and packable.
- LifeStraw Go Water Bottle with Filter Amazon – Stay hydrated safely in remote environments.
Ready to explore nature's wonders?
From the jungles of Borneo to the fjords of Norway, these 40+ countries offer some of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes. Embrace the wilderness, disconnect from the digital, and reconnect with the earth.
Refine your search with the Travel Matrix tool – combine landscape with temperature, budget, and other preferences.