The Most Beautiful Forests in the World

Forests in Africa

1. Congolese Forest

The largest forest in Africa and the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world is found in the Congo Basin. This gigantic forest covers parts of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. It is one of the most beautiful and unique forests in the world, having the greatest diversity. Especially known for their gorillas, these forests are also home to African elephants and many monkey subspecies. More than 10,000 plant species and hundreds of human cultures are hidden deep in the forest. The wildlife in the Congolese Forest, which is threatened by logging and hunting, is kept alive with national parks and conservation areas.

2. Budongo Forest Reserve

Located three hours from Uganda's capital, Kampala, this 825 square meter forest reserve is East Africa's largest mahogany forest. The beauties offered by this protected tree species make Budongo Forest Reserve one of the few forests in the world.

The semi-deciduous forest, which grows at mid-altitude, offers a different color scale every season of the year. It has great importance for the ecosystem not only with its trees but also with the rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras it hosts.

3. Miombo Woodlands

Miombo Forests spread to Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Although the Miombo tree is the type that makes this place unique, it is the habitat of more than 300 tree species, around 9000 plants, and hundreds of animals. One of the most beautiful and must-see forests in the world with giraffes, elephants, antelopes, rhinos, and much more.

The Miombo Forests are still largely intact, though threatened by the agriculture and charcoal industries that thrive around them. Illegal poachers, who hunt rhinos and elephants for their horns and tusks, also pose a great danger to forest wildlife. Many civic initiatives and activists are fighting to protect these animals.

Forests in Asia

1. The Sundarbans

Covering most of Bangladesh's coast, the Sundarbans was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Located at the confluence of the Padma, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers, and the Bay of Bengal, this beautiful forest is the largest mangrove forest in the world. One of the most beautiful forests in the world with its wonderful nature and unique biodiversity.

The Sundarbans are inhabited by river dolphins, saltwater crocodiles, over 300 bird species, spotted deer, and the endangered Bengal tiger. Observing the wildlife here is like no other. The best option for sightseeing is to take a boat tour. It can be visited from Khulna town and Kolkata.

2. Harapan Rainforest

Harapan, a beautiful tropical region located in Jambi Province in Indonesia's Sumatra province, is a hot spot for biodiversity. It is home to many species in danger of extinction. Sumatran tiger, orangutan, Asian elephant, Malayan sun bear, and clouded leopard are some of them. It is also called the "Forest of Hope" as it is an area where all these unique species are protected.

The wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in Harapan make travelers fall in love. Unfortunately, this beautiful forest, like many other forests, is endangered by activities such as uncontrolled logging and mining. We hope that the projects to protect Harapan will be successful. Because a few days you will spend here is an experience you will never forget for the rest of your life.

3. Taman Negara National Park

Spanning nearly 4,500 square kilometers, Taman Negara is the world's oldest rainforest and encompasses every single one of Malaysia's forest habitats, from lowland rainforest to upland cloud forest. Inside the forest is one of the longest treetop walkways in the world. By following this path, you can see caves, waterfalls, and even an Orang Asli settlement.

The diversity of wildlife is also notable in Taman Negara. Tigers, Sumatran rhinos, gibbons, hornbills, and eagles are just a few of them.

Forests in Australia

1. Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has not been disturbed by tourism-oriented facilities or structures. It is possible to explore Daintree, one of the most beautiful and authentic forests in the world, with guided tours, and to watch its biodiversity and wonderful landscapes. Your admiration will increase when you learn about the mysteries of the forest and what kind of wonders it holds among its dense leaves.

2. Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park in South East Queensland is part of the Gondwana Rainforest. It contains sub-tropical rainforest, similar to Springbrook National Park. Lamington National Park is one of the forests in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Also, a tourist attraction because it is 45 minutes from the Gold Coast.

Walking the 22 km Border Track or the 55 km Gold Coast Hinterland are popular activities. We can recommend O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat for accommodation.

3. Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park is for those who want to explore a combination of exotic Aboriginal culture and beautiful nature. Stretching along the Great Ocean Road from Torquay, the park is home to breathtaking forests, windswept hills, and towering waterfalls. The forest part of the park has the most beautiful trees in Australia. The seashore has waves ideal for surfing.

You should definitely come to Great Otway National Park for hiking, water sports, the scenic Great Ocean Road, and more.

Forests in Europe

1. Black Forest

The Black Forest is arguably one of the most beautiful forests in Europe. Covering most of the mountainous region of southwestern Germany, the forest is worth exploring both for its nature and for its untouched villages. The villages are as if they have not undergone any change since the 18th century. It feels like you have come to a magical place where time stops.

The Black Forest is ideal for getting away from the stress of modern life. You can perfect this experience by traveling by train from Offenburg to Konstanz.

2. Trillemarka Rollagsfjell Forest

Trillemarka Rollagsfjell, one of Norway's oldest forests, opens its doors for those who want to see Scandinavia's majestic wilderness. Here you can hike among century-old trees, ski on high hills, or fish in icy rivers.

Witness 93 endangered species and much more biodiversity at Trillemarka Rollagsfjell. We recommend that you walk a little outside of the park to see the magnificent view of the valley. There will be another surprise waiting for you there.

3. Hoia-Baciu Forest

Located in the Ardeal region, the Hoia-Baciu Forest is among the most beautiful forests in the world, not only with its natural beauties but also with its mysteries. Also known as Transylvania's Bermuda Triangle, the forest is associated with many legends by locals. It is claimed that travelers who enter the forest experience conditions such as nausea, anxiety, and headaches.

The claim that some paranormal phenomena have been observed in the Hoia-Baciu Forest has fueled the belief that this place is cursed and the home of Satan. These beliefs also attracted the attention of researchers, and they took pictures of extraterrestrials wandering in the forest.

If you want to experience fascination, fear, and adrenaline at the same time, we recommend you visit this creepy forest.

Forests in North America

1. Tongass National Forest

The 16.5 million-acre Tongass National Forest in Alaska is not only the most beautiful but also one of the largest forests in the world. Trees in the region are mostly spruce, hemlock, and cedar, reaching 800 years old. Of course, it's not just the trees that make Tongass beautiful. There are spectacular views of dazzling glaciers, examples of wildlife such as bears, mountain goats, otters, and harbor seals.

Tongass, like many other forests, is threatened by uncontrolled forestry. Visiting this place and sharing its unique beauty with people can contribute to its preservation.

2. Sierra National Forest

Although the Sierra National Forest in California is not as famous as Yosemite National Park or Sequoia National Park in the USA, it is worth seeing as it is spread over a wide area of 12 million acres and contains the beauties of wild nature.

Extending to the borders of Nevada, the area features breathtaking mountain views, granites, meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Part of the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails also pass through the park.

3. Happy Valley Forest

Happy Valley Forest is located in King Township, north of Toronto, and covers approximately 3,000 acres. It is one of the largest, most beautiful, and most pristine forests in the region. It houses more than 100 species of birds, endangered plants, and salamanders.

Happy Valley Forest often has highland sugar maple and beech forests. Educational trips to the forest are organized frequently, and the importance of diversity is explained. By participating in guided tours, you can learn about the ecological importance of this wonderful forest.

Forests in South America

1. Tropical Forest

The entire island of Ilha Grande in Brazil is covered by Tropical Forest. We can say that the most beautiful forest in the world with its lush and diverse vegetation is here. The plants are so dense that the sun almost does not penetrate into the forest. Thus, it allows you to walk for hours in a chill environment. There are monkeys, colorful birds, ice-cold waterfalls, and coves where you can enjoy the sea during the walk.

When you stop for a moment and listen to the surroundings in the Tropical Forest, you realize that you are in the middle of a magnificent riot of sounds. The forest will immediately affect you both audibly and visually. You should definitely experience Ilha Grande and this experience.

2. Manu National Park

Manu National Park is Peru's largest national park, and its borders stretch from the Amazon Basin to the forests of the Andes. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its magnificent biodiversity.

Its remoteness from the settlements has made it easier for Manu National Park to remain untouched and has ensured the protection of many birds, insects, and animals, as well as plant species.

3. Atlantic Forest

Much of the Atlantic Forest is on the east coast of Brazil, but some stretches into Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. The Atlantic Forest is within the borders of 13 states of Brazil. It extends inland for several hundred kilometers and reaches an altitude of around 2,000 meters. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, one of the world's largest cities, were built on this forest.

The plant species endemic to the Atlantic Forest are around 25,000, and these species make up 40% of the total plants. The region is also home to many tree species, half of which are endemic. Unfortunately, this magnificent nature is under the threat of urbanization and industrialization.

What country has the best forests?

It is not possible to identify the country with the best forests. Because each country has its own unique climatic conditions and unique biodiversity. It is these differences that make all forests in different parts of the world beautiful and fascinating.

For the countries with the most forested areas, research can be viewed. According to these researches, Suriname has been determined as the most forested country in the world. The Federated States of Micronesia is in second place, and Gabon is in third place.

All over the world, forest areas are decreasing day by day, and trees are being lost. To prevent this, ecotourism practices should be revived, and people's awareness should be raised.

Here are the 10 most forested countries and the ratio of forests to their acreage: