Top 10 Most Deadly Natural Wonders In The World

Rosemary September 06, 2023 | 06:45

Natural wonders are not always wonderful. Be careful when visiting those nature wonders as they record high number of deaths annually due to risky landscapes.

Top 10 Most Deadly Natural Wonders In The World

The Most Dangerous Natural Wonders In The World

Table of Contents
Top 10 Most Deadly Natural Wonders In The World 1. Monte Bianco / Mount Blanc 2. Ben Nevis 3. Mount Fuji 5. Mount Kilimanjaro 6. Yosemite National Park 7. Table Mountain 8. Matterhorn 9. Grand Canyon 10. The Cliffs of Moher Conclusion

The Colosseum, Petra, and the Great Pyramids of Giza are images that come to mind when you think of "natural wonders."

And, while they are all breathtaking, Mother Nature has created many of her own 'wonders' that enchant, excite, and entice.

Natural wonders draw tourists from all over the world to marvel at Earth's beauty, from looming mountain peaks to gushing waterfalls, breathtaking cliffs, and sprawling landscapes.

However, no matter how beautiful our planet is, we must never lose sight of how dangerous nature can be.

Top 10 Most Deadly Natural Wonders In The World

Natural Wonders	Country	Type	Average anuual deaths	Average Notable Accidents
1	Monte Bianco / Mount Blanc	Italy, France	Mountain	100	22
2	Ben Nevis	United Kingdom	Mountain	3	20
3	Mount Fuji	Japan	Mountain	7	11
4	Mount Everest	China, Nepal	Mountain	8	7
5	Mount Kilimanjaro	Tanzania	Mountain	10	8
6	Yosemite National Park	United States of America	National Park, Mountain Range	11	41
7	Table Mountain	South Africa	Mountain	15	11
8	Matterhorn	Switzerland	Mountain	12	14
9	Grand Canyon	United States of America	National Park, Canyon	12	21
10	The Cliffs of Moher	Ireland	Rock Formation	9	12

1. Monte Bianco / Mount Blanc

The study's most dangerous rock formation was Ireland's sweeping coastline, the Cliffs of Moher. According to reports, a student died here after deviating from the official trail to take a photo. Rangers patrol the walking trail to warn visitors of the dangers, but many clearly continue to take their lives into their own hands by leaving the path to sit or stand on cliff ledges year after year.

2. Ben Nevis

The second place on this list goes to Scotland's Ben Nevis, which has a treacherous climb to the summit at 4,412 feet. According to Holidu's research, the peak receives significantly fewer visitors than Mont Blanc, so its annual deaths average three, and notable accidents average twenty. However, fatalities do occur. In March, a man fell 1,000 feet down Britain's highest mountain, while 23 others were rescued in a lengthy operation.

3. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak (12,300 feet), is both an active volcano and a sacred mountain. Only highly experienced climbers should attempt this challenge during the off-season, which runs from early July to mid-September when it is mostly free of snow. According to the US Embassy in Japan, approximately 300,000 climbers attempt it each year. According to this study, the average number of deaths on Mount Fuji is seven per year, with 11 reported accidents.

A tragic accident in 2019 made global headlines when a man livestreamed himself falling down the summit. He died as a result of his injuries.

4. Mount Everest

Nobody should be surprised to see Mount Everest here. The world's tallest peak is notoriously dangerous. Its 29,032 feet are cruel. Climbers must contend with subzero temperatures, high winds, and narrow trails. Overcrowding has recently put them at risk, making conditions even more dangerous.

While only eight people die on Everest each year, when only 800 brave souls attempt to summit each, that's a 10% death rate. Yikes!

5. Mount Kilimanjaro

Many adventurers want to climb Africa's tallest mountain. The tall volcano towers over the savannah, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape that will make you cry.

Unfortunately, some of those who attempt the climb are unprepared and may suffer from severe altitude sickness. When you're days away from reliable medical attention, it can mean the difference between death and serious injury. Many accidents are also caused by slips and falls.

6. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, a vast and beautiful national park, captures the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to visit it. Most visitors engage in low-risk activities such as driving through the park and stopping at iconic locations such as Yosemite Valley. Many hikes are also suitable for beginners.

Many others, however, venture deep into the park, where they may encounter bears and other wildlife that can be aggressive. However, most accidents are not caused by grizzlies. Instead, it's the popularity of difficult climbing areas such as the world-famous El Capitan and Half Dome rock formations.

7. Table Mountain

One of South Africa's most famous (and photographed) tourist attractions is a two-mile-long flattened table top that overlooks Cape Town. It has hiking trails as well as a cable car. You should also be aware that there have been 161 deaths here since 1980, according to the South Africa Mountain Accidents Database.

According to this study, the average number of deaths per year is 15.

8. Matterhorn

This Alpine wonder, one of Europe's tallest mountains, draws visitors from all over the world. With a height of 14,692 feet, it is not an easy peak to scale. The summit is difficult to reach due to its pyramid-like shape.

The majority of fatal incidents are climbing-related. Avalanches, storms, and falls are common occurrences that kill approximately 12 people each year.

9. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a massive stretch of valleys and cliffs that is one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Hiking, kayaking, and climbing are available on the untamed land, but it is dangerous for inexperienced visitors.

Heat is a major cause of accidents and rescues. People underestimate the severity of high temperatures. In the summer, campers are frequently unprepared for the chill that descends upon the valley after the sun sets. Then there are the unavoidable incidents, such as rocks falling.

Still, deaths and accidents once again happen when people attempt dangerous stunts or hang off edges for selfies.

10. The Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s sweeping coastline, the Cliffs of Moher, took a top spot for the most dangerous rock formation in the study. Reports show that a student sadly fell to his death here after stepping off the official trail to take a photo. Rangers patrol the walking trail to warn of the dangers, but many clearly continue to take their lives in their hands every year by leaving the path to sit or stand on cliff ledges.

Conclusion

The most dangerous natural wonder in the world is Mont Blanc in the Alps (France/Italy), seeing an average of 100 deaths each year. The mountain range is a popular spot for climbers and skiers alike

The natural wonder that is the most frequently reported on in the context of accidents is Yosemite National Park in California, United States. The National Park was referred to in 41 different news reports in 2019 about tourist accidents, many being linked to climbing incidents.

The natural wonder that claims the most lives in comparison to its annual visitors is, unsurprisingly, Mount Everest. Around 800 people attempt the challenge each year and around 8 people sadly lose their lives in the process.