Travel is one of the most exhilarating experiences we can have. From adventurous Kruger Park Safaris and dangerous Amazon jungle adventures to luxurious New York City shopping sprees and body breaking climbs up Everest, the world really is at our feet when it comes to exploration. Well, mostly. There are some places that are so remote and secluded that few will ever get to travel there. Places so distant and inaccessible that they are virtually impossible to travel to without a world of planning and expertise.
The northern pole of inaccessibility
Otherwise known as the Arctic Pole, as the name boldly suggests, this destination is the farthest point from any coastline and epically far away from any land masses that would make it accessible to the average traveler. Mostly of interest to explorers, the destination is located on pack ice in the Arctic Ocean and is about 661km away from the North Pole.
Because the pack ice at this location is constantly moving, it is impossible to build any kind of permanent structure on it, which means you’ll never be able to check into a comfy hotel at this location. While expeditions set out to the area often, they are not for the faint hearted as winters can get as cold as -43° Celsius. Even colder is the southern pole of inaccessibility, which is in Antarctica and can reach a low of -58.2° Celsius.
Tristan da Cunha
Known as the most remote inhabited archipelago on the planet, this main island is part of a group of volcanic islands that lie in the South Atlantic Ocean, more than 3000 kilometers from South Africa, which is the nearest inhabited land mass. In 2009 it was recorded that about 275 people lived on the island and in 2005 the residents were officially given a United Kingdom post code so they could shop online. Even more remote is an island near Tristan da Cunha, aptly named Inaccessible Island. This extinct volcano has no permanent population, little history and no infrastructure. It has, however, been declared a protected wildlife reserve.
Foja mountain range jungle
Described by a group of scientists who were dropped there for research purposes as a ‘lost world untouched by man’, the jungle at the foot of the mountain range in New Guinea is said to be one of the least explored and most lush places on earth. The tropical forest is home to many animal and plant species, some of which have been thought to be close to extinction and some of which have never been seen before. The biologically rich and diverse area is said to be so wild and untouched, that not even the closest villagers venture into it, leaving it as one of the most unspoilt places in existence.
There are thousands of places we have yet to explore on earth, and even if we are able to explore them, we still might not be able to inhabit them. Therein lies the beauty of this majestic place we call home, and all the mystery it holds.
About the author
A professional writer and photographer, Jacky Letard enjoys anything travel and adventure orientated. When she’s not seeking out remote places to dream of visiting you’ll find her planning her next Kruger Park safari or any other exploration into the African bush. Her favourite place is the Nkambeni tented lodge.