Sculpted by wind and wild weather for decades, centuries and even millennia, sand dunes are some of the most extraordinary natural landforms on Earth, with their seemingly limitless cumin-coloured cascades or caster-sugar sands. Sand dunes are dotted across deserts, coastlines and semi-arid regions around the world, some with pointed peaks, some towering above the rest, and each different to the next. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking adventure or a photography pro looking for the perfect shot, read on for our roundup of some of the biggest sand dunes in the world…
- Badain Jaran Dunes, China
- Duna Federico Kirbus, Argentina
- Dune du Pilat, France
- Dune 7, Namibia
- Ramlat Jadilah, Oman
- Mount Tempest, Australia
1
Badain Jaran Dunes, China
The smooth swathes of sand found in China's Badain Jaran Desert are home to some of the biggest sand dunes in the world, as well as one of the most amazing natural phenomena on the planet: singing sand dunes. High-pitched whistles and low rumbles can be heard when the wind takes the top layer of sand off the dunes, sounding like a propeller plane flying low overhead, or an avalanche crashing down in the distance.
The tallest of the booming dunes is around 1,300ft high, the equivalent of 92 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. Badain Jaran Desert is also known for its multitude of lakes in ruby, amber and emerald hues, so head out on a guided hike to find these rainbow pools dotted among some of the most impressive sand dunes in the world.
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Image by Feng Wei Photography / Getty Images
2
Duna Federico Kirbus, Argentina
At a glance, Duna Federico Kirbus looks like a mountain, but believe it or not, this sky-scraping dune is made entirely of sand. Simply put, Duna Federico Kirbus in Argentina is the highest sand dune in the world, standing at a whopping 4,035ft tall. Taller than Table Mountain in South Africa and Snowdon in the UK, this epic escarpment is certainly one to add to your bucket list.
This area of northern Argentina is brimming with weird and wacky dunes that are perfect for exploring, but it’s best to arrive as the sun rises to avoid a windy, sand-blasted journey. Embark on a guided walking tour of this enormous dune and its sandy neighbours, before jumping on a sandboard and hurtling down the face.
3
Dune du Pilat, France
Europe’s tallest sand dune is nothing short of magical at golden hour. France’s Dune du Pilat is a bucket-list topper when it comes to the biggest dunes in the world. Although it can’t compete with many of Earth’s tallest sand dunes, sitting at 350ft high, this wind-sculpted wonder impresses most with its width, as its sweeping slopes extend to a mighty 1,640ft wide. With the Bay of Biscay on one side and verdant woodland on the other, this menacing sand wall has become a popular spot for visitors wanting an epic Instagram shot, as well as geography aficionados in awe of nature’s power.
Throw down your towel, grab your sun cream and watch as paragliders sail overhead and children try to stay upright while running down the sandy expanse. For an even better view of Dune du Pilat, head out on a boat trip to explore the Arcachon Bay area and the vast sand banks that lie opposite the great dune.
Image by Nisian Hughes / Getty Images
4
Dune 7, Namibia
Namibia is the land where the ocean meets the desert. Dotted with skeletal shipwrecks and palm tree-fringed dunes, this otherworldly landscape is home to the windswept dunes of the Skeleton Coast. Dune 7 is one of the largest dunes in the world at a staggering 1,256ft high, and can be found in the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert.
The honeycomb-hued slopes of the dunes that surround Dune 7 are the ultimate place to try out dune bashing in a 4x4. Perch precariously on the chiselled dune's peak and wait to feel the power of gravity send you soaring down the great sandy ridge. The Namib Desert is also a fantastic place to embrace the wilderness. Head out on a trek with an expert local guide, taking on tough but exhilarating dune climbs before resting your weary legs in a luxury tent with a sundowner in hand.
5
Ramlat Jadilah, Oman
The Empty Quarter is the English name for the Rub’ Al Khali, the largest continuous sand sea in the world. This limitless landscape is overflowing with dunes that roll and pitch like waves and is home to Bedouins, camels and very little else. Having featured in films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Matrix, this parched wilderness has become one of the most renowned dune-filled expanses in the world. Home to some of the biggest sand dunes in the world, the desert’s leading sandy superstar is Ramlat Jadilah. Standing at a lofty 1,492ft tall, its shifting sands and towering peak make it a challenging climb.
Oman is the ultimate destination for adventure and culture, so why not head out to explore in a 4x4? Experience the thrill of sliding vertically down steep dunes or hop on a camel for a bumpy ride through the desert before settling on traditional cushions around low tables for dinner and stories with the local Bedouin people.
Image by Jason Edwards / Getty Images
6
Mount Tempest, Australia
Mount Tempest towers over Moreton Island off Brisbane in a billowing sea of sand dunes. It’s the highest coastal dune in the world, standing at a mind-boggling 935ft tall. A favourite among fitness fanatics, it features on many a bucket list thanks to its challenging ascent and incredible 360-degree views over Moreton Bay and mainland Australia.
Pack your hiking shoes for an early morning trek up this almighty dune, making a pit stop at one of the many seats along the way to take in the Champagne-coloured sands surrounded by crystal-clear aquamarine seas. Spend the day exploring the rest of the island, from the beautiful freshwater Blue Lagoon to the red and white striped beacon of Cape Moreton Lighthouse, before settling down to watch the sun set the sand on fire as it dips below the horizon.
Written by Immy Kelly
