The World's 20 Amazing Lost Destinations

Afghanistan Prolonged Cold War hostilities and the black curse of the Taliban have laid waste to the thriving cultural life that once drew travellers to Afghanistan on the overland trail. Seven years after Coalition forces marched in, it remains far too dangerous to visit. Last stable around 1973.

Angola Oil and diamond rich with a booming economy, Angola is also a land of lawlessness, landmines, and rampant disease. Off-limits attractions include Namibe’s beaches and the Tunda-Vala volcanic fissure. Last stable 1975 (could improve post-elections due in 2008/ 2009).

Burundi Its picturesque countryside dotted with coffee and tea plantations belies endemic poverty, government corruption, and the ghosts of a Rwandan-style ethnic war that left 200,000 dead. Last stable pre-independence in 1962.

Central African Republic The Dzanga-Sangha National Park is home to mountain gorillas, elephants and the Baka pygmies, but insistent fighting between the government and factional rebels and epidemic banditry keep it off limits. Last stable 1950s.

Chechen Republic Officially known as “the zone of counter-terrorist operations” – kidnapping was its main source of income in the 1990s – this rebel northern Caucasus state has been crippled by two wars with Russia. Last stable pre-1990, but improving since 2000.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Africa’s heart of darkness, formerly Zaire, conceals fascinating cultures, mountain gorillas and the world’s second largest tropical rainforest. War between 1998 and 2002 resulted in an estimated 3.5 million deaths; corruption and lawlessness have reined since. Last stable in the 1950s, pre-independence.

Cote D’Ivoire The wealthiest state in West Africa at its independence in 1960, Cote D’Ivoire has been beset by violence and instability since the 1999 military coup. Its faded seaside resorts remain empty, and the Parc National de Comoe’s hippos, lions and elephants are closed to visitors. Last stable 1990s.

Eritrea Ethiopia’s annexation of its neighbour in 1962 set off a 30-year war that’s not truly over yet. Desperately poor and riddled with landmines, Eritrea’s striking Red Sea coastline, especially the volcanic landforms of the Dankalia desert, remains a mystery to most outsiders. Last stable 1962.

Haiti Once the wealthiest Caribbean country, and the first black republic to gain independence in 1804, Haiti’s modern history is one of political violence, armed gangs and extreme poverty. Attractions include vadou (voodoo) spirituality and the mountain fortress of La Citadelle. Last stable relatively safe until the 1970s.

Iraq The birthplace of the world’s oldest civilisation has been at war almost constantly since 1988 – with Iran, Kuwait, US-led allies – preventing access to treasures such as the Great Temple of Hatra and Ur of the Chaldees. Last stable pre-1980.

Israel Barely a moment’s peace since the Independent State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948, inciting the wrath of Arab neighbours. Remarkable sights such as Jerusalem, Jaffa and the Dead Sea still reward the intrepid. Last stable (relatively) pre-Rabin’s assassination in 1995.

Liberia Established in 1821 as a nation of freed black slaves, Liberia collapsed into civil war after the 1990 military coup. Home to Sapo National Park, West Africa’s most significant remnant rainforest, and historic slavery monuments. Last stable relatively peaceful 1997-2000; conditions improving since 2005.

North Korea Isolationist since 1953, and infamous for its nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs, North Korea has some stunning natural landscapes and lashings of quixotic culture. Last stable possible to visit by group tour only.

Saudi Arabia The birthplace of Islam contains its two holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina, and rich archaeology such as the Nabataean tombs of Madain Saleh. Occasional dangers are Al Qaeda-related terrorist incidents and Hajj stampedes. Last stable quite safe, but near impossible to visit as a tourist.

Solomon Islands Since independence in 1976 the Solomons have known ethnic violence, widespread crime and, in 2000, a military coup. Australian peacekeepers have stabilised the country somewhat. Superb diving, fishing and surfing, but little infrastructure. Last stable relatively safe now.

Somalia On the plus side for this conflict-ravaged African state, mountains, deserts, postcard Indian Ocean beaches, game reserves, and Neolithic rock art. On the minus, violent rebellions. Last stable 1991.

Sudan Civil war continues to fracture one of Africa’s most diverse and beautiful countries. Its exotic tribal peoples, Red Sea coastline and the ancient royal cemetery of the Meroitic pharaohs are no longer safe. Last stable briefly, around 2002.

Tajikistan Tajikistan, the poorest of the former Soviet republics and a nation racked by civil war from 1992-97, is in the throes of a severe power crisis. An ancient country of Zoroastrian and Silk Road ruins, with excellent hiking and climbing. Last stable improving since 2006.

Timor Leste Crisis-racked Timor hobbled towards independence in 2002 after Indonesian militias razed its infrastructure and slaughtered its population. One of the poorest nations on earth, it has some fine beaches and diving and an enchanting Portuguese-Asian culture. Last stable early 2006.

Zimbabwe Once a model African nation blessed with the Victoria Falls (pictured) and abundant wildlife, Zimbabwe is now a tragic basket case of hyperinflation (more than 100,000 per cent in 2007), no food, erratic power and a desperate population. Last stable mid-1990s.