National parks are unique in several ways, about 15% of all land and 8% of all water in the world is protected. National parks are protected pockets of nature that offers a unique opportunity for both recreation, science and of course animal and nature protection for future generations.
Number of national parks: There is no exact number as different countries have different definitions and management systems for protected areas, but there are thousands of national parks globally.
Protected land area: The total protected land area of national parks worldwide is also difficult to determine, but it is in the millions of square kilometers.
Biggest national park: The largest national park in the world is Northeast Greenland National Park, which covers an area of 972,000 square kilometers.
Oldest national park: The oldest national park in the world is Yellowstone National Park in the United States, which was established in 1872.
Scenic beauty: National parks offer breathtaking landscapes, scenic views, and unique geological formations.
Wildlife: Many national parks are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare and endangered species, making them popular destinations for wildlife viewing and photography.
Conservation: National parks play a critical role in conserving and protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Outdoor recreation: Many national parks offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, making them great destinations for adventure and physical activity.
Education and inspiration: National parks provide educational and inspirational experiences, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the areas they visit.
Stress relief: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, making national parks a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Let's get down to business, here are some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, you should definitely add some of these to your travel bucket list! Do you know you can make your bucket lists for free here at Humbo.
Torres del Paine National Park is located in Patagonia, Chile, and is known for its unique and stunning natural beauty. The park features towering granite peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, and rolling grasslands, making it a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including guanacos, Andean condors, and the world's southernmost population of gray wolves.
Torres del Paine is a popular destination for hiking, with numerous trails that offer incredible views and a chance to experience the park's diverse landscapes.
The park has been recognized for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, including measures to reduce its environmental impact and educate visitors about the importance of conservation.
Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies (Rocky Mountains) and is the country's oldest and probably most famous national park.
Banff is known for its stunning scenery, including rugged peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and hot springs. The park offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and wildlife viewing.
Banff was the first national park in Canada and played a key role in the creation of the country's national park system, making it a significant part of Canadian heritage. Banff is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
Banff Center is also bringing the best movies and documentaries on the Banff Mountain Film festival World Tour every year.
Banff has a rich history of mountaineering and outdoor adventure, and today it remains a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. If you like adventures, Banff is definitely a place for your bucket list
Serengeti National Park is located in Tanzania and is one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves. If you want a great safari experience for your bucket list, Serengeti might be the perfect place to visit.
Serengeti is known for its large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as its predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. If you are lucky you might just tick of all the big five.
Serengeti is famous for its annual migration, one of the world's largest and most spectacular wildlife migrations, in which millions of wildebeests move across the savanna in search of food and water.
Serengeti is protected by the Tanzanian government and is managed for conservation, providing important habitat for many threatened and endangered species.
Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for those interested in wildlife and nature.
Kakadu National Park is located in Australia's Northern Territory and is one of the country's largest and most iconic national parks.
Kakadu is rich in Indigenous culture and is home to some of Australia's oldest rock art sites, with thousands of rock paintings that tell the stories of the area's traditional owners.
Kakadu is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and savannas, that support a wide range of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, and many bird species.
Kakadu is a leader in ecotourism, offering visitors a range of sustainable tourism experiences, including guided walks, wildlife-watching, and cultural tours.
As all national parks Kakadu is protected by the government and is managed for conservation, providing important habitat for many threatened and endangered species.
No matter what time of year you visit Kakadu, there is always something to see and do.
Doi Inthanon National Park is located in Thailand and is one of the country's most popular national parks. The main park entrance is about 70 km southwest from Chiang Mai city center..
Doi Inthanon is known as "The Roof of Thailand", Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482 km². The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range.
Doi Inthanon is located at a high altitude, making it one of the few places in Thailand where visitors can experience cool weather and mountain landscapes. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including montane forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that support a wide range of wildlife, including many bird species and rare flora.
Doi Inthanon is considered sacred by the local hill tribes and is home to several important temples and monuments, making it a destination of cultural and historical significance.
Vatnajökull National Park is located in Iceland and is one of the country's largest and most popular national parks.
Vatnajökull is home to one of the largest glaciers in Europe, covering an area of over 8,000 square kilometers. The park is known for its breathtaking scenery, including rugged glaciers, towering peaks, and scenic lakes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. What about trying out glacier hiking, ice climbing or snowmobiling?
The park is known for its unique geology, including hot springs, geysers, and volcanic formations, making it a destination of geological interest.
Vatnajökull is easily accessible from Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland, making it a convenient destination for those traveling to Iceland.
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and is located in the northeastern part of the country. It covers an area of over 19,000 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). The park is also known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, savannas, and forests that support a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Tourists visiting Kruger National Park can experience a range of activities, including self-drive game drives, guided walks, and wildlife-watching from open-air vehicles. The park also offers accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly camping sites, making it a convenient destination for visitors with different budgets and travel styles. Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique African adventure, Kruger National Park is a great destination to visit.
Göreme National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central part of Turkey's Cappadocia region. The park is known for its unique rock formations, including fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings, many of which were carved into the soft volcanic tuff rock over thousands of years.
Visitors can explore the park on foot, by hot air balloon, or on horseback, and take in the stunning landscapes, scenic valleys, and ancient cave dwellings. In addition to its natural beauty, Göreme National Park is also a cultural destination, with several important religious sites and rock-cut monasteries, including the Dark Church and the Apple Church.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia and is known for its stunning network of waterfalls and lakes surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The park covers an area of over 300 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endemic species of fish and rare species of birds. Visitors can explore the park on foot, following a network of wooden walkways and bridges that wind through the waterfalls and lakes. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as scenic boat rides and guided tours.
Canaima National Park is located in southeastern Venezuela and covers an area of over 3 million hectares. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, and a range of other waterfalls, rivers, and lagoons.
The park is also home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including several species of primates, jaguars, and giant otters. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by boat, or by plane, taking in the scenic beauty and wildlife, and experiencing traditional indigenous culture.
While in Venezuela don't miss Canaima!
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is located in the Sichuan province of China and is known for its stunning scenery, including crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, surrounded by forests, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The park covers an area of over 720 square kilometers.
This is one of few places in the world where the giant panda lives. Jiuzhaigou was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
Arches National Park is located in southeastern Utah and is known for its unique geology and stunning rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, spires, and towers. The park covers an area of over 76,000 hectares and is home to a range of diverse landscapes, including canyons, deserts, and high plateaus.
Delicate Arch is one of the park's most iconic landmarks. Arches National Park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, camping, and stargazing.
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona and is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world. The park covers an area of over 1.2 million hectares and is home to a massive and intricately carved canyon, over 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the world, showcasing millions of years of geological history and offering breathtaking views from the rim, as well as from the river below.
Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam in India and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
The park is home to a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna, including the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, and several species of birds and reptiles.
The park covers an area of over 430 square kilometers and is home to a range of landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests, providing visitors with breathtaking views and unique opportunities to immerse themselves in nature.
Visitors can take guided wildlife safaris by jeep or elephant to explore the park and see its incredible wildlife up close.
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most important conservation areas in India and is home to several ongoing efforts to protect and conserve its unique and diverse wildlife.
Komodo National Park is located in the Indonesian archipelago and encompasses three major islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The park is known for its incredible wildlife, including the Komodo dragon, the largest species of lizard on the planet, as well as a range of other unique and exotic species, including birds, monkeys, and marine life.
Visitors can take guided tours or go on independent treks to explore the park's rugged and pristine landscapes, including forests, hills, and beaches. The park also offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Galapagos National Park is located in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of Ecuador. The park covers over 97% of the total land area of the Galapagos Islands and is considered one of the most important protected areas in the world.
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique and diverse array of wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and a range of bird species found nowhere else on earth. Visitors to the park can take guided tours to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitats, as well as go snorkeling or diving to see the stunning underwater landscapes.
Galapagos National Park is sure to be a highlight of any trip to South America.
Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, and is one of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States. The park covers an area of over 748,000 acres.
Half dome, Upper and Lower Yosemite falls, Glacier Point and El Capitan is some of the amazing and scenic places to experience while in Yosemite national park.
Yosemite is also known for its rich cultural history, including the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, one of the largest collections of these ancient trees in the world.
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeast region of Uganda and is considered one of the country's most beautiful and remote national parks. The park covers an area of over 1,442 square km and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and over 475 species of birds.
The park's remote location also means that it sees fewer visitors compared to other national parks in Uganda, making it a great option for those seeking a more intimate and serene wildlife experience.
Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. The park covers over two-thirds of the island and is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and camping, as well as scenic drives and guided tours.
The park is also home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas, and over 200 species of birds. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and relaxing vacation destination, a visit to Virgin Islands National Park is sure to be a memorable experience. The park's location in the Caribbean also makes it a popular destination for those seeking sun, sand, and sea.
Sarek National Park is located in the northern region of Sweden and is considered one of the country's most remote and pristine national parks. The park covers an area of over 2,000 square km. Sarek is a high alpine area where the Sami people have lived from time immemorial. Sarek is a part of the World Heritage Laponia including
Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including reindeer, wolverines, and a range of bird species.
The Maasai Mara is a wildlife reserve in southwestern Kenya that is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. It is famous for its large populations of African wildlife, including the big five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), as well as the annual wildebeest migration.
Visitors can go on guided game drives to see the wildlife, hot air balloon rides for a unique view of the reserve, or visit Maasai villages to learn about the local culture. The Maasai Mara is a popular destination, there is multiple lodges and camp sites within the park, staying in the park makes the visit even better. Ask your guide for local recommendations.
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and protected area in the western United States known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as its diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of elk and bison.
Yellowstone was the first national park in the world helping set standards for many coming parks.
Old Faithful Geyser: This famous geyser erupts every 45 minutes to two hours and is a unique and spectacular sight.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: This stunning canyon features bright yellow walls and two stunning waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Falls.
Yellowstone Lake: The largest high-altitude lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Jotunheimen National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in central Norway. Here are some key facts and features:
We wish you a great nature experience in Jotunheimen national park!