We believe there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new destination than visiting a national park. Whether you want to explore stunning landscapes or search for wildlife on an authentic safari, the national parks we visit offer outdoor experiences that are as unique as their destination. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best national parks that you’ll explore on a number of our international guided tours.
1. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including thousands of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and many more fascinating species. During our South Africa Highlights & Safari tour, you can safely observe these animals up close with the guidance of skilled rangers on open safari vehicles. Travelers will also learn the rich history of this iconic national park and gain incredible insights into these animals over the course of two days.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Located on a 73,350-acre forest reserve, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning place to explore. This UNESCO World Heritage gem is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, boasting 16 lakes, 92 incredible waterfalls, 120+ bird species, and 300+ butterfly and moth species. On our guided Jewels of the Adriatic tour, we’ll explore its magnificent natural beauty with walks around the lakeshores and a scenic boat ride you won’t want to miss!
3. Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Located in the heart of Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is the perfect place for wildlife lovers. Not only is it one of Kenya’s best rhino sanctuaries, but it also holds an abundance of additional wildlife: cape buffalo, African wild dogs, waterbuck, lions, zebra, and more! Join our Kenya Wildlife Safari guided tour, where you’ll experience the thrill of wildlife spotting in safari vehicles designed for no more than six travelers, ensuring an intimate and immersive encounter with the diverse collection of wildlife you’ll never forget!
4. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Another incredible national park to add to your bucket list is Thingvellir National Park, just east of Reykjavik in Iceland. Once a meeting place for the Viking parliament, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stuns every tour goer with its drifting tectonic plates. Join our Spirit of Iceland guided tour to witness the crystal-clear waters of Lake Thingvallavatn with a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains.
5. Ranthambore National Park, India
A unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history, Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s most visited wildlife national parks, and is worth every minute. Ranthambore is a frequented spot for wildlife enthusiasts and esteemed photographers for the number of tigers that roam freely, including the Bengal Tiger. But seeing the abundance of wildlife on open-sided vehicles is not all you’ll witness at the park – explore mystical temples and even ancient ruins on our Heart of India tour!
6. Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Have the adventure of a lifetime spotting various Costa Rican native rainforest animals at Tortuguero National Park. We’ll take a 1.5-hour guided boat ride through the park, navigated by a network of canals, where we might see different turtle species, like the Green Turtle and Leatherback Turtle. If your travel date lands outside of turtle nesting season, don’t worry! There’s a wide variety of additional animals that you won’t forget on our Colorful Costa Rica tour, like birds, caiman and monkeys.
7. Uluru National Park, Australia
Experience both the sunrise and sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock), a feature at one of the Earth’s most remote wilderness regions. Learn about the rich culture of the Aboriginal people and the park’s significance at an educational cultural center. We’ll also explore the base of Walpa’s Gorge along with the Mutitjulu Walk and its Waterhole, a key water source for the Aboriginal people. Our Australia & New Zealand Adventure tour is the perfect immersive blend of seeing incredible sights and learning about the cultures and history of the area!
8. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Experience the excitement of encountering wildlife not only on land but also in the water! At Chobe National Park in Botswana, you’ll get the opportunity to hop aboard a safari boat to cruise along the waterways of Chobe River to scout a collection of animals both in the water and along the land. This optional River Safari tour experience is a must for everyone joining our South Africa Highlights & Safari with Victoria Falls tour to fully experience the park in open-sided vehicles.
Don’t miss your chance to see once-in-a-lifetime sights at national parks worldwide. Or, if you still haven’t seen America’s national parks, learn more about our Southwest National Parks Adventure tour. And don’t forget to join our Facebook group to get insights on other traveler’s favorite parks!