12 Must-Visit National Parks Around the World for Nature Lovers 2025

For nature enthusiasts, there is no greater joy than exploring the world’s natural wonders. And what better way to do so than by visiting some of the most spectacular national parks?

From North America’s breathtaking landscapes to Africa’s vast biodiversity, many national parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife photographer, or someone who loves being surrounded by nature, this list will introduce you to some must-visit national parks worldwide.

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National Parks Around the World Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile 1/5

National Parks Around the World Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa 2/5

National Parks Around the World Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand 3/5

US Destinations for a Fabulous Family Vacation Yellowstone National Park Wyoming Montana and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park, USA 4/5

12 Most Panoramic Train Rides Across the U.S.

Banff National Park, Canada 5/5

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Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

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Kruger National Park, South Africa

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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

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Yellowstone National Park, USA

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Banff National Park, Canada

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Yellowstone National Park, USA

Explore one of the oldest national parks in the world. Yellowstone National Park in the United States is a paradise for wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers. With its iconic geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, this park offers a memorable experience exploring the wonders of nature.

As you explore the park’s many hiking trails and scenic overlooks, keep your eyes peeled for bison, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Plan Your Park Entry: Access Yellowstone National Park, known for its geysers and wildlife. The park entrance fee is USD 35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Check the park fees page for details. The park is open 24/7 year-round, but road access varies seasonally.
Watch Old Faithful Erupt: Witness the eruption of the famous Old Faithful geyser. Check the NPS website or visitor center boards for predicted eruption times. Viewing the geyser is included with park admission.

Banff National Park, Canada

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a haven for mountain lovers and adrenaline junkies. Its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife will mesmerize outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether hiking to the top of Sulphur Mountain or paddling on the pristine waters of Moraine Lake, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature at every turn you take in Banff.

Ride the Banff Gondola: Ascend Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and Banff townsite. Adult tickets start at USD 49.60; gondola hours vary seasonally, typically opening at 10:00 and closing 21:00 or later.
Plan for Park Entry Fees: Remember that entry into Banff National Park requires a pass. A daily adult pass costs USD 7.80, or consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for longer visits/multiple parks. Visitor centers have specific operating hours.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Prepare to be awestruck by the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to high granite peaks, pristine glaciers, and sparkling blue lakes that will take your breath away.

Trekking enthusiasts flock to this remote corner of Chile to embark on the world-famous W Circuit, a multi-day hike that traverses some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. Along the way, hikers can marvel at the iconic granite spires of the Torres del Paine, witness the thundering waters of Salto Grande, and spot elusive pumas roaming through the wild.

Plan Park Entry: Purchase your entrance ticket online in advance for Torres del Paine National Park. Adult foreign visitor fees start at USD 32.40 for up to 3 days. Park entrances typically open around 08:00-19:00, but check official CONAF information for current details.
Hike the Base of the Towers Trail: Embark on the challenging but rewarding day hike to the Base de las Torres viewpoint for iconic views of the granite spires. Allow 8-10 hours round trip.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier safari destination, is the perfect place to explore the undestroyed wilderness. Home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes—and many other species, Kruger offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Safari enthusiasts can embark on guided game drives, hot air balloon rides, bushwalks, and sunset cruises to explore the park’s vast wilderness and its resident wildlife.

Plan Park Entry: Access Kruger National Park, known for Big Five wildlife viewing. The daily conservation fee for international visitors is USD 28.00. Park gates have specific opening and closing times varying seasonally.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Travel to the land of the long white cloud and discover the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. At the heart of this park lies Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

Carved by ancient glaciers during the Ice Age, Milford Sound boasts sheer cliffs rising vertically from the water, graced with numerous waterfalls that cascade into the waters below. Hiking enthusiasts can hike the famous Routeburn Track and spot rare bird species in their natural habitat.

Drive the Milford Road: Experience the scenic drive along the Milford Road into Milford Sound, offering numerous viewpoints and short walks. Allow plenty of time and check road conditions beforehand, especially in winter.

Ranthambore National Park, India

Experience the magic of India’s wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, a natural habitat for Bengal tigers and other endangered species. This park is spread across a vast, dry, deciduous forest and rocky hills.

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Go on a safari through the park’s diverse habitats, from dry deciduous forests to open grasslands, and witness tigers and leopards in their natural environment. A visit here is incomplete without exploring the ancient ruins of Ranthambore Fort for a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Plan for the Best Season: Visit Ranthambore National Park between October and June for optimal wildlife sightings. The park is typically closed during the monsoon season (July to September).

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is synonymous with the ultimate African safari experience. If you are here during the great migration, you will witness millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing from Tanzania to Kenya in search of greener pastures.

Predators lurk in the shadows, ready to pounce on the wildebeests and zebras during the migration, something any wildlife enthusiast may want to witness. With its vast savannahs, acacia-dotted landscapes, and diverse wildlife, the Serengeti is a dream destination for nature lovers.

Plan Park Entry: Access Serengeti National Park, famous for the Great Migration. The daily conservation fee for adult international visitors is USD 70. Park gates typically open 06:00 to 18:00.
Witness the Great Migration: Plan your visit to the Serengeti according to the timing of the Great Migration (typically crossing the Mara River July-Oct, calving season Jan-Mar in the south) for a chance to see vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Yosemite National Park, USA

Most-Instagrammable-Spots_Yosemite-National-Park-California — © Stephen / Adobe Stock

Discover the wonders of the Sierra Nevada mountain range at Yosemite National Park in California. From the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to the thundering waters of Yosemite Falls, this iconic park is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers.

Nature enthusiasts visiting this destination can explore ancient sequoia groves, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and bask in the beauty of one of America’s most beloved national parks.

Plan Park Entry & Reservations: Access Yosemite National Park, famed for granite cliffs and waterfalls. The park entrance fee is USD 35 per vehicle. The park is open 24/7, but road access varies seasonally.
Explore Yosemite Valley: Discover iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls within Yosemite Valley. Use the free valley shuttle bus to get around. Access is included with park entry.

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia

Most Beautiful Places in the World to Add to Your Bucket List Great Barrier Reef,Australia — © tolly65 / Adobe Stock

Dive into the world’s most extensive coral reef system at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of marine life. Established in 1975, this park stretches over 344,400 square kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. Snorkel among vibrant corals, swim alongside sea turtles and manta rays, and witness the dazzling colors beneath the ocean’s surface.

Understand the Reef Tax: Be aware that most tours to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park include a mandatory Environmental Management Charge (EMC), often called the ‘Reef Tax’. This fee (currently USD 5.20 per person per day) contributes to the park’s management and conservation.

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China

Tucked deep in the mountains of Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant ecosystems.

Named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the valley, this scenic reserve is home to turquoise-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests. To immerse yourself in the tranquility of this natural wonderland, hike to the top of Nuorilang Waterfall and discover the colorful pools of Five Flower Lake.

Plan Park Entry and Transport: Access the stunning UNESCO site Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park. Ticket costs USD 26.10 during peak season (Apr-Nov 15) and USD 11 during off-season (Nov 16-Mar).
Consider the Best Season: Visit during autumn (September-October) for spectacular fall foliage reflecting in the turquoise lakes. However, spring offers lush greenery, and winter provides serene snowscapes.

Plitviče Lakes National Park, Croatia

Destinations in the World for an Unforgettable Adventure Plitviče Lakes Croatia_Haico_AdobeStock_368859928 — © Haico / Adobe Stock

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage site also boasts dense forests that offer excellent exploration opportunities.

Some unmissable highlights in the park include the Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod Lakes. You can hike on the park’s stunning trails or kayak in the lakes.

If you are lucky, you may spot brown bears, lynx, and some of its numerous bird species.

Plan Park Entry: Visit the UNESCO site Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls. Admission fees vary significantly by season; the low season adult price starts at USD 11. Park hours also vary seasonally, generally opening 07:00/08:00 and closing 16:00/20:00.

Cévennes National Park, France

Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and one of the largest national parks in Europe is characterized by stunning hills, deep gorges, tall limestone cliffs, and a wide variety of Flora and Fauna.

While visiting, watch out for eagles, wolves, vultures, and the endangered Przewalki’s horses.

The park has thousands of miles of hiking trails, some offering fantastic views of picturesque hamlets, old churches, and vast wilderness. If you are an avid hiker, the GR67 trail would offer you the best experience.

You can also kayak in the Ardèche River, try rock climbing on La Jonte, or go mountain biking on Mont Aigoual.

Explore Cévennes National Park: Discover the vast landscapes of hills, gorges, and limestone cliffs within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Cévennes National Park. General access to the park is free; park information centers have specific opening hours.
Go Rock Climbing: Experience climbing on the limestone cliffs of the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte.