9 Famous National Parks Around the World

Tap a national park to see its highlights.

Yellowstone National Park

🇺🇸 United States. Designated in 1872 as the world's first national park, famous for the Old Faithful geyser and vast wildlife habitat.

Serengeti National Park

🇹🇿 Tanzania. The face of African safari, famous for the spectacular seasonal migration of millions of wildebeest.

Yosemite National Park

🇺🇸 United States. Famous for the massive granite cliff El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, considered a mecca for rock climbers worldwide.

Banff National Park

🇨🇦 Canada. Canada's first national park, especially famous for the emerald glacial waters of Lake Louise.

Kruger National Park

🇿🇦 South Africa. One of Africa's largest wildlife reserves, where you can spot all of the "Big Five" — lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.

Torres del Paine National Park

🇨🇱 Chile. A premier Patagonian trekking destination featuring jagged granite peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

🇭🇷 Croatia. One of Europe's most stunning national parks, with 16 cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls connected by wooden boardwalks.

Komodo National Park

🇮🇩 Indonesia. Famous as the only natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard species on Earth.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

🇨🇳 China. A mystical natural wonder known for its vividly colored, terraced turquoise lakes and waterfalls.

Why Are National Parks Designated?

A national park is a protected area directly designated and managed by a national government to preserve a unique landscape or ecosystem. Since Yellowstone, the world's first national park, countries around the world have followed suit, designating and protecting their own iconic natural heritage as national parks.

Plan Your Travel Budget Too

If you're curious about the cost of visiting national parks abroad, a travel budget calculator can help you plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest national park in the world?

Yellowstone National Park in the United States, designated in 1872, is widely recognized as the world's first national park.

Is there anything I should be especially careful about when visiting a national park?

It's important to follow basic conservation guidelines: keep a safe distance from wildlife, stick to designated trails, and pack out your trash.