If you grew up in the United States, you might think that National Parks are a uniquely American concept. While Yellowstone, the first National Park in the world was an American idea, it is one that has been adopted globally and with exceptional results. There are now more than 6,500 national parks in the world that preserve the natural wonders of countries and cultures for generations to come.
While our expertise lies in exploring the national parks of North America, we have compiled some resources and highlights (by continent) for our fellow travelers who are looking to branch out past these shores.
Africa’s National Parks
Throughout Africa, there are more than 300 national parks, many concentrated in the countries of Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania. The most visited national park in Africa is the infamous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the adjacent Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. There you can see the great migration, capture stunning sunsets over the savannah, and spot healthy populations of lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife.
The next most visited national parks in Africa are: Kruger National Park in South Africa, home to unrivaled natural diversity, bushman rock paintings, and other archeological sites; Chobe National Park in Botswana, with some of the highest game density in Africa; and Etosha National Park in Namibia, home to abundant wildlife and a strikingly beautiful salt pan so large it can be seen from space (the park is also uniquely “malaria-free”).
Asia’s National Parks
Across Asia, there are nearly 1,000 established National Parks, the bulk falling within China, India, and Thailand. China is currently in the process of restructuring with the intent to “create the largest national park system in the world” so what is currently listed as a national park and what has been classified that way in the past may be a little blurry.
The most visited national parks in Asia are: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Japan, home of the sacred stratovolcano, Mt. Fuji; Erawan National Park in Thailand, home of the 7-tiered Erawan Falls and emerald green ponds; Giant Panda National Park, in China, home to dense bamboo forests, Giant Pandas, and other unique wildlife; and Sundarbans National Park, in India, home to one of the largest populations of Bengal Tigers and other endangered species.
Australia’s National Parks
From pink lakes to blue mountains, Australia is home to a vast network of unique and beautiful national parks. Despite being the smallest continent, with 600+ national parks, Australia has more than any other country in the world. Management of the parks is not completely centralized. While Parks Australia manages six of the major parks, others are managed locally by territory, and still others have been deeded back to indigenous Aboriginal peoples through recent landback efforts.
The most visited national park in Australia is the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, a world heritage site and home of the famous Three Sisters rock formation. The next most visited Australian parks are: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, with its iconic rock formations (once called Ayers Rock); and Murray-Sunset National Park in Victoria, home to the famous pink lakes (which turn pink at the hottest driest times of year due to a specific type of algae).
Europe’s National Parks
While there is not a centralized National Park authority across the European Union, there are more than 400 national parks throughout EU countries, protecting unique landscapes, cultures, and historic sites.
Interestingly enough, the largest national park in the European Union is not actually on the main continent of Europe, but is Guiana Amazonian Park in French Guiana on the northeast coast of South America.
Some of the most visited European national parks are: Plitvice National Park in Croatia, home to stunning interlaced lakes and waterfalls; Triglav National Park in the Alps of Slovenia, home to 19 endemic species; Peak District National Park in England, home to hiking, caving, and castles; and Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park in Italy, home to the stunning peaks of the Dolomites.
North America’s National Parks
Yellowstone National Park whose borders span Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, was established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, making it the first one in the world. It was Canada, however, who established the first National Park Service in 1911, with the U.S. to follow shortly after in 1916. Now, there are 48 national parks in Canada, 63 in the United States, and 67 in Mexico.
Canada’s most visited national park is Banff in Alberta, known as the country’s flagship park. Its iconic Rocky Mountains are a beacon for summer and winter sports enthusiasts alike. The United States’ most visited park is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, home to a “wondrous diversity” of life and classic Appalachian culture. In Mexico, the most visited is Tulum National Park, home to rainforest, wetlands, beaches, and well-preserved ruins of the Mayan civilization.
If you’re looking for more information on exploring North American Parks, please peruse our related posts: How Many National Parks are in Utah, How Many National Parks are in California, How Many National Parks are in Colorado, How Many National Parks are in British Columbia, Canada, How Many National Parks are in Alberta, Canada.
South America’s National Parks
Home to the Amazon River, Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the world’s highest waterfalls, and more, South American countries have preserved their sacred lands with more than 300 national parks.
The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is the most visited park on the continent. It was declared “the 8th wonder of the world” and designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013. Some of the other most-visited parks in South America are: Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina, home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world; and Tijuca National Park in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil which offers a serene escape on the outskirts of the city.The official website for Tijuca is in Portuguese, but the Global Alliance for National Parks has helpful information for this and many of the other parks around the world.
Antarctica: the World’s Special Conservation Area
While Antarctica is not a national park, we would be remiss to leave the seventh continent off our list. It exists very much in a state similar to national parks and is comprised of numerous conservation areas and designated historical sites. Antarctica is not governed by any one country, but rather operates under The Antarctic Treaty with 58 participating countries. It exists under three basic principles laid out in the treaty:
- Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
- Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end… shall continue
- Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available
Tourists are welcome in Antarctica and many private cruise companies offer trip options from November to March. You will need to notify the U.S. State Department of your plans and will need to obtain a permit. You can find more information through the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
