6 most beautiful national parks for your bucket list

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

This is one of Africa's most famous and remarkable wildlife reserves, offering visitors a truly immersive experience in nature. It was established in 1898 and is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

One of the unique features of Kruger is the ability to do self-drive safaris. Visitors can explore the park at their own pace, which makes the experience more personal and adventurous. There are well-maintained roads and maps available for easy navigation.

You can visit the park all year-round. From May to September it is great for wildlife viewing, while the summer months (November to March) bring lush greenery and newborn animals.

2. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest of three national parks in Iceland and a Unesco World Heritage site.

It offers the chance to experience some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, from ice caves and glaciers to active volcanoes and stunning waterfalls.

Vatnajökull Glacier, after which the park is named, is the largest glacier in Europe. It covers around 8% of Iceland’s landmass and offers unique opportunities for adventure seekers.

There is so much to see and experience in the park – we recommend exploring the official website and then starting at one of the visitor centres to get updates on services, roads and weather. Yes, you must be prepared for changing weather conditions.

3. Göreme Historical National Park, Turkey

You've probably heard of Cappadocia, right? Göreme Historical National Park is a part of it.

The park is best known for its iconic fairy chimneys – tall, cone-shaped rock formations. They were formed over thousands of years through volcanic activity and erosion, creating a stunning scene. These rock formations are the symbol of Cappadocia and offer incredible photo opportunities.

It is, of course, also known for the hot air balloon rides, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience of floating above the park’s unique landscape.

Göreme is easily accessible from major Turkish cities like Istanbul and Ankara and have plenty of transportation options and guided tours, that make it easy to explore. It will be the best if you plan your visit during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November).

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4. Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan

The 74,000-hectare property, also known as the "Valley of the Moon", is situated in southern Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia. Its desert landscapes, fascinating history, and opportunities for outdoor activities like jeep tours, hiking, and stargazing make it an unforgettable part of any trip to Jordan.

The colors of Wadi Rum are at their most vibrant during sunrise and sunset, when the light turns the sand and rock formations into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. So make sure you don't miss the sunrise or sunset!

Staying in one of the many Bedouin camps is another highlight of visiting Wadi Rum. Camps range from basic tents to luxury glamping setups with modern comforts, and offer traditional Bedouin meals, tea by the campfire, and a chance to sleep under the stars in the heart of the desert.

The best time to visit Wadi Rum is during the cooler months of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when daytime temperatures are more comfortable. Read also our post The Best Places to Visit Each Month of the Year, to discover more attractive destinations all around the world.

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

This is a natural paradise with endless options for outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and relaxation. The park includes Mount Fuji, the Hakone region, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a wide range of activities and landscapes.

One of Japan's most iconic landmarks, climbing Mount Fuji (3,776 meters) is a bucket-list activity. The ascent, which we recommend from July to early September, is relatively easy, with multiple trails like the Yoshida Trail being popular among hikers.

North of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes region is a great place to enjoy scenic views of the mountain. Aditionally, each lake offers different activities: water sports, hiking, camping ...

6. Jasper National Park, Canada

Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, offering a more rugged and less crowded experience compared to its southern neighbor, Banff. Highlights include the glacier-fed Athabasca Falls, the towering Mount Edith Cavell, and the tranquil Maligne Lake.

There are over 1,000 km of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Visitors can also opt for mountain biking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

The park has minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography. In October, the park hosts the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival, attracting astronomers and stargazers from around the world. On clear nights, visitors can marvel at the Milky Way, constellations, and even the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) if conditions are right.

Find out where else you can see the Aurora Borealis here.