Exploring the greater outdoors, getting closer to nature, and experimenting with new experiences. These are just some of the reasons why tourists choose to visit National Parks.
These are attractions that appeal to a wide range of different audiences and they are a cost-effective and easily accessible way to see a country from a new perspective too.
But which country has the most beautiful national parks? And why should you visit them?
These are the 6 most beautiful national parks in the world according to the travel experts at Bounce:
6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
The incredible landscapes in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are so breathtakingly beautiful that they are rumored to have inspired the backdrop to the Avatar movies.
Located in Zhangjiajie, which is in the Hunan Province, China, this national park is part of a much larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area that was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Aside from the breathtaking views and otherworldly rock formations, a highlight of any trip to the Zhangjiajie National Park is the Bailong Elevator which is known locally as “Hundred Dragons Sky Lift” and is the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.
It can carry around 50 people at a time up 1,070 feet (326 m), and taking a ride is a bucket list experience.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the heart of Croatia which means it is easy to access as a day trip from many of the country’s main tourist hubs.
Spectacular waterfalls, lakes, and diverse flora and fauna sit at the heart of this awe-inspiring and vibrant national park.
The most well-known feature of the park is its 16 terraced lakes, each a turquoise jewel, cascading down a limestone canyon connected by waterfalls.
It attracts hikers and walkers of all abilities thanks to its abundance of trails and if you would rather explore without the exertion, then an electric boat links the upper 12 and lower 4 lakes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest park in Croatia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Perhaps one of the most famous national parks in the world the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was chosen as the 4th most beautiful national park in the world.
The Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and around 500 incredible bird species too.
It’s fair to say that the wildlife is the main attraction here.
The Serengeti is made up of vast plains and expanses of savannah.
It is so vast that it would be almost impossible to see it all in one trip and each region offers different landscapes and wildlife highlights which is why it is such a fascinating destination.
3. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is the site of an active volcano and this forms a stunning backdrop to everything else the park has to offer.
The park is located in East Java, Indonesia, to the east of Malang and Lumajang, and covers a massive area of 800 square km.
This park is incredibly popular with visitors who have an interest in volcanic activities and there is almost always smoke and ashes coming from Mount Semeru. Hiking to the top of Mount Bromo or, if you feel challenged enough, to the summit of Mount Semeru are popular activities for tourists in the area.
2. Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
The Lencois Maranhenses National Park has a unique landscape made up of white sand dunes and rainwater lakes that make it unlike anywhere else in the world.
It is these unique landscapes that have earned the 2nd spot as the most beautiful national park in the world.
The park is the largest field of sand dunes in South America, but it is relatively untouched by tourists, earning it an ‘untouched gem’ title.
Located along the coastline of northeastern Brazil, if you do choose to visit this national park, then pack your swimsuit.
As well as riding sand buggies through the dunes, visitors can also swim in the lagoons and relax on the beaches.
1. Kruger National Park, South Africa
The national park chosen as the most beautiful in the world is Kruger National Park in South Africa. This park is globally recognized as being a haven for wildlife.
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves on the African continent. Its high concentration of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.
Unlike the traditional national parks that you would find in the U.S. this is not the kind of park that you can wander, hike or explore on your own.
Typically the best way to explore the park is via a safari tour.
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