If your idea of the perfect holiday is to be surrounded by awesome landscapes and to revel in the glories of the natural world, then this list of five amazing National Parks could provide you with a few ideas for your next adventure. Of course, there are hundreds of amazing National Parks around the world - but a visit to any of my recommendations will certainly tick the box of being at one with Nature.
Torres del Paine, Chile. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Torres del Paine. It doesn’t matter how many photos you see of it, when you eventually make it here, it’s bound to take your breath away. Skirting the edge of Chilean Patagonia, it really is one of the most stunning places in South America. The centrepiece of the park is the Paine Massif - and it’s in this granite mountain range that you’ll find the Torres del Paine themselves – three soaring peaks which translate to ‘towers of pain’. Although spectacular at all hours of the day, they’re particularly impressive at sunrise, when they take on a vibrant orange glow.
Serengeti, Tanzania. Known for its beautiful, vast plains, incredible wildlife, and iconic wildebeest migration, the Serengeti is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations you’ll find in the world. Whether you want to spot wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other grazers among the grasses, lion and leopard packs hunting among these herds or perhaps gentle giants such as elephant and giraffe... You're in with a great chance of seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Iguazu, Brazil/Argentina. Stretching almost 3km along the border of Argentina and Brazil, there are actually around 275 different waterfalls. This is my favourite place of everywhere I’ve visited. I’ve stayed here multiple times and the spectacle of these amazing waterfalls never disappoints. To stand and watch the thundering water and be drenched by the spray is unbelievably life-enhancing. I always like to stay at the Belmond Las Cataratas on the Brazilian side of the Falls because it’s actually in the National Park – so you can have the Falls to yourself before 9 and after 5 and can avoid the busloads of tourists.
Kakadu, Australia. This is Australia’s largest National Park and wins hands-down for untamed beauty and anthropological importance. It sprawls over 20,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory, with high escarpments juxtaposed against infinite plains, waterfalls cascading into natural plunge pools, swampy wetlands and wildlife-filled billabongs. Saltwater crocodile viewing is a big draw, but the jewel in Kakadu’s crown is its Aboriginal history and one of the highest concentrations of rock art sites anywhere in the world. There are around 15,000 galleries, some up to 20,000 years old.
Guilin Lijiang, China. The best way to soak up China’s Guilin and Lijiang River National Park is by taking a boat trip along the Li River. The area is famous for its limestone karsts and vast bamboo forests, typical of the topology of the land. With names such as Dragon Head and Elephant Trunk, these wave-like hills and limestone cones have inspired many Chinese artists and poets alike, and they’re even featured on the 20 Yuan banknote. The scenery is absolutely stunning here, and I really felt privileged to visit the area.
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