Where to Go: the 6 Best National Parks Worldwide

1.Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 40 reviews · 4 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $155Our pick

From Placencia or Hopkins, you’ll ride an air-conditioned minivan to Cockscomb Basin, hike about 40 minutes, float the river by inner tube, and swim beneath Ben’s Bluff waterfall. Guides such as Ian, Jimmy, and David add Belizean history, wildlife knowledge, and local food to this active half-day outing.

“Ian and David were great guides. They were so knowledgeable about the vegetation in the area that we hiked through. Although we didn’t see any Jaguars, it was fun, just to hike the trail, float down the river and hike to the waterfall. David had an amazing story about his chicken and lunch was fabulous. Highly recommend the company. They were very responsive and great to work with.”

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2.Nairobi: National Park, Elephant Sanctuary, & Giraffe Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 10 reviews · 5 - 7 hours · from $35Best value

Start with an early game drive in Nairobi National Park, then visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre. An English-speaking driver-guide such as Watson, Peter, or Anthony handles hotel pickup, transport, and wildlife commentary. Lunch and entrance fees are extra, depending on your booking option.

“The day was very well organized; we were able to visit the national park, the Giraffe Centre, and the elephant sanctuary. We saw a huge number of animals ! Watson is amazing 👍🏼”

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3.Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $310Top rated

Join Paul in a private Mercedes ML350 for an 8-hour, flexible day south of Sydney. Choose coastal lookouts, Royal National Park walks, Wedding Cake Rock, Sea Cliff Bridge, lunch stops, beaches, and Symbio Wildlife Park, with entry included.

“We had an amazing tour with Paul. Royal National Park was superb, great hike to Wedding Cake Rock, gorgeous scenery. Beautiful beaches. Even saw a wild echidna digging for ants! Symbio wildlife park was also fun, interacting with kangarooRead more”

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4.Pilanesberg Nature Reserve & Safari Park Lion Private

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $205

Leave Johannesburg at 06:00 for a private, 10-hour wildlife day. Explore Pilanesberg National Park for four hours, then take a game drive at Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. A guide, round-trip transport, park fees, and lunch are included, though lunch arrangements should be confirmed.

“The driver was very nice and knew his way around very well. However, the promised services such as lunch and various stops during the tour were not kept. The driver apologized for this but nothing was done about it. After five hungry hours, we paid for lunch ourselves”

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5.Nairobi; National Park, Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe Center.

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 3 reviews · 8 hours · from $40

Start before 6 am with a Nairobi National Park game drive, then visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre. Your English-speaking guide handles transport and sanctuary reservations. Expect an $40 tour price plus separate park, elephant sanctuary, and giraffe fees.

“The whole trip was amazing. Titus was very helpful in guiding us through the park and taking us to the elephant orphanage and later Giraffe centre. Three exciting activities in one day was a great experience. He later dropped us back at our residence. We had an amazing time. Would highly recommend.”

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6.Private Wildlife Encounter at Tarangire National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $300

Spend a full day traveling from Arusha to Tarangire National Park with a private guide, with Godson among the guides associated with this safari. Expect elephants, baobabs, lions, giraffes, hippos, birds, a picnic lunch, and an afternoon game drive before returning to Arusha.

“I cannot convey how incredible this tour was! We spent 3 days in Tarangire National Park and took THOUSANDS of photos. Godson was an amazing guide, knowing just where and when to take us to specific locations. He was also extreRead more”

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