Top 10 National Parks in the World (2026)

What is the world's oldest national park? Yellowstone, established in 1872, is recognized as the world's first national park and the model that inspired over 100 countries to establish their own protected areas.

Which national park is best for a first wildlife safari? Kruger National Park in South Africa is the most accessible Big Five destination, with self-drive roads, abundant lodge accommodation, and year-round game viewing that suits first-time safari visitors.

When is the best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti? The peak river-crossing spectacle occurs from July to October, when over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River between Tanzania and Kenya.

Do you need a permit to visit Galapagos National Park? Yes. All visitors must pay a national park entrance fee (currently USD 200 for most international visitors) and travel with an INGALA transit card issued on arrival in the Galapagos Islands.

How were these parks selected? Each park was evaluated on five criteria: ecological significance (biodiversity and endemism), visual drama, protected-area size, visitor accessibility, and recognition by authoritative bodies. Rankings draw on data from the [IUCN Protected Planet database](https://www.protectedplanet.net/) and [UNESCO World Heritage listings](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/).

Are these parks UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Yes — Yellowstone, Serengeti, Fiordland (Te Wahipounamu), Jiuzhaigou, Galapagos, and Sagarmatha all hold UNESCO World Heritage status, confirming their outstanding universal value.

Which national park is the largest in the world? Northeast Greenland National Park (972,000 sq km) is the largest by area, but this list prioritises ecological diversity, wildlife impact, and visitor experience over raw size.

What is the best time to visit the Serengeti? The Great Wildebeest Migration peaks between June and October when herds cross the Mara River — but the Serengeti offers exceptional Big Five sightings year-round.