Unforgettable Trips for Exploring National Parks

Rhinos in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Rhinos in Chitwan National Park, Nepal | © Lana Bobkova / Alamy Stock Photo
Nick Dauk

Senior Travel Writer

Travel is a walk in the park, literally, with these tours through the world’s wondrous national parks.

A national park is a place worthy of distinction, as well as your next holiday. They’re so much more than protected green spaces, often harbouring the soul of a country as it was before civilisation rose. Iconic landscapes, crafted by Mother Nature long ago, are masterpieces framed by the park boundaries. The wild beasts that roam these lands know all too well the beauty and bounty of the earth – and with these top trips for exploring national parks, you can too.

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The Fifth Season hut near Chaukhi Mountain, Juta, Georgia

Georgia and the Caucasus

You won’t find big crowds in Georgia’s national parks – this spectacular country still flies under the radar for most travellers. But those who do visit are blown away by the majestic mountain scenery here. Our nine-day trip includes a hike in Lagodekhi National Park, where you’ll see the country’s natural beauty up close on a five-hour trek. Next, you’ll head into the Caucasus mountains for unbeatable views around Stepantsminda. After all that hiking, finish with a well-deserved soak in the sulphur baths in Tbilisi.

From US$1199

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

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ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Two long suspension bridges stand over a rushing river between forested, rocky hills in Tsitsikamma National Park

Splendid South Africa

Tsitsikamma National Park is the gem of South Africa’s much-loved Garden Route. Lined along the Western Cape coast, this national park blends rugged coastline and rich marine life with the luscious greenery of forest and Fynbos. You’ll get the chance to explore a range of verdant hiking trails as you watch the Indian Ocean crash against the park’s boundaries. We’ll cross the suspension bridge that spans the mouth of Storms River, discovering little coves and secret beaches en route to Bloukrans Bridge. Adrenaline junkies may recognise this as the world’s tallest bungee jump bridge. Depending on your propensity for heights you can do the jump yourself, opt for the slightly more serene skywalk or simply enjoy the view from solid ground – we won’t judge you either way.

From US$2899

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

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ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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A land iguana sitting in the shrubby ground on North Seymour in the Galápagos, with a group of travellers in the background

Go Wild in the Galapagos

This whole trip takes place on one big national park, since almost all of this famous archipelago is protected, as well as being a Unesco World Heritage site. It’s no wonder when you consider the wide array of extremely exotic wildlife that calls these islands home – from giant tortoises to endemic iguanas, penguins and a wide variety of bird and marine life. Our five-day trip is one big exploration of this biological playground, including a hike along lava trails spotting San Cristóbal’s rarest birds, a swim with sea lions at Punta Carola Beach, and a snorkel session with the penguins off the coast of Bartolome. You’ll even get to camp alongside giant tortoises in safari-style tents on the highlands of Santa Cruz.

From US$2499

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

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ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Additional reporting was contributed by Siobhan Grogan, Gethin Morgan and Maja Proescholdt.

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