The world’s most compelling national parks for unforgettable wildlife encounters

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is one of Africa’s most established protected areas and is notable for its vast savanna ecosystems and continuous wildlife populations. It supports the largest remaining terrestrial mammal migration on Earth: annually more than 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move across the plains. Big cats such as lions are also present in substantial numbers, alongside cheetahs and spotted hyenas. The concentration of megafauna is linked to seasonal grass availability and water, making the national park a focal point of classic East African safari itineraries.

Yellowstone was designated the world’s first national park and remains a benchmark for protected landscapes in North America. Its varied terrain and hydrothermal systems sit amid wide plains that host nearly 60 species of mammals, including bison, elk, wolves, black bears and grizzly bears. The park’s Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are widely cited as reliable places for observing large mammals with minimal interference from development.

Kakadu in Australia’s Northern Territory combines wetlands, woodlands and escarpments with abundant wildlife. More than 280 bird species and roughly 60 mammals have been recorded, and saltwater crocodiles occupy riverine and estuarine zones. The park’s expanse of habitats translates into seasonal shifts in animal visibility and behaviour rather than predictable concentrations, which appeals to those who accommodate variable conditions in their wildlife expectations.

Situated on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is frequently highlighted for its biodiversity within Central America. It encompasses lowland tropical rainforest and wetland zones that support more than 300 bird species alongside large terrestrial mammals including jaguars, tapirs and four species of monkeys. Its mosaic of ecosystems contributes to a high species count per unit area compared with many other protected sites. 

Komodo National Park, located in eastern Indonesia, spans three major islands—Komodo, Rinca and Padar—alongside numerous smaller islets, covering approximately 1,733 square kilometres of terrestrial and marine habitats. The park is best known for its population of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizard species, which can reach lengths of up to three metres. These apex predators are found primarily on Komodo and Rinca, with their behaviour and distribution shaped by prey availability and habitat type.

The park’s marine zones are equally significant, forming part of the Coral Triangle. Extensive coral reefs support a high diversity of marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, dugongs and hundreds of tropical fish species. The combination of terrestrial and marine biodiversity has earned the park Unesco World Heritage status.

Taman Negara, located in central Peninsular Malaysia, protects roughly 4,343 square kilometres of one of the oldest tropical rainforests on the Asian mainland, estimated at over 130 million years old. The park’s primary forest provides habitat for a wide range of mammals, including Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, tapirs, clouded leopards and sun bears. Its dense canopy, river systems and understory support numerous bird species, reptiles, amphibians and insects, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Wildlife observation in Taman Negara is facilitated by a network of canopy walkways, river cruises and guided forest treks, allowing visitors to experience species at multiple ecological levels. The park also features limestone caves, waterfalls and peat swamp areas, each supporting distinct ecological communities. Seasonal patterns influence animal activity: early mornings and evenings often provide the best opportunities to observe mammals and birds, while nocturnal tours offer glimpses of night-active species. Taman Negara’s combination of ancient forest, varied habitats and structured visitor access makes it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts in Southeast Asia.

Yala National Park, in Sri Lanka’s southeast, is the country’s most visited park and widely recognised for its high density of leopards, making it a prime destination for those hoping to see these elusive predators in daylight. Covering roughly 979 square kilometres, the park features a mosaic of dry scrubland, grasslands, wetlands and lagoons, supporting a wide variety of wildlife beyond leopards. Elephants are commonly seen traversing the open plains, while sloth bears, water buffalo, crocodiles and wild boar inhabit forested and wetland areas. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 species, including resident and migratory birds, with wetlands attracting waterfowl and shorebirds.

Visitor access is managed through regulated safari routes, often with early morning or late afternoon game drives that increase the likelihood of sightings while minimizing disturbance. Seasonal variations influence wildlife visibility: the dry months between February and July concentrate animals around water sources, improving chances of encounters. Yala also holds archaeological sites and coastal areas within its boundaries, adding cultural and scenic dimensions to the wildlife experience. The park’s combination of large predators, diverse habitats and accessible viewing infrastructure makes it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s national parks network and a must-visit for serious wildlife enthusiasts.

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