10 Most Largest National Parks in the World (1)
National Parks serve as sanctuaries for nature, protecting breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. They offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration, adventure, and scientific discovery.
Today, we embark on a journey across the globe to explore the 10 largest national parks in the world, each boasting its own brand of awe-inspiring beauty.
1. Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland (972,000 sq. km)
Taking the crown for the world's largest national park is Northeast Greenland National Park. Encompassing nearly a third of Greenland's landmass, this unforgiving yet majestic wilderness is the world's most extensive protected area. Here, towering glaciers carve through the landscape, meeting the icy expanse of the Arctic Ocean. Polar bears, musk oxen, and arctic foxes roam amidst a stark yet captivating beauty.
Due to its remoteness and extreme conditions, the park is only accessible by research permits or chartered expeditions.
2. Kavir National Park, Iran (89,286 sq. km)
Stepping away from the Arctic chill, we find ourselves in Iran's Kavir National Park. This vast desert landscape, the second-largest national park globally, is a captivating display of sand dunes, salt flats, and rocky outcrops. Nicknamed the "Great Salt Desert," Kavir boasts unique geological formations and a surprising diversity of life adapted to the harsh environment.
Endangered Asiatic cheetahs and wild sheep roam the plains, while migrating birds find refuge in the oasis ecosystems.
3. Quttinirpaaq National Park, Canada (37,775 sq. km)
Canada lays claim to the third-largest national park on Earth, Quttinirpaaq National Park, located on the northernmost tip of Ellesmere Island. This high Arctic expanse features towering peaks, glaciers, and vast ice fields. Musk oxen graze the tundra, while polar bears hunt along the coastline.
The park boasts an otherworldly beauty, with long summer days transitioning into the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis during the winter. Due to its remoteness, access is limited to research expeditions and experienced polar adventurers.
4. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia (49,768 sq. km)
Africa makes its first appearance on our list with Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park. This diverse park encompasses the world's oldest desert, the Namib, alongside dramatic mountain ranges and deep canyons. The park is famous for its iconic red sand dunes, particularly Sossusvlei, which rise from the desert floor like giants.
A variety of wildlife has adapted to the arid conditions, including oryx, springboks, and even black rhinos. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by 4x4, or even by hot air balloon for a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Wrangle-St. Elias National Park and Kluane National Park and Reserve, Canada & United States (53,433 sq. km (combined))
North America takes center stage again with a combined entry – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in the United States and Kluane National Park and Reserve in Canada. Together, they form the largest protected international wilderness area on Earth. This majestic region boasts towering mountains, including Mount Elias, the second-highest peak in North America.
Glaciers carve their way through the landscape, feeding vast icefields and creating a dramatic backdrop for abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore this wilderness on foot, by kayak, or by plane for breathtaking aerial views.
6. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana (52,800 sq. km)
Venturing deeper into Africa, we encounter the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. This vast expanse of desert and grasslands is home to one of the world's largest remaining wildebeest migrations. Lions, cheetahs, and elephants also roam the reserve, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Kalahari boasts a unique beauty, with towering dunes and fossilized landscapes whispering tales of a bygone era. Camps and lodges offer comfortable access to this untamed wilderness.
7. Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada (44,807 sq. km)
Canada makes a third appearance on our list with Wood Buffalo National Park, the largest national park south of the Arctic Circle in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the world's largest free-roaming herd of wood bison and protects a vast peace of the boreal forest.
The park also encompasses the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, providing critical habitat for millions of migratory birds. Visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystems by boat, on foot, or on guided tours.
