Running wild: our top 10 national parks and reserves

Indian subcontinent

Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Believed to be the cradle of the striking white tiger – though spotting one nowadays is unlikely, stumbling across mysterious statues and the ancient 2,000-year-old fort isn’t off the cards.

Kanha National Park, India

Blessed with rich flora and stunning sunsets, this national park isn’t all just good looks. It’s a stronghold for the endangered barasingha deer and home to the native Baiga tribe.

Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore has come full circle with its wildlife. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja, it now takes the crown when it comes to tiger spotting in Rajasthan.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Wildlife thrives in Yala’s diverse habitats, not only earning it the credit of being a must-visit spot for  all nature lovers, but also of being the leopard capital of Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

The biggest and oldest of the country’s national parks, Wilpattu translates to ‘land of the lakes’, taking its name from the myriad of watering holes (Villus) that sustain its wildlife.

Africa

Tswalu Kalahari Private Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

Surrounded by endless rolling dunes and red Kalahari sands, South Africa’s largest private game reserve embodies exclusivity, with a maximum of only 10 vehicles permitted out at one time.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya

On the fringes of the Maasai Mara, this area is a conservation success story, being brought back from overgrazing to become an invaluable environment for both wildlife and local tribes.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The ‘Valley of the Leopards’ may be modest in size, but that just makes for more encounters. Regarded as the birthplace of walking safaris, be sure to pack comfy footwear.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Below these misty peaks live around half of the world’s mountain gorillas, alongside the likes of golden monkeys and forest elephants. It’s also the final resting place of primatologist Dian Fossey.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

The beating heart of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is at its peak when the seasonal floods hit. Vast and varied, smaller concessions make exploring this UNESCO site a more private experience.