Top Ten National Parks & Reserves (Snippet)

Our theme for the Summer 2011 edition of The Chameleon is national parks and reserves. It’s difficult to overstate their value because they conserve while also allowing us to experience our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems. Here are our top ten:

01 Corcovado, Costa Rica

Exotic and lush, this National Park is home to thirteen major ecosystems that range from mangrove swamps and jolillo palm groves to montane forests, lagoons, beaches, freshwater herbaceous swamps and primary lowland rainforests. Habitat of the rare harbor squirrel monkey and the harpy eagle, Corcovado National Park is a great place to spot the poison arrow frog, indigenous wild cats, crocodiles, pumas and jaguars and sea turtles.
Our best trip is: Costa Rican Odyssey (self drive)
When: Daily, year round
How much: from £1,845

Other: See all our holidays to Costa Rica

02 Kanha, India

Despite the dispute over whether Khana or neighbouring Pench was Kipling’s inspiration for The Jungle Book, Khana National Park remains the natural habitat of the Royal Bengal tiger. This plateau of open grasslands offers superb tiger viewing opportunities and is part of India’s Project Tiger conservation effort. Khana has also protected the swamp deer from near extinction.
Our best trip is: Tiger Tiger - India Safari Holiday
When: Daily, November to May
How much: from £2,795

03 Galapagos Islands

This volcanic archipelago straddling the equator forms both an Ecuadorian national park and biological marine reserve. UNESCO considers it to be one of the most unique, scientifically important and biologically outstanding areas on earth and it remains home to numerous endemic species crucial to the development of Darwin’s theory of natural selection. View giant tortoises and iguanas among others.
Our best trip is: Amazon & The Galapagos
When: Fortnightly year round
How much: from £4,195

04 Danum Valley, Borneo

Danum Valley is a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah’s unique flora and fauna. The virgin forest has been recognised as one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. The Danum Valley provides visitors with an ecological experience in the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes.
Our best trip is: Best of Borneo Wildlife
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £3,825

05 Serengeti, Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site deserving of every accolade that comes its way, the Serengeti is the place to witness the extraordinary seasonal migration of the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. At other times the plains quieten but wildlife viewing doesn’t diminish, with buffalo, giraffe, elephant, eland, impala and the mighty lion, leopard and cheetah all to
be seen.
Our best trip is: Tanzanian Adventure Safari
When: Group tours, Saturdays, May–Aug
How much: from £1,895

06 Martinselkonen, Finland

While technically not a national park or reseve, this park is a marvellous spot to see brown bears. The Finnish wilderness is peppered with small lakes, and the swamps and their birdlife benefit from the habitat having been protected. Bear-viewing takes place in nearby hides where you stay while watching and waiting for bears. An excellent wildlife experience, especially if you’re short on time.
Our best trip is: Brown bears in Finland
When: Daily, May to mid-August
How much: from £895

07 Masai Mara, Kenya

Kenya’s Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, East Africa’s 3500-mile long fault line, with expansive savannah and big skies. Home to countless wildlife and the Masai people, this beautiful reserve is the favourite of many. After all, little can beat a dawn balloon flight over an awakening Mara. Wildlife over a long weekend; what could be better?
Our best trip is: Kenya Highlights Safari
When: Group tours, Saturdays, Jan–Oct
How much: from £1,735

08 Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is the world’s largest seasonal wetland, flooded by the Paraguay River which eventually empties into the Atlantic via the River Plate estuary. This breathtaking wetland
can be discovered by boat or on horseback – the choice is yours.
Jaguar, howler monkeys, giant river otter, giant armadillos, anacondas and caiman are all here to be seen. A premier wildlife destination.
Our best trip is: Brazil’s Natural Highlights
When: Saturday (set dates)
How much: from £3,425

09 Yala, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans venerate their elephants. Yala National Park in the south–east offers regular sightings and is also one of the world’s best places to see leopards, either at early morning or at dusk. Storks, pelicans and sea birds including the lesser flamingo reside in the park’s numerous lagoons, as do many of the island’s crocodiles. Beautiful beaches are close by.
Our best trip is: Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Highlights
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £1,695

10 Chobe, Botswana

Not much can beat a slow river trip along the Chobe River for close-up views of families of elephants washing and drinking, mothers with calves at their side and bulls sometimes fighting over supremacy. Hippos wallow together in extraordinarily large numbers and crocodiles bask in the sun. The birdlife is unbelievably colourful. A must-do trip.

Our best trip is: Botswana Adventure
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £2,925