If you’re dreaming of swapping busy cities or beach breaks for something wild and unforgettable, the world’s national parks are calling. From volcanic landscapes to glacier-carved valleys and coral reefs full of life, these protected spaces offer some of the planet’s most dramatic scenery.

They’re not just beautiful—they’re home to rare wildlife, ancient forests, and ecosystems found nowhere else. With social media making it easier than ever to share those jaw-dropping holiday photos, national parks are climbing the wish list for UK travellers. In fact, two-thirds of Brits say they travel to explore new places.

To help you plan your next long-haul adventure, we analysed nearly 80 of the world’s most famous national parks, focusing on Instagram and TikTok popularity. The result? A ranking of the most Instagrammable national parks to inspire your 2026 long haul holidays.

Why National Parks Are Trending for 2026

Almost 100 countries around the world have official national parks—spaces created to protect nature and promote sustainable travel. For UK travellers seeking adventure holidays, wildlife encounters, bucket list trips, and eco-friendly escapes, they tick every box.

With 39% of Brits wanting a holiday that’s active and adventurous, national parks are becoming the ultimate long haul travel inspiration.

So which ones are capturing the most attention online?

Let’s dive in.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Most Instagrammable National Park in the World

For travellers searching for holidays to the USA or Arizona road trips, the Grand Canyon is the ultimate showstopper. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this colossal canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep.

With 4.5 million Instagram hashtags and 208,200 TikTok posts, it tops the global list.

Visitors can watch sunrise from the South Rim, hike into the canyon, or even raft through its dramatic river gorge. Few places on Earth deliver a natural spectacle quite like this.

2. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

Volcano Views That Break the Internet

Sharing first place is Indonesia’s incredible Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park—an absolute dream for those planning holidays to Indonesia, Bali add-ons, or volcano adventures in Java.

This lunar-like landscape spans 800 square kilometres and is home to Mount Semeru, Indonesia’s tallest active volcano. Seeing it puff steam into the sky is unforgettable.

With 1.2 million Instagram hashtags and a huge 707,700 TikTok posts—the highest in the entire list—it’s one of the world’s most photogenic national parks.

Whether you want a sunrise viewpoint over its crater or a hike across its sandy caldera, Bromo is pure drama.

3. Banff National Park, Canada

A Canadian Rockies Icon

Banff National Park sits at the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is a favourite for those booking holidays to Canada, Rocky Mountains road trips, or winter adventure holidays.

With 3.4 million Instagram hashtags and 277,900 TikTok posts, Banff takes the runner-up spot globally.

Expect emerald lakes, wildflower meadows and alpine peaks in summer, plus skiing and snow festivals in winter. Don’t miss the unique sport of Skijoring during the annual SnowDays Festival in Banff and Lake Louise each January.

It’s a year-round escape offering postcard views at every turn.

4. Table Mountain National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s Most Instagrammable Park

Towering above Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park is the only African destination in the global top ten. Ideal for those planning South Africa holidays, Cape Town city breaks, or adventure travel in Africa.

With 1.3 million Instagram hashtags and 77,800 TikTok posts, its popularity is no surprise.

Take the cable car or hike to the top for sweeping city and ocean views. The mountain is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 8,000 plant species.

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa

The Classic Big Five Safari

Kruger is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations and a must-visit for travellers looking for South Africa safari holidays or luxury safari lodges.

With 1 million Instagram hashtags and 74,600 TikTok posts, Kruger remains an icon.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, it’s home to the Big Five, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles and 500+ bird species. The landscapes are just as mesmerising, from baobab-dotted plains to river forests.

6. Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

A Family-Friendly, Malaria-Free Safari

Just a short drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is perfect for travellers wanting an accessible safari without the need for malaria medication—ideal for family safari holidays, first-time safari travellers, and short-break wildlife trips.

With 100,000 Instagram hashtags and an impressive 165,200 TikTok posts, its appeal is clear.

The park offers 7,000+ animals (including the Big Five), over 200 km of wildlife roads and sits within the crater of an ancient volcano.

7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Home of the Great Migration

If you’re dreaming of Tanzania safari holidays or bucket list wildlife experiences, nothing beats the Serengeti.

With 1.1 million Instagram hashtags and 61,000 TikTok posts, it’s the world’s most picturesque safari destination.

The annual Great Migration—where millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains—is one of Earth’s greatest natural spectacles. Expect big cats, dramatic sunsets and endless savannah.

8. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Kenya’s Most Photogenic Safari Park

The Maasai Mara is a top pick for travellers booking Kenya safari holidays, luxury tented camps, and Great Migration tours.

With 683,000 Instagram hashtags and 35,200 TikTok posts, it remains one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Here, wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed, from lions and cheetahs to elephants and migrating herds during the Mara–Serengeti crossing season.

Ready to see these places for yourself?

If this has sparked ideas for your next adventure, we’re here to make the planning easy. At The Flights Guru, we specialise in long-haul holidays, tailor-made trips and great flight deals from the UK. Whether you want a national-park escape, a safari break or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, we’ll help you find the right price and the right itinerary.

Tell us where you want to go and we’ll do the hard work. Your next holiday is only a message away.