National Parks are a fantastic place to enjoy a few days of gentle exploring, but those of you who like to turn it up a notch will be interested in following.
The most inaccessible National Parks
If you’re a fan of venturing into the unknown depths of our planet, miles from a warm bed or even a pot noodle, scouring the most remote corners reachable by man, this article is probably for you.
For various reasons, the following are considered the most inaccessible National Parks in the world – willing to prove me wrong? Well, here’s the low down on each example to prepare you for a step into the wild.
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Lying from the Virunga Mountains to the Rwenzori Mountains in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga National park spreads across 3,000 square miles of land. The park covers the western shores of Lake Edward and also characterize by marshland, grassland, and plains. Virunga is known for its diversity, featuring more bird, reptile, and mammal species than any protected area on the African continent. Most famous is its endangered mountain gorilla population; however, poaching and consequences stemming from the Congo Civil War have significantly decreased the numbers, while militant rebels have even used the park itself as a base.
Manu National Park, Peru
It takes two days to reach Manu National Park from Cusco, driving along dirt roads and sailing down the Manu River, making the journey as eventful as the park itself. Less adventurous travelers can take a 30-minute flight and join a six-hour boat, but if you call yourself an explorer, would you take that option? There are more than 20,000 species of flora, and 40% of the park consists of Amazonian lowlands. The park has many ecological zones, ranging from 150 meters above sea level to an altitude of 4,200 meters.
Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland
This national park is the largest globally, yet strangely enough, one of the least visited. Travelers have to gain a permit to visit the park and only do so on organized expedition cruises between July and September. Incredibly the park is more prominent than 163 countries, covering the entire north-eastern coastline of Greenland.
The park is home to an estimated 15,000 musk ox joined by polar bears, walrus, and arctic foxes. A large portion of the park consists of the Greenland Ice Sheet; however, there are also large ice-free areas along the coast.
Kismayu National Park, Somalia
Ongoing violence, kidnappings, piracy, and bombs in tourist and ex-pat areas means the U.K. Foreign Office advises against all British travel to Somalia. These restrictions make Kismayu National Park all but inaccessible. However, if you’re James Bond and you’ve just beaten up some baddies in Somalia, and you have a few days to kill, this is what you can experience at Kismayu. The park in the southwest of the country has many standard and some rare East African species. Besides, many hiking opportunities are on offer to trek enthusiasts, providing you the chance to observe some of the park’s sparse vegetation.
Dry Tortugas National Park, USA
The seven tiny islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park lie 70 miles away from Key West, Florida. They are only accessible by seaplane or ferry; these charter by numerous tour companies in and around Florida. The islands themselves are primarily made up of coral reefs and sand surrounded by shoals and water. The most famous is perhaps Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts ever built. The islands have a sparkling array of bird and marine life while also possessing famous pirates and sunken gold tales.
Nanda Devi National Park, India
Set in the mountainous region of Uttarakhand in Northern India, the Nanda Devi National park contains no fewer than 24 peaks standing over 6,000 meters tall. The park encompasses the Nandi Devi Sanctuary, a glacial basin surrounded by a ring of towering mountains. The entire park itself stands 3,500 meters above sea level, making it a challenging trek.
Arctic National Park, Alaska
This park is contained entirely within the Arctic Circle, and with no marked trails to support you, visitors must be completely self-sufficient. Entry into the park restricts only four ‘jump-off points, communities that can only reach by air. The park contains portions of the Brooks Mountain Range and rolling valleys of tundra. Species living in the park include moose, grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves, while six rivers flow through the landscape.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Borneo
This self-contained ecosystem is so impenetrable it wasn’t even exploring until the 1980s. All visitors to the park must apply for a Sabah Foundation permit before they can set foot inside.
The access to the park is determined a five-hour drive away from the nearest town. The park itself is based around the Maliau River and contains numerous stunning waterfalls.
The sense of adventure is rife within these parks, but it is crucial to always pre-plan and take utmost care while exploring the forgotten and sometimes hidden corners of our planet.
Happy travels!