interNATIONAL PARKtours - Group Walking Tours to National Parks and Natural places in Australia and Overseas. Enjoy walking tours and holidays with experienced andknowledgeable guides.

The Iberá wetlands, teeming with wildlife; abandoned 17^th century Jesuit missions; the surprising Moconá Falls and the majesty and power of Iguazú Falls – these are the delights of North East Argentina.

Twice the size of the Florida Everglades, the rich ecosystem of Esteros del Iberá wetlands was declared a reserve in 1983. From the working ranch of San Juan Poriahu, we explore the area on foot and by boat. This is home to over 300 bird species, turtles, caiman crocodile, monkeys, swamp dear and capybaras (the largest rodent in the world). To the east we visit the jungle covered remains of a Jesuit missions featured in the powerful film, The Mission. 

Near the town of El Soberio, we cruise on the Uruguay River to Moconá Falls. Located on a seismic fault, these unique falls are up to three kilometres wide but only 5-20m deep. In contrast, Iguazú is a tremendous complex of over 250 waterfalls stretching in a 2.5km horseshoe shape between Argentina and Brazil. The Iguazú National Park contains 2000 plant species and 400 bird species, including toucans.

This tour includes return flights from Buenos Aires and can be linked to Atacama & North West Argentina and the Patagonian Journey.

Evolving in isolation for 165 million years, Madagascar has some of the world's most unique flora and fauna including lemurs, chameleons, orchids and towering baobab trees. Our journey begins in the bustling capital of Antananarivo. To the east, Andasibe is our base for excursions into the lowland and mid-altitude rainforest of Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park. We enjoy night and morning walks to spot lemurs, eastern ring-tailed mongoose, frogs and chameleons. 

Travelling through terraced farmlands, we arrive in Antsirabe, a highland urban oasis surrounded by volcanic lakes. After lakeside walks and visits to artisan workshops, we continue to Ranomafana National Park. This montane rainforest is home to carnivorous pitcher plants, 12 species of lemur and chameleon and almost half of Madagascar’s bird species. For contrast, Andringitra National Park is a walker’s paradise with prairies and open grassland below lunar-like granite massifs.

After visiting the paper-making village of Ambalavao, we walk in the canyons and riparian rainforests of Ranohira Isalo National Park. To the south, forests of spiny ‘octopus’ trees contrast with avenues of baobabs. At Ifaty and Anakao, we snorkel on coral reefs and visit a nearby island protecting the red tailed tropic bird. Our final wildlife encounter is at Tsimanampesotse National Park before we return to the capital.

Our Japanese guide, Hiroko Kobayashi is thrilled to present her new tour to the northern Japanese island of Hokkaio in October 2011. This is Japan's most mountainous and untamed landscape. The centre of the island features the volcanic ranges of Daisetsuzan National Park where day walks are accessed by cable car. Lakeside and forest walks at Shikaribetsu and Akan contrast with coastal walks at the Shiretoko peninsula and Kiritappu wetlands. Seasonal food, Japanese baths (onsen) and the autumn fire festival of the Ainu people are other highlights.

Unaffected by the turbulent events further south on Honshu, this tour is guaranteed to depart and there are only 4 vacancies left. Visit the tour page to download the itinerary or make a reservation.

Experience the autumn colours, seasonal food and interesting walks on a new journey to Hokkaido’s mountains, lakes and peninsulas. Hiroko Kobayashi has designed this tour to the northernmost Japanese island at a special time of the year.

Your tour begins with a flight from Tokyo’s Haneda airport to Asahikawa on Hokkaido. After forest walks, you can soak in the tubs of Shirogane onsen, a Japanese hot spring resort above the Biei River.

In the centre of the island, the volcanic mountain ranges are protected by Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan. Cable cars allow access to moderate walks and autumn hues on Mt Asahi. Further south, enjoy the hidden treasures of Hagoromo Falls and Lake Shikaribetsu surrounded by white fir and spruce.

At Lake Akan, forest and mountain walks contrast with an Ainu fire festival and an afternoon cruise to view Marimo, rare algae that form into beautiful green balls. World Heritage listed Shiretoko Peninsula offers forest and lakeside walks, remote fishing villages and possible sightings of the rare Japanese Black Bear. Travelling via the Notsuke Peninsula, enjoy boardwalk strolls through the fascinating Kiritappu wetlands. Your tour ends with a flight back to Haneda from Kushiro airport.

Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara – discover East Africa’s iconic destinations.  From Dar es Salaam, we travel to the “Spice Island” of Zanzibar. Fringed by coral reefs, Zanzibar’s cultural heart is Stone Town, a labyrinth of grand 19^th century houses, mosques and bustling bazaars.

We journey to the Tanzanian national park of Arusha (home to 400 bird species). Nearby we take in the view of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro (5892m) and the vastness of the Ngorongoro Crater east of the massive Serengeti National Park. From Nairobi, Kenya we travel to the lands of the Masai Mara. The gently undulating grasslands ensure easy sightings of the abundant animal populations. We aim to witness the great migration of zebras, gazelles and wildebeest.

Passing through the tea plantation region of Sotik, we search for crocodiles and hippos on Lake Baringo. Nearby Lake Bogoria has Africa’s largest concentration of hot springs and geysers. From here we travel to Samburu National Reserve, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffe and zebra. Returning south, we walk in the foothills of Mt Kenya before the tour concludes in Nairobi. Alternatively you can join an optional 6 day extension to Bwindi National Park to see gorillas in the wild.

Stretching 1000km from southern Peru to northern Chile, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth. From the oasis of San Pedro, watch the colours change over bizarre formations in the Valleys of Mars and the Moon. To the south, the world's second largest salt flat, Salar de Atacama contrasts with a backdrop of snow-capped Andean volcanoes. Your first week concludes with sunrise at El Tatio geysers, baths in thermal hot springs and visits to small Altiplano villages, clifftop fortresses and petroglyphs.

Across the Andes in north west Argentina, the Diaguitas and Calchaquis people have long inhabited the desert regions. Trace ancient trade routes to the Humahuaca Valley, visit the Purmamarca handicrafts market and Pucara de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortress. After two nights in the quiet mountain village of Iruya we continue to Salta, rich in Spanish folklore, music and handcrafts.

South of Salta, we take several days to explore historical places such as Quilmes ruins and Cachi Anthropological museum. Walk in Las Conchas Gorge, the Red River Valley and search for cactus hummingbirds, guanacos and condors in Los Cardones National Park. This tour can be linked to the 8 day Iguazu and North East Argentina tour.

Our South American guide Daniel is returning with a handmade journey to his homeland of Patagonia. Be enchanted by mossy beech forests, misty peaks and conical volcanoes.  Venture into dreamlike landscapes where thundering waterfalls contrast with peaceful lakes and slow-moving glaciers.

From colourful and seductive Buenos Aires, we fly to San Carlos de Bariloche in the Lakes District of Argentina.  We walk below towering Mt Tronador in the stunning landscapes of Nahuel Huapi, the old national park in Argentina. During the famous lake and mountain crossing into Chile, two nights at Puerto Blest reveals lush jungle and forests of Alerce, a giant rare conifer known to live for 3,500 years.

To the mountains - Torres del Paine National Park with its soaring granite towers; Los Glaciares National Park with hikes to Perito Moreno glacier and the bases of Cerro Torre and Mt Fitzroy. Each of these areas offers excellent day walks and a chance to photograph the flora and fauna of these world-class parks. From the world’s most southerly city of Ushuaia, we explore Tierra del Fuego and the crystal-clear waters of the Beagle Channel before flying to the Valdez Peninsula, famous for its marine life. This tour can be preceded by the Iguazu and North East Argentina tour.

Explore two of Europe’s most beautiful jewels – the spectacular coastline and national parks of Croatia and the mountains, lakes and villages of Slovenia. Join IPT founder Tony Groom on a 3 week journey to two of his favourite European countries.

The World Heritage Listed city of Dubrovnik is the perfect meeting point. A short distance west, the island of Mljet is your base for two days. Enjoy the island’s quiet beaches, native forests and unique salt lakes. Back on the mainland, Split has the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and further north, Paklenica and Krka National Parks stretch from the Adriatic coast inland to deep canyons and spring-fed creeks. World Heritage listed Plitvice National Park has a network of boardwalks, serene aqua-coloured lakes and waterfalls.

Entering Slovenia, we enjoy meadow and pine forest walks in the serene valley of Logarska Dolina. From Lake Bohinj we explore glacial lakes and the limestone mountains of Triglav National Park. Our final walks explore the emerald-coloured river and gorges on the Soca Trail. The tour ends in the city of romance, Venice Italy.

The essence of the rainbow region of Northern NSW is an eclectic mix of interesting walks, creative country towns and a relaxed ambience at every turn. This six day tour explores the national parks around Mt Warning while based in one place - a mountain hideaway near the town of Uki.

Stretching along the western rim of the Tweed Caldera, the Border Ranges National Park is accessed via the Tweed Range Road and we enjoy a series of short walks near Brindle Creek.

Nearby, the Tweed Pinnacle lookout gives you a bird’s eye view of the Tweed Caldera, a 23 million year old shield volcano. On the southern side of the caldera, the Nightcap Ranges are a walker’s paradise and part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage area.

We walk sections of the Historic Nightcap Track which leads to hidden waterfalls, palm valleys, misty lookouts and lush rainforest. Part of the original trail was used by travelers and postal workers between the Richmond and Tweed in the late 1800s. Our last walk leads to a dramatic lookout over Minyon Falls.  Our journey ends with a visit to the local Uki market with time to explore the village.