South Africa’s national parks offer a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife on the continent. Explore the famous Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam freely, or venture into lesser-known gems like Addo Elephant National Park or the diverse ecosystems of Tsitsikamma. Whether you're driving through vast savannahs, hiking along rugged coastlines, or watching a stunning sunset over the bush, South Africa’s national parks promise unforgettable encounters with nature. Dive into our guide to discover the best parks and start planning your adventure.
Northern parks There are only a few national parks that fit the size of a country, but Kruger National Park is one of them. To give you a visual, with 20,000 square kilometres, it is the same size as Israel and half the size of the Netherlands! It’s the largest national park within the borders of South […]
Eastern parks The Zulu Kingdom, King Shaka, white rhinos, wild dogs and a name that is almost impossible to pronounce – this is the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. With all of the Big Five present, its rhino conservation program, varied landscapes, 86 mammal species and hundreds of bird species, this park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal is one […]
Eastern parks Planning a road trip along South Africa’s famous Garden Route? Then, by all means, don’t miss out on Addo Elephant National Park! Located near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) this is the country’s third-largest game reserve. It offers not only huge herds of elephants, but also the unique opportunity to see the Big Seven. Yes, you […]
Eastern parks Tucked in the Maluti Mountains’ foothills in the Free State province, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is like nature’s golden masterpiece, offering scenic hikes and game drives among golden sandstone cliffs and endless reddish grasslands, that get covered in a golden glow at sunset…(hence the name!) Located in between Durban and Bloemfontein, the park stretches […]
Northern parks When you think of South Africa, you probably don’t imagine dry desert-like landscapes, right? Well, a part of this country has endless dunes, red-hot sand, chilly nights, and afternoons so hot you could cook an egg on the sand! And where exactly is this? The Kalahari Desert – home to the epic Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. […]
Northern parks As one of South Africa’s youngest and smallest national parks, Marakele invites you on an exciting adventure off the beaten path! Here, you can enjoy scenic game drives through the stunning Waterberg Mountains, spot the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape vultures, and keep an eye out for the elusive Big Five. Sure, spotting wildlife […]
Western parks The Karoo National Park is 750 square kilometres of pure, rugged charm, located in the southwestern part of the country within the semi-desert of a massive dry land called the Great Karoo. The jaw-dropping geology is what steals the show here – with ancient rock formations and sweeping plains, it feels like you stepped into […]
Northern parks Just a stone’s throw from South Africa’s northern border, where Botswana and Zimbabwe shake hands, you’ll find Mapungubwe National Park. Imagine stunning sandstone cliffs, lush mopane forests, giant baobabs, and ancient floodplains mixed with cool river forests – it’s like nature’s own movie set, but one that bears the signs of human habitation over the […]
Southern parks Tsitsikamma is nature’s ultimate adventure park, where the thrills don’t come from spotting lions, but from conquering epic hikes, plunging into waterfalls, and taking on exhilarating outdoor activities. Here, the rugged coastline and ancient forests steal the spotlight, rolling out a green carpet of Fynbos that leads you straight to the sea. It’s 80 kilometres […]
Southern parks Right where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic, you’ll find a land full of flowers and an ocean full of… (spooky music in the background) shipwrecks! This is Agulhas National Park, located on the southernmost Tip of Africa. This remarkable park lies 200 kilometres southeast of Cape Town and encompasses a protected area of over […]
Northern parks Get ready to feel the roar! At Augrabies Falls, nature’s thunder rivals any concert… with water plunging a whopping 90 metres down into an 18-kilometre gorge. About 120 km west of Upington in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the Augrabies Falls National Park park is nestled along the mighty Orange River. As you might have […]
Southern parks Exciting outdoor activities on golden beaches, turquoise stretches of warm water, cool picnic spots near scenic rock pools, vibrant wildflower fields, and majestic whales… does this sound like a dream? Spot on! The West Coast National Park spreads over 360 square kilometres with the Atlantic Ocean as its western boundary over a length of 30 […]
Other parks and places Tshwane (former Pretoria) is a bustling multicultural city with clean paved streets, skyscrapers, and lots of history on offer. Its many historic landmarks make this city a must-visit for anyone looking to know more about South Africa’s complex past. From colonial times through the fight against apartheid, city tours and museums show it all. But […]
Southern parks From penguins and dolphins to dassies, baboons, and mountain zebras – Table Mountain National Park offers an entirely different take on the traditional safari. Forget the Big Five and the vast savannah; here, you’ll discover an array of small mammals and ocean creatures (including the Marine Big Five!). Adventure has never been more accessible, with […]
Eastern parks Ready to uncover a hidden gem? Your next adventure spot is Mountain Zebra National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape! Established in 1937 to rescue the endangered Cape mountain zebra, this park now sprawls over 28,000 hectares and is home to about 300 zebras. The zebras are truly unique with their narrow stripes and distinctive […]
