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The outdoors adventure of a lifetime, South Africa awaits! Before you know it you’ll be saying “Lekker Bro” with the best of them as you traverse the wild, wonderful, and endlessly interesting natural landscapes on offer, filled to the brim with animals you’ve only ever seen at the zoo! In less time than it takes to cook a Bri, let’s dive into the rich, varied national parks in South Africa on offer and what you can discover at each of them.
How many national parks are there in South Africa?
At the time of writing, there are a total of 19 national parks in South Africa, all managed by SANparks (South African National Parks). At over 1.2 million square kilometres, South Africa is massive. Larger in fact, than France, Germany and Italy combined. It should come as no surprise then that this land is incredibly diverse, spanning the Atlantic and Indian oceans, containing mountains, lakes, deserts, even forests! How could you possibly see it all?
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Which national park is the best in South Africa?
That’s like choosing a favourite child, favourite cuisine, or favourite movie. You can name it, but that doesn’t mean you don’t love the others too, albeit not quite as much. So naming the best South African National Park is virtually impossible. There’s what’s best for you and what’s best for me. I might like the oceans, mountains and wildlife of the south, while you yearn for the hot arid plains of the north.
Choose whatever is going to tick off more bucket list items for YOU. I met a woman in the Philippines who just about filled up her snorkel mask with tears from swimming with turtles, meanwhile there was a guy who stayed on the boat because he couldn’t be bothered. There’s no right answer, although that guy probably should have looked at travelling somewhere else.
Why is Kruger National Park so famous?
The poster child of South African national parks, Kruger is a one stop shop (albeit a vast one) for everything you could ever hope Africa to be. At almost 2 million hectares, this is a haven for the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and likely your best chance at spotting all of them and many more. With campsites and lodges scattered throughout the park, you can also pitch a tent under the stars and be lulled to sleep by the sound of black-backed jackals sniffing around outside your door, with little more than a millimetre of fabric between you. Just kidding, I’m sure they have safety measures in place… do your research though. Otherwise, you’re guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience!
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National parks in the north
Whether you’re here for hikes, game drives, or the critically endangered black rhino, you can’t go wrong with South Africa’s wild and rugged northern parks. Here you observe the beauty and fragility of earth’s ecosystems en masse, and gain an appreciation for protecting what we have.
Kruger
Northern South Africa is home to the aforementioned Kruger National Park, not far from the border to Mozambique. As SA’s largest and most biodiverse park, this is a good one to keep near the top of your list.
Marakele
Further inland lies Marakele, a verdant oasis nestled amongst mountains, lakes, and rivers, with a cooler climate than its more arid counterparts. It too contains the Big 5, but additionally is known as an avian paradise, with a large enclave of cape vultures in residence.
Kgalagadi
Skirting the borders of both Botswana and South Africa, and being the national park of the Kalahari desert, this national park is the undeniable bad boy of the family. A vast, expansive plain teeming with springbok, gazelle, wildebeest, as well as all the predators that follow. This national park is not for the faint of heart, but despite its thorny exterior, it will also reward you in spades, with unparalleled opportunities to witness migrating herds and the fabled black-maned lion.
Golden Gate Highlands
Right on the cusp of neighbouring Lesotho, Golden Gate is a small (by SA standards) but wonderful oasis in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains where you can hike or horse trek to your heart’s content. No slacker on the wildlife front either, think red hartebeest and springboks roaming the hills whilst vultures soar overhead. Also it’s dusk and the last light of day paints the mountains gold and ochre, and you’re probably sipping a beer from the porch of your yurt. Stunning.
National parks in the south
Rugged, changeable, challenging, but undeniably beautiful. The coastlines of SA’s south are more than worth the reward! Here you can still find the Big 5, biodiversity in spades, and more expansive horizons than you’ll know what to do with!
Namaqua
Fields of flowers in the spring, untouched coastline as far as the eye can see, mountain biking trails, and more succulents than on your friend’s windowsill back home. Namaqua National Park is situated on the west coast of South Africa, a stone’s throw from Namibia to the North and Cape Town to the (very) distant south. Come here for serenity, seclusion, and the fresh smell of salt in the air.
Addo Elephant
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that there are elephants to be found here. And not just elephants, the BIG FIVE. But wait, there’s more to this coastal paradise. Here you can also spot the southern right whale and great white shark!! (in the water of course). Gqeberha, also known as Port Elizabeth, is the big city around these parts, and your best starting point before heading out to play mermaids with the whales and dolphins. Addo Elephant National Park is not only one of the best parks, but one of the best places to visit in South Africa, hands down.
Table Mountain
A quick jaunt from Cape Town will land you in Table Mountain National Park, a world heritage site filled to the brim with delectable mountain ranges and teeming with plant life. On a botanical note, this park is also part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and deemed to have universal significance to humanity, making it a natural world heritage site. So not only beautiful, but important too! Double whammy. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also visit Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope, a known landmark for sailors since they figured out how to nail planks of wood into something that could float.
Exploring the national parks is easily one of the most iconic, memorable, and worthy uses of your time in South Africa. Wide open space, fresh air, and big animals that can do some serious damage. What’s not to love? If you’re wondering where to start logistically, give up and book a South African adventure with Contiki! Let the stress melt away as you passenger princess your way across the cradle of mankind.
