Discover the Most Beautiful National Parks in South Africa
South Africa is a country brimming with natural wonders and deeply-rooted heritage. To fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of this incredible country, there is no better way than visiting some of the most beautiful national parks in South Africa.
From the sweeping landscapes of Kruger National Park to the vibrant marine life in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa is home to some of the most magnificent natural attractions in the world. Here, you can discover rare species of animals, explore thrilling landscapes, experience exhilarating adventures and enjoy picturesque views.
Kruger National Park: Explore the Big Five
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest protected nature area, home to an amazing array of wildlife. Located in the north of the country, it is the world’s most iconic wildlife reserve and a wildlife paradise. Spanning over 19,000 square kilometres, it is the ideal place to spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. Visitors to Kruger can also witness some of Africa’s other majestic wild animals such as giraffes, zebras and hippos.
Whether you want to go on thrilling game drives, go on walking safaris in the bush or observe wildlife from the comfort of your lodge, Kruger is home to unique wildlife experiences. Alongside its incredible game parks, it also boasts some of the world’s most diverse birdlife, with more than 500 species living in the park.
Table Mountain National Park: Home of the Fynbos
Table Mountain National Park encompasses some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world and is home to a unique and diverse ecosystem. A declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes the iconic Table Mountain, the Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. Visitors to the park can enjoy beautiful views over the city, take scenic coastal hikes, explore the pristine beaches and enjoy an array of fascinating flora and fauna.
The park is home to a rich and diverse floral kingdom, known as fynbos. This rare vegetation is only found in the Western Cape and contains around 9,000 different species of plants, some of which are endemic. Table Mountain National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rock hyraxes, lizards and tortoises.
Addo Elephant National Park: Home to Elephants
Another incredible national park in South Africa is the Addo Elephant National Park. Located approximately one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, it is home to 600 elephants, some of the country's densest populations of large mammals. Other animals that you can find here include buffalo, black rhino, hyena, the rare flightless dung beetle, jackal and a variety of antelope.
The park is known for its elephant trails, which follow the footsteps of these majestic creatures. You can also explore the dunes and wetlands, take guided game drives and see some of the amazing wildlife up close.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Uncover the Secrets of the Wild
A World Heritage Site located in KwaZulu-Natal, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an extensive coastal-lake-wetland system, spanning around 320 sq km. It consists of eight distinct ecosystems, from coral reefs to wetlands and subtropical dune forests. The waters of this park are teeming with marine life and the lake is home to a large number of water birds.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a conservation area offering unrivalled opportunities to explore the secrets of the wild. From guided tours to kayak and whale-watching safaris, it’s where you can come face-to-face with nature.
Augrabies National Park: Hike through a Unique Landscape
Situated in the heart of the Northern Cape, Augrabies National Park is home to the Augrabies Falls. Created by the Orange River, this captivating natural attraction is spread over an area of 800 sq kilometers. The park is filled with unique rock formations and soaring mountains, making it an ideal spot for adventurous hikers.
Alongside the spectacular falls, the park is home to a range of wildlife. Lions, hyenas, mongooses and porcupines can all be spotted here, along with a spectacular array of birds. Not to be missed are the rare river otters that also call Augrabies their home.
