Discover South Africa's Top 5 National Parks
Are you ready to explore South Africa’s most beautiful national parks? South Africa is home to some of the most amazing wildlife and scenery on earth. From the iconic mountain range of the Drakensberg to the awe-inspiring wildlife of Kruger National Park, our country is a cornucopia of natural wonders. Today, let’s delve into the top five national parks that should be on your South African bucket list.
1. Kruger National Park
Known as the 'King of African Parks', Kruger National Park is famous for its big five game and renowned Big Five safaris. Spanning from Limpopo in the north to Mpumalanga in the south, the 19,000 km² park is classed as one of the ultimate safari experiences. Kruger Park is home to over 500 bird species, 147 mammal species, 114 reptile species, 34 amphibian species and 336 tree species.
Experience the thrill of a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park – where a plethora of wildlife awaits.
2. Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park is located in the Western Cape, South Africa. This mountain range is particularly noteworthy for its remarkable elevation of up to 3,500 feet. The Table Mountain National Park is awash with many species of flora and fauna, with the flat top of the mountain offering breathtaking views of the nearby city of Cape Town. Here, you can visit the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and its five-mile contour path that winds along the slopes of the mountain top.
Table Mountain National Park is located in the Western Cape, South Africa. With its spectacular elevation and remarkable wildlife, it’s no wonder why this spot tops our list of must-visits in South Africa.
3. Addo Elephant National Park
Titled after the iconic Addo elephant, this park is home to the largest land-based mammal in the world. It covers almost 600,000 hectares of land and extends from the semi-arid plains of the interior to the lush, coastal habitation in the east. The park boasts a unique selection of wildlife, including the Big 5 and a variety of birdlife. Visitors can take part in guided game drives, nature trails, and bushwalks to get up close and personal with this exceptional wildlife.
Located in the Eastern Cape, the Addo Elephant National Park is the third biggest one in South Africa and a natural paradise for any traveller.
4. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Described as one of the premier African wildlife parks, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park sprawls over 37,500 km² and rests on the border of Botswana and South Africa. The park encompasses two distinct eco-systems on each side of the border with an array of wildlife including the Black and White Rhinos, Wild Dog, Cheetah and the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Other creatures that reside in the park include Migratory Birds, Ostrich and 250 species of Reptiles and 2,000 species of plants.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of Africa’s largest wildlife parks with an array of fascinating animals and birds inhabiting it.
5. Bontebok National Park
The Bontebok National Park is a 500 hectare oasis situated near the town of Swellendam in the Western Cape. The history of the Bontebok National Park dates back to 1931, when it was founded to protect the declining Bontebok population from their insistence on remaining in their traditional habitat. The Bontebok National Park is now home to many other species, including the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, elands, ostrich, baboons and various bird species. The juxtaposition of wetland, grassland and fynbos offers many different habitats for the various wildlife species.
Take a journey with us to the Bontebok National Park – a 500 hectare paradise which offers refuge to the Bontebok population, as well as a wide variety of other wildlife.
From game parks and mountain ranges to coastal natures reserves and grasslands, South Africa is awash with opportunities to embark on extraordinary adventures into nature. We may be small in comparison to other countries, but our vast diversity of landscapes can make any African dream come true. If you’re looking to embark on a truly incredible journey, there’s no better place to start than South Africa’s top five national parks.
Transporting your equipment and supplies to and from your national park adventure can often be the trickiest part of the planning process. That’s why QikTruck are here to help with their reliable and affordable on demand truck and driver hire services. Simply book your service in-app or online and let QikTruck take care of the rest.
From big five safaris to maritime adventures, get ready to make your wildest dreams come true with South Africa’s top five national parks.