A visit to South Africa will leave your senses enraptured by its awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From snow-capped mountains to sub-tropical beaches and verdant forests to the arid Kalahari Desert, this region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness and get up close and personal with South Africa’s fascinating wildlife, when you discover the country’s greatest National Parks and Games Reserves.
We’ve rounded up a few of the best South African National Parks, each offering a unique perspective on the country’s diverse ecosystems – so you can expect everything from unforgettable wildlife encounters to tranquil havens ideal for hiking.
Here is the list of best national parks in South Africa
1. Kruger National Park
Crowned as the biggest National Park in South Africa covering over 19,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park (which was first established in 1926) is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.
It’s home to Africa’s most iconic species, including the Big 5 – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant – plus 136 other incredible mammals, scenic drives, bush walks, and abundant bird life. A myriad of roads also makes it one of the most accessible parks in SA, where visitors can embark on self-guided adventures or join insightful guided safari tours.
Accommodations range from basic camping sites to luxury lodges, providing the perfect base for extended stays and evenings spent under a blanket of stars.
When to visit: The park is open year-round, but May to September offers the best game viewing opportunities around watering holes.
2. ADDO Elephant National Park
This diverse wildlife conservation park nestled within the Eastern Cape of South Africa is a pretty special place to visit if you have a love of Elephants.
It was founded in 1931 to protect the area’s remaining 11 elephants. Today, over 600 of these beautiful creatures and other wildlife, including ‘Africa’s Big 7’ – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, whale, and great white shark – call the park home.
Stretching 1,640 square kilometers and seven vegetation zones, visitors to ADDO Elephant National Park can embark on exciting game drives, guided walks, horseback riding and beyond. Accommodation options include everything from campsites to self-catering cottages and luxury lodges, suitable for those who wish to stay in style or get the full al-fresco experience!
When to visit: The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to September when the weather is milder.
3. Table Mountain National Park
Previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, Table Mountain is one of the most famous National Parks located in Cape Town, South Africa.
Aptly named, due to the mountain’s iconic flat-topped surface, Table Mountain is the park’s key attraction and a popular challenge among hiking enthusiasts. Other places of interest across the 221-kilometer stretch include Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape of Good Hope, Boulder’s Beach – among a myriad of beautiful sands, rugged mountains, and ancient forest walks.
Part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, the park is a biodiversity hotspot full of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including Jackass Penguins, Cape Mountain Zebra, and the Chacma Baboon. So don’t forget your camera!
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months from November to February, when the weather is warm and clear.
4. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Want to absorb yourself in something breathtaking? The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, located in the Free State province of SA, covers approximately 340 square kilometers.
Established in 1963, the park is famous for its unique sandstone formations (in which its name derived from), wildlife, birdlife, and fossils. That’s right, 200-million years ago Jurassic dinosaurs roamed the plains of the eastern Free State and since, fossils have been found in the sedimentary rocks – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
The nearby town of Clarens offers art, restaurants, trout fishing, game driving and other fun experiences. Additionally, the Basotho Cultural Village located in the park offers an authentic experience of Basotho hospitality and traditions.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry months from May to September, during cooler and clearer weather.
5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
A vast wilderness elegantly straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is another of the best South Africa National Parks to visit.
Covering 38,000 square kilometers, the conservation park is a haven for lovers of big cats with lions, leopards, and cheetahs to observe as they roam across the stunning Kahahari landscape.
There are a variety of exciting activities to entertain you during your visit, from idyllic eco hiking trails to Hakskeenpan mountain biking, and the Auchterlonie Museum (or should we say small thatched cottage) where you can learn how the locals lived over 100 years ago.
The main camps are Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata, and Nossob, where you can bet on an almost-real experience of living in the wild.
When to visit: Visit between the months of May and September when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring. After the rains, you’ll spot a large number of animals near the watering holes.
6. Pilanesberg National Park
Nestled in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, the Pilanesberg National Park covers an area of 572 square kilometers and is one of the most accessible game reserves in SA.
Established in 1979, the park is open from 6am to 6:30pm daily and has a host of attractions for explorers of all ages. Bursting with wildlife, visitors will have the opportunity to encounter the Big 5 in their natural habitat, in addition to other native animal species including the wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope, and over 360 species of bird.
When you’re not busy on a thrilling game drive or walking safari, why not brave hot air ballooning for panoramic views over the stunning landscape and wildlife below?
There is a wide variety of accommodation options here, from camping under the stars to stylish chalets, and luxury lodges available on a self-catering or B&B basis.
When to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry months of May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more visible.
7. Namaqua National Park
Situated within a vast landscape 495km from Cape Town, off the N7 route to Namibia, Namaqua National Park’s majestic blooming desert is a sight to behold. One for the nature lovers, this small protected area (1,800km²) is an arid semi-desert that transforms into a beautiful rainbow-coloured blanket during the spring months.
With stunning floral displays, diverse birdlife, and rugged coastal scenery, this corner of South Africa will make you feel a million miles from reality. You’ll likely spot a variety of bees, butterflies, and birds circling the colourful flora, fauna and 3,500 species of plants, not to mention typical desert species such as the pygmy mouse and Cape spotted tortoise.
When to visit: The best time to visit Namaqua National Park is during the spring months, from August to October, when the wildflowers are in bloom.
8. Mapungubwe National Park
Located in the northernmost part of South Africa near the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe is Mapungubwe National Park. Open year-round, this park is a melting pot of history and culture that’s home to many attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe Hill and the Limpopo River.
Scenic landscapes are plentiful, from Baobab trees to verdant forests and unique sandstone formations – there’s something to see across every inch of this 280 square kilometer park. Visitors can take part in outdoor adventures such as Heritage Tours, Tree Top Walks, plus guided game drives running day and night where you can spot your favourite wildlife in their natural habitat.
Make the most of your visit and discover the guest cottages.
When to visit: The park is open year-round but we advise visiting from May to September, when the weather is cooler and dry.
9. Marakele National Park
In the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa’s Limpopo Province is the spectacular Marakele National Park. This place of sanctuary is located in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa, meaning it’s abundant with a diverse range of flora and fauna and wildlife.
There are impressive Big 5 game viewing opportunities here, particularly if you decide to go on a guided morning or sunset bush walk where you can immerse yourself in the outstanding wilderness. Similarly, get a mountain pass up to a sensational view and proximity to the Cape vulture colony, or try your hand at bird watching.
If you’re wondering where to stay, safari tents are available in the Bontle Rest Camp, or why not choose a Motswere Guest Cottage for those seeking a more comfortable stay.
When to visit: The dry winter months from May to September is the best time to visit this park.
10. West Coast National Park
Located on the west coast of South Africa, the aptly named West Coast National Park covers an area of 36,259 hectares. Found inside the Cape West Biosphere Reserve, which is part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, the park is an ideal spot for appreciating the colorful flora endemic to the region.
Popular things on the tourist itinerary list involve visiting the gorgeous salt water Langebaan Lagoon (regarded as a wetland of international importance), admiring the Postberg Flower Reserve, Seeberg Viewing Point, discovering the secret hideaway of Preekstoel beach, and marvelling over wildlife such as ostriches, eland, and springbok.
When to visit: The park is open daily from 7am to 6pm. The best time to visit is during the spring months of August to September when the Postberg flowers are in bloom.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about visiting one, or many, of these South Africa National Parks then you’re in for an unforgettable trip. Within our featured collection, there’s something for every nature lover to admire – whether your main goal is to catch a glimpse of the Big 5, get active on one of the many scenic hiking trails, or give adrenaline-pumping activities such as hot air balloon rides a whirl. With a wide variety of accommodation options, you can whisk the whole family away for a few days of magic amid the most stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Read Also: All About South Africa’s Garden Route
Speak to one of our Affordable Luxury Travel experts and start planning your South African adventure, today.
FAQs for the best National Parks in South Africa
The Kruger National Park is the biggest National Park in South Africa, covering an area of approximately 19,485 square kilometers.
You’ll have no less than 20 National Parks to discover across South Africa, each offering unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in. Some of the most popular include Kruger, Table Mountain, and the ADDO Elephant National Park.