Are you craving golden, unfurling savannahs, spectacular wildlife and muscular mountain landscapes? Ask, and you shall receive; we’ve rounded up the best national parks in South Africa just for you. Whether you’re an avid safari-goer, hiking enthusiast or history lover, there’s something for everyone. Explore Kruger National Park and Golden Gate Highlands National Park from the comfort of a 4x4 as you look out for incredible wildlife or add Royal Natal National Park’s Amphitheatre trail to your hiking bucket list. Read on for more national park inspiration…
- Kruger National Park
- Royal Natal National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Table Mountain National Park
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Mapungubwe National Park
Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park is first up on our list of the best national parks in South Africa. As one of the largest parks in Africa, it’s an excellent spot for wildlife watching. Hop in a 4x4 for a private game drive and look out for lions, leopards and cheetahs amid the dense woodland, extensive savannah and giant baobab trees. To avoid the daytime crowds, head out on a sunset game drive. As you cross the grassy plains, admire the crimson and amber hues painted across the sky and keep an eye out for the park’s bird species. There are over 500 so you might see some bat hawks and bateleur eagles swoop across the horizon.
Image by Pie Aerts
Royal Natal National Park
Home to the famous Tugela Falls and Amphitheatre, Royal Natal National Park is excellent for hiking. Tugela Falls – the second-highest waterfall in the world – cascades down the basalt cliffs and canyons in the Drakensberg Mountain range (often referred to as the Dragon Mountains). Lace up your walking boots and choose from various hiking trails, including the popular Tugela Falls hike, which offers a winding route complete with boulder-hopping and water-wading and culminating in a viewpoint at the summit where you can peer over a dramatic gorge.
Addo Elephant National Park
The clue’s in the name when it comes to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. As well as being home to over 600 elephants, the park features the ‘Big Seven’ – lions, black rhinos, cape buffalos, African elephants, leopards, great white sharks and southern right whales. To witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat, plan your visit during the dry winter months (from June to September), when there’s little rainfall and wildlife tends to gather around waterholes. And, of course, don’t forget to pack your camera for those close-up encounters.
Image by Chalffy/Getty Images
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park is excellent for outdoor activities. Dominated by the imposing Table Mountain, the park extends from Signal Hill to Cape Point and attracts adventure enthusiasts year-round. Start your day with a private sunrise hike and challenge yourself on the winding trails that lead to the mountain’s iconic flat plateau – which stands at 3,563ft above sea level. For a more relaxed ascent to the peak, hop in a cable car in Cape Town and admire the scenic views in complete comfort.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
On the topic of immense sandstone cliffs, Golden Gate Highlands is next up on our list of the best national parks in South Africa. Sitting pretty in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and bordered by the Caledon River, the national park features vast stretches of grassland punctuated by rugged, golden cliffs. For picturesque views from the tallest free-standing peak in the park, hike the Ribbok Trail. The walk through the bushland also offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as black wildebeest, zebras, springboks, black eagles and bearded vultures.
Mapungubwe National Park
Calling all history buffs, head to Mapungubwe National Park for a glimpse into South Africa’s Iron Age past. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompassing the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and the historic Mapungubwe Hill, where the remains of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe can be found. Enjoy a private guided heritage tour of Mapungubwe Hill to learn about the Iron Age civilisation that once thrived here, or head out on a thrilling safari drive through the park’s open savannahs and riverine forests to spot elephants, giraffes and baboons.
Image by Olivier Romano
Written by Amy Larsen
Header image by Olivier Romano
