Best National Parks in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Undoubtedly the most well-known of the national parks in South Africa, the Kruger offers the ultimate safari experience to those seeking to explore Africa’s wild side in comfort. There are several places of accommodation including main rest camps, satellite camps, overnight hides, bush lodges, and luxury lodges.

A big attraction is of course the luxury of self-driving. By renting a car in the park or one of the nearby towns, guests can drive at their leisure through the bush. Modern amenities like restaurants and shops ensure that you can be entirely self-sufficient when visiting the park. 

Visitors flock here I the hopes of getting a glimpse of the notorious big-5. The Kruger Park offers a variety of experiences where visitors can get up close and personal with nature and the bush walks and game drives are unmissable. The spirit of the Kruger feels tangible and the sights and sounds of the bushveld are hauntingly beautiful. 

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Not all national parks in South Africa are frequented for their wildlife, some, like the Golden Gate National Park, are renowned for their unparalleled geographical landscapes and historic significance. 

The eroded sandstone cliffs in Golden Gate create dramatic landscapes at the foot of the Maluti Mountains. Near the border of Lesotho, the Golden gate park attracts those looking to sit back and relax in a tranquil and unique environment. There is a variety of antelope species and rare birds that inhabit these grasslands and you can spot them on foot or horseback. 

The iconic Brandwag Buttress glows bright orange as the morning sun hits the rock face. This showcase has been present for thousands of years and the cave systems in the park are laden with ancient San rock paintings depicting the life of the indigenous people of these highlands. 

Addo Elephant National Park

The third-largest park in South Africa is located in the Eastern Cape. The Addo Elephant Park is best known for its herds of gracious elephants that roam the plains. Guests can stay in a variety of self-catering facilities or guest houses scattered around the park and can enjoy self-driving trips or join planned safaris.

Lions, black rhinos, buffalo, and several other antelope are also residents of this magnificent park. The landscape changes dramatically from green lush forests in the north to sandy dunes in the southern coastal belt. It is conveniently sized and it is possible for guests to access the whole park during a stay but still experience vastly different scenes.

Karoo National Park

The Karoo is one of South Africa’s most unique biomes and this arid semi-desert is one filled with nostalgia and majesty. The harsh environment is inhabited by animals rarely seen in other parts of the country and the reintroduction of lions and black rhino has produced an exceptional collection of wildlife. 

There is also a 4×4 route that winds through the arid hills with remote cabins along the way. Those looking to truly escape and unplug should head for the hills but if you are not 4×4 equipped, the rest camp also offers accessible isolation under the starry Karoo sky.  

West Coast National Park

Only a short drive from Cape Town lies the west coast national park. Here you will find antelope grazing on the flowery hills and walking tours are a top attraction. From September to November these hills burst into bloom as wildflowers come into season and they create a magnificent scene like no other. Vivid purple, orange, and yellow flowers resemble paint spilled over the grasslands. 

The Langebaan Lagoon is a turquoise stretch of water that carves its way into the park. The tranquil water is a popular spot for water sport like kit-surfing and visitors can appreciate the stillness from one of the houseboats. Waves crash on the boulders along the seashore where picnic areas make for great whale watching in season. More than 250 bird species are found here and there are also plenty of rustic cottages for overnight visits in the park.

Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

This park stretches into the neighboring country of Botswana and forms the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Blistering heat and extreme conditions are no match for the iconic Oryx that travel across the red dunes in this desert setting. Endemic black-maned lions also prowl the wilderness in search of their next meal.

Fully equipped rooms are available but adventurous spirits can also visit the wilderness camps for an unfenced experience. This park offers remote wild experiences as there is little to no cellphone reception, solar power, and sandy roads. Game drives are also available to get you to the most inaccessible parts of the park and upon your return, you can watch the sunset from waterhole hides where the animals congregate for bushveld happy hour.