Best National Parks in South Africa

From snow-capped mountains and the Bushveld to sub-tropical beaches and the Kalahari, South Africa is a mind-bogglingly diverse country. Showcasing an astonishing array of landscapes, the country’s national parks and game reserves are great places to experience true wilderness and get close to Africa’s famous wildlife.

With hundreds of national parks and game areas, South Africa is home to an incredible variety of wildlife encounters and natural scenery. Some reserves focus primarily on wildlife experiences, while others serve as wilderness sanctuaries or hiking grounds. Here are the best national parks to enrich your South Africa adventure.

Kruger National Park

Best national park for wildlife watching

Kruger National Park is one of the world’s premier wildlife-watching destinations. It houses some of Africa’s iconic species—elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra—alongside 136 other mammal species and over 500 bird species. Beautiful granite kopjes (hills) pepper the southern region, while the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savanna in the east, and tropical forests blanket the northern sections of this expansive 7,520 square mile park.

While it can become crowded with safari groups, Kruger’s extensive road network makes it one of the most accessible parks, ideal for families. Visitors can explore with personal vehicles or join a variety of guided wildlife safaris, all accompanied by abundant and value-for-money accommodation options.

Leopard crossing a road in front of a safari group in Kruger National Park — Leopard close encounters are just one of the thrills that may be waiting in Kruger National Park © bikeriderlondon / Shutterstock

Royal Natal National Park

Best national park for mountains

Spanning 30 square miles, Royal Natal National Park is remarkable for its stunning Drakensberg mountain scenery, crowned by the magnificent Amphitheater—a 5km (3 mile) wall of cliffs providing breathtaking views from both below and above. Here, Tugela Falls cascades down 945m (3100 ft) in five stages, with its topmost level freezing during winter. Rising behind is Mont-aux-Sources at 3282m (10,768ft), the source of multiple rivers, including the Tugela and Elands.

Known for its exceptional day hikes and more ambitious multi-day hiking routes, this park is a hiker’s paradise.

Hikers walking through the lush green Tugela Gorge — The lush, green landscapes of Tugela Gorge draw hikers to the Drakensberg mountains © Michael Heffernan / iBestTravel

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Best national park for sunsets

As dusk approaches, something magical occurs in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The jagged sandstone cliffs fronting the maroon-hued Maluti Mountains shimmer with golden hues, creating a stunning backdrop among the mint-green grasses. Although it may not host the Big Five, this park boasts spectacular sunsets alongside grey rheboks, blesboks, elands, and numerous bird species, including rare vultures.

With various hiking trails available, both long treks and shorter walks are readily accessible.

Green hills in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa — The tumbling hills of Golden Gate Highlands National Park are prime hiking country © Alexandre G. ROSA / Shutterstock

Table Mountain National Park

Best national park for activities

Stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park showcases South Africa’s most recognizable natural landmark. This park encompasses granite and sandstone mountains, expansive beaches, and lush forests. The iconic table-flat plateau rises to 1,085m, easily accessed by cableway from Cape Town’s outskirts. It offers a range of adventure activities, including hiking, abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, birdwatching, snorkeling, and diving.

Aerial cableway at Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa — Head to the top of Table Mountain on the cableway for South Africa’s most famous views © Chiara Salvadori / Getty Images

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Best national park for desert landscapes

Situated between crimson dunes, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the last unspoiled ecosystems. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a land of stark extremes and shifting sands that support a rich diversity of wildlife. With 1,775 predators, including black-maned lions and elusive cheetahs, this park is a prime location for big cat sightings. As the sun sets, the vibrant hues illuminate the vast deserts, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

A Cape fox shelters under a bush at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — The Cape fox is just one of many less familiar predators that can be found in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park © Gallo Images / Getty Images

Cederberg Wilderness Area

Best national park for hiking

The Cederberg Wilderness Area features stunning rugged terrain with rocky peaks reaching upward of 2,000m (6560ft). It is renowned for its unique rock formations, ancient rock art, and clear mountain streams, making it ideal for both hiking and rock climbing. While wildlife is less prominent, visitors may spot baboons or other small antelope. The region is celebrated for its diverse plant life, particularly during spring when wildflowers bloom profusely.

Young boy standing in a cave opening looking out onto the Cederberg Wilderness Area in South Africa — Climb through caves and rock formations in Cederberg Wilderness Area © wilpunt / Getty Images

Mapungubwe National Park

Best national park for history

Mapungubwe National Park is steeped in cultural intrigue, boasting stark rock formations alongside vibrant wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to South Africa’s most significant Iron Age site, with sightings of black and white rhinos, meerkats, and various birds including the rare Pel’s fishing owl. The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife and birdwatching, while its archaeological displays enhance its appeal.

A tourist looks out at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers in Mapungubwe National Park — Mapungubwe National Park offers big landscapes, ancient sites, wildlife and more © Getty Images / iBestTravel Images

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Best national park for rock formations

Home to breathtaking vistas, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve encompasses the 26km (16 mile) canyon with iconic rock formations and emerald slopes. Renowned for its panoramic views, the Panorama Route allows visitors to stop at various viewpoints, making it an ideal destination for both driving and walking enthusiasts.

Woman sitting on a rock looking at a view of a deep canyon and river at Blyde River Canyon in South Africa — Gaze down on the world’s third largest canyon at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve © Marica Iacomella / EyeEm /Getty Images

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Best national park for coastline

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an exceptional diversity of ecosystems, stretching from the Mozambique border to Lake St Lucia. This coastal paradise supports numerous marine species, including loggerhead and leatherback turtles, as well as a rich assemblage of terrestrial wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from snorkeling to whale watching, amid impressive natural beauty.

Broad beaches at Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park — iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers stunning coastal views © Getty Images

Addo Elephant National Park

Best national park for elephant watching

The gem of the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park, protects the remnants of the once-mighty elephant herds that traversed this region. Established in 1931, the park now boasts over 600 elephants and remains one of the best places in South Africa for elephant sightings. Visitors also have the opportunity to see lions, zebras, black rhinos, and the coastal section offers vantage points for spotting great white sharks and southern right whales.

Elephants drinking at water hole at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa — Elephants drinking at a water hole in Addo Elephant National Park © Gary Latham / iBestTravel

Namaqua National Park

Best national park for wildflowers

Each spring, flower enthusiasts flock to the remote Namaqua National Park, where the arid shrubland transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of colorful blooms. Short nature trails and lookout points facilitate flower photography, while the park also offers tranquil hiking opportunities throughout the rest of the year. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding here, as this area is home to various vibrant bird species.