Could anything be more awesome than watching animals in their natural habitat or walking through a site listed as a modern wonder of the world? Many people have already experienced these unforgettable moments, and now it’s your turn. We have selected the 4 best national parks in South Africa that are definitely worth a visit.
1. Kruger National Park in South Africa
Kruger National Park, named after the president of the former South African Republic of Transvaal, Paul Kruger, is considered the most famous safari park in the world. It spans over 19,000 km² (7,340 mi2) in northeastern South Africa and is home to elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, antelopes, zebras, and hippos. Not only will you feel like you’re in the wild, but you can even stay overnight here.
2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
If you want to experience real Africa without the crowds, swap the safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park for the more authentic Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This park extends beyond South Africa into Botswana and is relatively untouched by civilization. Here, you can spot lions, leopards, antelopes, hyenas, eagles, vultures, and more.
The majority of the park is located in the southern part of Africa’s largest desert, the Kalahari, whose name is etymologically related to the park’s name. In Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, there is only one camp for overnight stays, which is also the only place with electricity and mobile signal.
3. Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant is one of the most famous national parks and one of the best places for elephant watching in Africa. In addition to over 700 elephants, it is home to rhinos, zebras, lions, hyenas, giraffes, and antelopes.
In the national park, you can observe wildlife on safari drives, walks, or cycling trips, and you can even stay overnight. You can book safari lodges on the official Addo Elephant website.
4. Table Mountain National Park
The final recommendation for the best national parks in South Africa is somewhat different from the previous ones. Besides the opportunity to observe rare plants and animals, you will be treated to absolutely breathtaking views in all directions—of the city, ocean, Cape Peninsula, and steep cliffs.
Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. And why is it called Table Mountain? This 1,085-meter-high (3,560 ft) rock has an almost 10-kilometer-long (6.2 mi) flat top. You can reach the summit via several hiking trails of varying difficulty—recommendations for individual trails can be found on the sanparks.org website.
No matter which national park in South Africa you decide to visit, remember to follow a few basic rules: adhere to your guide’s instructions, do not disturb or feed the wild animals, and protect yourself from the sun and insects by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
When is the best time to visit South Africa? Most of South Africa has a subtropical to mild climate due to the influence of the ocean and its high average elevation. The Garden Route area in the south of the country is characterized by the mildest climate, while the central region around the diamond mines in Kimberley has a drier and warmer climate. For example, the best time to visit Kruger National Park in South Africa is from May to September, as the rainy season begins after September.
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