14 South Africa national parks for wilderness and wildlife

There’s a good reason why South Africa is said to have some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. The country's national parks range from the vast Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to the tiny Bontebok National Park, which measures just 28 sq km (11 sq mi). In these protected pockets dotted all over the country, travellers can find everything from mighty mountains to the world’s second-largest waterfall, not to mention a whole host of wildlife. Here are 14 of South Africa's national parks that are well worth scoping out.

Kruger National Park

One of the world’s most famous national parks, Kruger is the place to go to see wildlife in South Africa. It’s one of the largest game reserves on the African continent. Clocking in at 19,623 sq km (7,576 sq mi), it’s larger than some countries, and it's known for its high density of the "big five" (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) and extensive birdlife. But it’s not all about the wildlife at Kruger — travellers can also see intricate rock paintings and the Iron Age sites of Thulamela and Masorini.

Experience it for yourself on: Kruger in Depth

Addo Elephant National Park

With "elephant" in its name, we’re pretty sure you expect to see some elephants in this South Africa national park, and chances are almost 100% that you will because 600 of them reside in the park. But that’s not all you’ll find at the country's third-largest national park. Forget the "big five" because here it's all about the "big seven"! You might need to hop aboard a boat to see those final two: southern right whales and great white sharks.

Experience it for yourself on: Ultimate South Africa

Table Mountain National Park

Home to one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, Table Mountain National Park stretches 70km (44 mi) from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. It incorporates powdery white-sand beaches and rich floral habitats, not to mention that namesake mountain, of course. Table Mountain is one of the best things to do in Cape Town, and the sweeping panoramic views from atop the 1,086m (3,562 ft) summit are more than worth the entry fee.

Experience it for yourself on: Highlights of South Africa

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

This behemoth of a national park stretches a whopping 38,000 sq km (14,672 sq mi) and straddles the border with Botswana. Synonymous with towering red dunes, dry riverbeds, and thorny camel trees, Kgalagadi is a fascinating place that's home to all manner of intriguing creatures. As well as Kalahari black-maned lions, springboks, cheetahs, leopards, meerkats, and baboons, you might spot some species that you may not be so familiar with, including brown hyenas, caracals, bat-eared foxes, and even pangolins if you’re lucky!

Pilanesberg National Park

Set within an ancient volcanic crater, Pilanesberg is one of South Africa’s most accessible — and therefore popular — national parks. Wildlife spotters can see the "big five" along with cheetahs, hippos, ostriches, crocodiles, and giraffes. Don’t miss a visit to the Mankwe Dam, where animals looking for a drink often stop. It's also home to circling fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Sandwiched between mountains and the waters of the Atlantic, Tsitsikamma is a protected area on the famous Garden Route, offering pristine scenery and some of the best hiking trails in South Africa. The most famous of these is the 42km (26 mi) Otter Trail, named after the Cape clawless otter. It’s often referred to as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and you have a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins along the way. For another exciting activity, check out the 216m-tall (709 ft) Bloukrans Bungy, a short drive away.

Experience it for yourself on: Kruger Safari & The Garden Route

Garden Route National Park

Speaking of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is part of the wider Garden Route National Park, which covers 1,210 sq km (470 sq mi) and also includes Wilderness National Park within it. It's arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the planet and has everything from indigenous forest and lakes to an old mining town. Visit the Woodville Big Tree, believed to be more than 800 years old.

Namaqua National Park

Close to the border with Namibia, this stunning national park is a biodiversity hot spot that's home to the largest collection of succulent plants anywhere on Earth. It’s also the habitat of the world’s smallest tortoise, the speckled padloper, though that isn’t the main reason to venture here. Come August and September, wildflowers such as daisies and lilies bloom in spectacular fashion, giving an almighty burst of colour to the usually barren landscape.

Royal Natal National Park

Given that it has "royal" in its name, this national park is bound to be impressive, and travellers won't be disappointed by Royal Natal National Park. It has some of South Africa's most impressive scenery and forms part of the UNESCO-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, neighbouring Lesotho. It’s also home to Tugela Falls — the second-highest waterfall in the world — fantastic hikes, and incredible rock paintings by the San people.

Experience it for yourself on: Active South Africa: Kruger Safari & Tugela Falls

West Coast National Park

A paradise for active types, West Coast National Park lies 88km (55 mi) north of Cape Town and is famous for Langebaan, its aquamarine lagoon. Add in white-sand beaches, colonies of migratory birds, and world-class hiking and cycling trails, and you can see why travellers love this place. This national park is also full of wildlife, including zebras, African penguins, ostriches, and leopard tortoises.

Karoo National Park

Rugged Karoo National Park lies in the heart of the Great Karoo, a vast, semi-desert plateau that stretches across four provinces. It’s South Africa’s equivalent of the Australian Outback, and even though the conditions are harsh, plenty of species call this place home. Large herbivores such as eland, kudu, and red hartebeest are easily seen, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot rhinos, black-backed jackals, and mighty Verreaux's eagles while you’re here, too.

Marakele National Park

A stone’s throw from the border with Mozambique, stunning Marakele National Park showcases a wide variety of wildlife, including the "big five," as well as giraffes, spotted hyenas, and endangered African wild dogs. Its name translates from Tswana to "a place of sanctuary," and that’s exactly what you find here. Given its proximity to the incredibly popular Kruger National Park, you’ll likely have most of the park to yourself.

Mountain Zebra National Park

This picturesque national park is blessed with beautiful mountain views, as well as a population of about 300 Cape mountain zebras. The park was established in 1937 to protect these charismatic creatures, the smallest of all existing zebra species, when only 400 were thought to remain in the world. Spot them when you’re exploring the park, and if you’re lucky, you might also see cheetahs, Cape buffalo, and elusive caracals.

Mapungubwe National Park

This South African national park is on the border with Zimbabwe. It’s the home of southern Africa’s first ancient kingdom, which existed more than 700 years ago at Mapungubwe Hill. A powerful tribe that used to reside here traded with China and India, and their wealth is evident in the archaeological finds from the area. Objects excavated include the famous Golden Rhino, now in the University of Pretoria. Of course, you can also see wildlife while you’re here, perhaps leopards, elephants, klipspringers, giraffes, and zebras.