The national parks in South Africa are renowned for their rich heritage of wildlife and natural beauty.

Nowhere in Africa will one find such a rich variety of wildlife in one single country as in South Africa's national parks and game reserves.

A visit to our country would not be complete without a visit to at least one of them.

Our world renown National Parks truly are places of thrilling wildlife encounters, Just watch this unbelievable video "Battle at Kruger".

Millions of people have seen it. It's about a battle between a pride of Lions, two Crocodiles and a herd of Buffalos about a baby Buffalo calf.

It was witnessed and videoed by tourists Jason Schlossberg and David Budzinski in September 2004 at a watering hole near Pretoriuskop Camp in South Africa's Kruger National Park.


Learn more about the National Parks in South Africa by clicking on any of the 12 National Parks in the menu below;

GENERAL INFORMATION	BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK	CAMDEBOO NATIONAL PARK
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK	GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK	KAROO NATIONAL PARK
AUGRABIES FALLS NATIONAL PARK	KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER NATIONAL PARK
KNYSNA NATIONAL LAKE AREA	MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK
MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK	MOKALA NATIONAL PARK
MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK	NAMAQUALAND NATIONAL PARK
TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK	TANKWA KAROO NATIONAL PARK
WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

               Click on the map to enlarge                      Map of South Africa showing where its national parks are situated
                    copyright © SANParks.org
There are 20 National Parks in South Africa, representing the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. These parks are managed by "South African National Parks" also known as "SANParks".

15 of the Parks have overnight tourist facilities with an unrivalled variety of accommodation types and standards, in either arid, coastal, mountain or bushveld habitats, depending on which National Park you are visiting.


Elephant family on a stroll in one of the South African National Parks
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
General information,...

South Africa's national parks offer visitors an overwhelming diversity of Africa experiences, such as guided game viewing safaris, self drive safaris, game viewing drives at night, guided bush walks, bird watching, 4x4 trails, culinary delights under an open all stars African night sky, and cultural and historical encounters, to name but a few.

Here one can observe the huge variety of African wildlife and scenery at close range. In a safari group with a tour guide or travelling on your own, one can always be sure to experience unforgettable encounters and sceneries in an untamed Africa environment.


Arial view of the Knysna National Lake Area in the heart of the Garden Route, with the town of Knysna in the distance, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
You can even learn how to become an honorary ranger, or how to take part in organized conservation events within the Parks. Many game and nature reserves offer special courses under the guidance of trained guides and rangers.

The 20 national Parks in South Africa are located across the country, from the southern Cape to the Limpopo river in the north and from the arid North West to the Indian ocean beaches of KwaZulu-Natal in the east.


The semi-arid habitat of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the southern Kalahari desert
courtesy South African tourism copyright © South African National Parks - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Habitats range from mountain, marshland and coastal plains to bushveld, savannah, arid desert and luxurious green forests. The diversity of plant species, especially the wild flowers of the cape, is unequalled anywhere in Africa.

Apart from the National Parks, there are other important nature and wildlife conservation areas and projects in the form of Nature / Wildlife parks controlled by provincial and municipal authorities and the many privately owned game reserves.


Cape Agulhas In the Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point of the African continent, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet
copyright ©South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
South Africa’s National Parks offer a wide variety of accommodation types and standards, from the grassroots adventure type tents to self-catering chalets and five star luxury lodges. All accommodation, ablution and s elf catering facilities are serviced and cleaned by staff of the Park on a daily basis.

Most of the rest-camps in the National Parks have retail and restaurant facilities. Fuel is usually available in all the main rest-camps or on the Park periphery. You can visit the parks with any brand or make of car, the roads are usually well maintained, including the gravel roads.

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Kruger National Park,...


Game rangers overlooking the unspoiled Bushveld in one of the South African national Parks
copyright ©South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Returning to the camp at the end of a hot but exciting safari day - inhaling the warm air of the African bush - a fabulous hot shower - an ice cold drink at the camp fire - a warm outdoor Africa barbeque night - a faint bushveld breeze - a delicious bushveld dinner in the boma - a clear black night, stars blazing.

Falling asleep with the bush orchestra performing in the background - the powerful roar of a lion in the distance - the laughter of hyenas just outside the camp’s fence - the shrill call of a jackal.

Total and utter bliss.


Beautiful sunrise in the Kruger National Park
copyright ©South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Waking up to a chorus of birdsong, you realize that it wasn’t a dream. You woke up in the unspoiled African bushveld of the Kruger National Park.

One of the finest game sanctuaries in the world, the world-renowned Kruger National Park sprawls across nearly 20,000 sq km of hot bushveld in the far northeast of South Africa, housing almost every species of wildlife found in Southern Africa.

Learn more about the fascinating Kruger national park >>>

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Addo Elephant National Park,...


Quenching a great thirst
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
A herd of elephants amble past in single file; the calves, some holding onto their mother?s tails with their trunks, shielded by the protective adults. Reaching the waterhole, a bull elephant indulges in a mud bath while the others get down to some serious bathing.

The water is spurting sky high as they joyfully shower their huge bodies. The matriarch, flapping her ears to cool off, watches the antics with a benign eye whilst happily nibbling on a “spekboom”. At a respectful distance behind her, a dung beetle busily gets to work.

It is all happening in the Addo Elephant National Park, tucked away in the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape.

Find out more about the Addo Elephant National Park >>>

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Agulhas National Park,...


Wreck of the “Meisho Maru” at the southern tip of Africa
Photograph by Nick Reed - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Seagulls screech as they swoop past a lonely lighthouse set on the bleak and rugged coast. The Atlantic and Indian oceans hurl themselves at one another in primal fury at this southernmost tip of Africa. A graveyard of shipwrecks are grim reminders of the enormous powerunleashed by this gigantic struggle.

Little wonder the aptly named “Cape of Storms” struck fear in the hearts of the ancient mariners who attempted to conquer the wild seas off the southern tip of Africa, dreading sea-dragons and expecting to sail over the edge of the world at any moment.

We are now at the dividing point where the two oceans meet in the Agulhas National Park.

More information about the Addo Elephant National Park >>>

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Bontebok National Park,...


Two Bontebok, the rarest antelope species in the world
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Lit by the sun, the distinctive white blaze on the faces of a herd of bontebok almost seems to glow as they graze contentedly. Sturdy young rams, bursting with energy, mock charge one another across the open grassland.

Some Cape Mountain Zebra saunter past and rudely interrupt a stately Secretary bird’s earnest reverie. Carp and Large-mouth Bass break the surface of the gently flowing Breede River, producing ever-increasing concentric ripples that are coaxed into the river’s tranquil pattern once again.

With a sigh we start our car and continue our game drive in the Bontebok National Park

Learn more about the Bontebok National park >>>

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Augrabies Falls National Park,...


The Augrabies Falls, second largest in Africa after the Victoria falls
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 60 metre Augrabies waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The local Nama clan of the "Khoy" people named it "Akoerebis", meaning "Place of the Great noise".

In the stark beauty and harsh environment of the 12.000 hectare Augrabies Falls National Park, only the fittest survive whilst the Quiver Trees bear silent witness. Small succulents share the fairly inhospitable terrain with dainty Klipspringer, reptiles, fleet footed Springbok and the majestic Gemsbok.

Slowly we are taking in the awesome sights around us here in the Augrabies Falls National Park

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Camdeboo National Park,...


Huge perilously balanced dolerite pillars up to 120 meters high in the valley of desolation
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Several Black Eagles drift around on the rising air caused by the heat on the valley floor below. They ignore us, intent as they are on spotting a rock dassie among the rocks on the slopes around us. The valley is barren and desolate, yet fascinating by what looks like huge perilously balanced dolerite pillars up to 120meters high, rising up dramatically from the slopes around it.

Aptly named the “Valley Of Desolation”, it is the prime attraction of the Camdeboo National Park, previously known as the “Karoo Nature Reserve”. Apart from its unique and dramatic landscape, it offers exciting flora and wildlife, together with highly interesting palaeontological sites.

Breathtaking stuff here in the Camdeboo National Park

More information about the Camdeboo National Park >>>

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Golden Gate Highlands National Park,...


Characteristic landscape of the Golden Gate Highlands National park
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
With a magician?s dramatic flourish, the sun starts to set, transforming the ochre sandstone formations with their purple hues into a molten gold fortress. Shadows gently embrace a massive buttress, painstakingly sculpted by wind and rain, which keeps vigil over a valley liberally sprinkled with red hot pokers, lilies and watsonias.

As a meandering stream smoothes its way amongst Weeping Willows and fairytale surroundings, the rare Bearded Vulture and Bald Ibis nest on the ledges of the steep sandstone cliffs. Distinctive mushroom-shaped rocks, dark caves and deep shelters all add to the landscape’s mystery and splendour.

Yes, we are in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province of South Africa

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Karoo National Park,...


The unforgiving and yet so awesome and dazzlingly beautiful landscape of the Great Karoo
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Picture an ancient freshwater lake set inland, so vast it appears to stretch into infinity. Imagine the roar of dinosaurs and the heavy thud of their feet as they venture forth into the marshy surrounds of the gradually subsiding basin. Climb into a time capsule and hurtle 240 million years into the future.

Alight into a stark landscape. Prehistoric glory has evolved into an arid landscape in winter. The lake has been replaced by dusty plains and rocky outcrops, Dinosaurs by Springbok and Cape Mountain Zebra, and the luscious foliage of the marshes by ash-coloured Karoo bushes.

We have landed in the Karoo National Park in the north-east of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Read more about the fascinating Karoo National Park >>>

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park,...


The raw beauty of the semi-desert landscape in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
Buried beneath the shifting sands of the Kalahari, lies the legend of a lost city and the stilled voices of a past civilization. Scientists, philosophers and artistsalike have all been fascinated by the secrets of the shimmering red dunes and many have been captivated by the intense silence and raw beauty of the landscape.

Life has been streamlined for survival under the burning sun. A Gemsbok warily scents the air while scattered Camelthorns and scrub provide scant protection to a slithering lizard closely watched by a Bateleur Eagle. A Leopard, replete after a successful hunt, stretches out in the shade, disdainfully ignoring some Springbok.

We have arrived in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the result of a vision shared by the people of both, South Africa and Botswana.

Learn more about this remote and truly splendid Park >>>

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Knysna National Lake Area,...


The very rare Knysna seahorse
National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
With a sudden flash of silver, a shoal of fish dart by. Brilliant splashes of colour dash around as fish ceaselessly navigate the seaweed, sea anemones and predators.

A tiny Knysna seahorse hangs unperturbed amongst a cluster of seaweed, skilfully blending in with its surroundings. Sustained by the tranquil waters of the lagoon since time immemorial, this defenceless creature changes its colour to ensure expert camouflage.

Yes, we are in the exceptionally beautiful Knysna National Lake Area national park, home to the endangered Knysna seahorse.

Learn more about this truly magnificent national park >>>

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Mapungubwe National Park,...


The famous Golden Rhinoceros, artefact of an ancient civilisation
copyright © South African tourism - National Parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa
A potter laboriously shapes a bowl by hand, slowly but surely it is taking shape. Not far away a goldsmith carefully and intently hammers away as he fashions an intricate piece of Jewellery.

It all happens on a flat-topped mountain, high above a landscape dotted with Mashatu and Baobab trees and rock formations decorated with the beautiful and ancient paintings of the San people. Tiny moving figures indicate the presence of Elephants, Giraffe and a variety of Antelope species.

Come and discover the Mapungubwe National Park, home to a once flourishing Iron Age civilization.

Learn more about this spectacular National Park and its mysterious history >>>

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Marakele National Park,...


Beautiful mountain scenery inside marakele National Park in South Africa
Set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, the Marakele National Park is home to some rare yellowwood and cedar trees and the world’s largest colony of Cape vultures.

The big game species flourish in this transitional zone between South Africa’s drier and moister regions where the highest parts of the Waterberg escarpment meet the acacia savannah.

With its temperate climate and good summer rainfall, the park provides the perfect setting for a great bush experience.

Learn more about this Wonderful National Park and its rare colony of Cape Vultures. >>>

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Mokala National Park,...


Camel Thorn tree - Mokala National Park in South Africa
Photograph by Piet Visser
Situated approximately 80 km (49 miles) south-southwest of Kimberley in the Northern Cape province, Mokala National Park is known for its breeding projects of a variety of endangered antelope species such as Red Hartebeest, Sable Antelope, Black Wildebeest and Roan Antelope.

It houses one of the largest breeding herds of Roan Antelope in South Africa. Other endangered animal species to be found in the park are Black and White Rhino.

Learn more about Mokala National National Park and its endangered antelope species. >>>

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Mountain Zebra National Park,...


Roaring with laughter

The Cape Mountain Zebra National Park, endangered Mountain Zebras
The 28000 ha Mountain Zebra National Park can be described as one of the smaller sized national parks in South Africa.

This stunning National Park along with its own distinctive, intimate ambiance is beautifully situated within the Eastern Cape Midlands 25 km west of the town of Cradock and not far from Graaf-Reinet.

Initially, the park was established solely for the purpose of protecting the nearly extinct Cape Mountain zebras. Only a few decades ago less than 20 individuals of this particular zebra species existed.

Learn more about this great National Park and its endangered Cape Mountain Zebras. >>>

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Table Mountain National Park,...


Arial view of Cape Point with the Cape of Good Hope sticking out to the left
Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town in South Africa
copyright © South Africa Tours and Travel.com
Previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, the Table Mountain National Park is situated on the Cape Peninsula at the south-western tip of the African continent in the Western province of South Africa.

The Cape Peninsula is a narrow stretch of land, that has the form of a finger when you look it up on a map, with beautiful mountains, valleys, forests and sun-drenched bays and beaches.

Consisting of four separate sections, the Park stretches from Signal Hill in Cape Town, right down to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point in the south, a distance of about 60 kilometres.

Learn more about this extraordinary National Park and its stunning scenery. >>>

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Tankwa Karoo National Park,...

Colourful autumn morning in the Tankwa Karoo
Tankwa Karoo National Park, National Parks in South Africa
Photograph by Mike Cilliers
The 137,000 ha Tankwa Karoo National Park is situated in one of the most arid regions of South Africa, less than a 4 hours drive (about 270km) on the R355 National road away from Cape Town and just inside the southern boundary of the Northern Cape Province with the Western Cape Province.

Tankwa can be described as place of solitude and vast horizons. The nights are exceptionally peaceful with a magnificent exhibition of stars. It is an invaluable addition to our National Parks in South Africa, in a world that is starting to become more and more congested, noisy and threatening.

Learn more about this unique National Park and its extraordinary beauty >>>

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West Coast National Park,...


During Spring the West Coast national Park is covered with a stunning blanket of wild flowers
West Coast National Park, National Parks in South Africa

Field upon field of vivid orange, blue, yellow, white and pink wild flowers appear to be dancing in the gentle wind, their brilliant colors in wonderful contrast against golden beaches and a turquoise sea.

A large lagoon that pulsates with the sounds of bird cries and wings as it transforms into a bustling meeting place of thousands upon thousands of migrant birds, a number of them from as far away as Siberia and Greenland.

That is what summertime is like in the 30 000 hectare West Coast National Park, with its wetlands, temperate coastal climate and dry summers and winds, situated some 100 km north of Cape Town.

Learn more about this extraordinary National Park and its amazing birdlife and stuning flower spectacle >>>






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