Explore South Africa’s national parks – mahala

South Africa is home to a vast array of rich nature and wildlife, protected by SANParks in 21 national parks that make up over 40 000 square kilometres – that’s 4% of our country.

They’re a testament to the beauty and diversity of our landscapes and draw millions of visitors each year from around the world who want to see the Big Five, get their iconic photograph of Table Mountain, tick some of our 850 bird species off their list, or test their courage on a canoe or bungee jump.

This year, SANParks Free Week takes place from tomorrow until Friday.

Designed to make national parks more accessible to all and increase awareness of conservation efforts, during free week, individuals can visit national parks at no charge.

The mighty Kruger National Park is the go-to for many, attracting up to 1.8 million tourists per year, while Table Mountain National Park is famous for panoramic views of Cape Town, unique fynbos, and the dramatic coastal scenery of the Cape of Good Hope.

Addo Elephant Park, aside from the conservation of iconic megaherbivores, boasts marine reserves, making it one of the few places in the world where you can see the Big Seven (Big Five plus whales and great white sharks).

But there are many lesser-known and equally incredible national parks that offer visitors their choice of hiking trails, wildlife spotting and more!

Here are five you might not have heard of, or know little about. This SANParks Free Week, why not discover some of SA’s gems?

Marakele National Park

Previously known as Kransberg National Park, Marakele National Park forms a part of the Waterberg Biosphere in the Limpopo Province. Nestled in the heart of the Waterberg mountains, it’s home to remarkable wildlife, including a critical population of white rhinos and the country’s Big Five.

Visitors can expect a tranquil environment that provides picturesque views of grassy plains, dense bushveld, and river valleys. The Lenong Viewpoint is a particularly popular spot for photography. A bird-watcher’s paradise, the park boasts more than 300 species of birds, and one of the world’s largest populations of Cape vultures.

West Coast National Park

Located just under two hours from the centre of Cape Town, West Coast National Park provides visitors with a backdrop of the blue lagoons of Langebaan, coupled with fynbos, green wetlands and ocean views. One of the main attractions is the spectacular display of wildflowers in Spring. The Postberg section of the park, which is only open to the public during this time, becomes a carpet of colour with daisies, lilies, and other wildflowers.

Activities abound for hikers, mountain bikers, cyclists, nature lovers and bird watchers alike. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, they can meander the rock pools along the seashore at Tsaarbank or relax at the lagoon at Kraalbaai.

Golden Gate National Park

Known for its stunning sandstone cliffs that glow golden and orange in the sunlight and as the only national park in the Free State, Golden Gate Highlands National Park has a deep history and abundant wildlife, including a significant population of endangered bearded vultures. It presents a breathtaking landscape of the Maluti mountains, perfect for multi-day hikes and self-guided game drives.

Whether it’s visiting the Basotho cultural village to learn more about the tribal history of the area, or exploring the rolling grasslands to glimpse elands and zebras, Golden Gate National Park provides a variety of activities for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Garden Route National Park

Described as one of the country’s glittering gems, Garden Route National Park encompasses indigenous forests, coastal cliffs, lagoons, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including bushbuck, vervet monkeys, and many bird species such as the Knysna turaco and African fish eagle.

The famous Otter Trail, a multi-day trek along the Park’s coast, offers breathtaking ocean views and rugged terrain, while the park’s lakes, rivers, and coastline provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The Tsitsikamma, a coastal region within the Garden Route National Park, is the oldest Marine Protected Area in South Africa, and one of the largest too!

Bontebok National Park

Bontebok National Park rests at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape. The park was established in 1931 to protect the Bontebok antelope, a species that has been pulled back from the brink of extinction through conservation efforts – increasing from fewer than 20 in the wild in the mid-19th century, to over 3 000 today. The park is known now as the best place in the world to see this striking species with its purple-brown coat and white blaze, in its natural habitat.

This park is particularly known for its Renosterveld, one of the most threatened biomes in the world. By accessing the park, visitors can enjoy picnics and freshwater activities at the Breede River.

These are just five of a vast variety of national parks South Africans can visit as they explore, discover and learn more about the country’s diverse cultural history and palate.

Enter for free

Individuals can gain free entry from tomorrow until Friday, with additional access granted on September 14 and 15 at certain parks. Only day visits are allowed, with no accommodation included.

To see which parks are open on the extended dates, click here.