Best National Parks And Reserves In South Africa

How Many National Parks Are There In South Africa?

South Africa boasts a whopping 42 major national parks and reserves, with nearly 200 smaller reserves. They all vary in size, landscape, and wildlife, offering diverse experiences and catering to every type of traveller. Destinations like Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town and De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Garden Route are stunning holiday spots for nature lovers seeking peace and tranquillity, but for wildlife enthusiasts, there are plenty of South Africa's national parks and game reserves that offer exceptional big game safaris.

When Is The Best Time To Visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa ultimately depends on your individual or group preferences. For instance, if you aim to see as many animals as possible during your visit, then the country's dry winter months (May to September) are your best bet as vegetation thins out, making wildlife easier to spot. You'll also enjoy a more comfortable experience overall as the temperatures are milder and the weather is cooler, while the risk of catching malaria in areas like Kruger lowers significantly.

South Africa's wet summer months, also known as the green season, offer its own rewarding experiences. Nature lovers, twitchers and those who find themselves staring at pictures of baby animals all day will delight in the lush scenery, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and calving season that comes with this time of year.

Here's our selection of the best places to visit in South Africa for incredible safari experiences:

Limpopo And Mpumalanga Provinces

1. Kruger National Park

No trip to South Africa is complete without adding a Kruger National Park safari to the itinerary. Being one of the best national parks in South Africa and one of Africa's largest reserves has made the Kruger the country's flagship safari destination. Occupying more than 19,000 square kilometres (over 7,300 square miles), the park is home to a wide array of wildlife and is known for reliable sightings of big game in a relatively short period of time – making it particularly ideal for first-time safari-goers. A few Kruger National Park animals you can look forward to seeing are the iconic Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and hyena.

Best Known For:

• Classic Big 5 safaris
• Diverse wildlife
• Self-drive safari options

Best For:

• Self-drive holidays
• First-time safari-goers

Location:

The Kruger National Park stretches across South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Its incredible road network and infrastructure make it easily accessible for self-drive and fly-in safaris, especially when wanting to add on a holiday in Cape Town or a holiday to Johannesburg.

Landscape & Scenery:

Rolling savannah, riverine forests, and seemingly endless open plains make up the park's landscape for excellent year-round game viewing.

Activities & Experiences:

• Guided & self-drive game drives
• Birdwatching
• Abundant wildlife and Big 5 sightings
• Budget-friendly camps and lodges

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is from May to September. This period falls in the park's dry season, offering optimal game viewing.

2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Touted as one of the best game reserves in South Africa, Sabi Sands has become synonymous with luxury safari experiences in the Greater Kruger region. Occupying a conservative 65,000 hectares (160,600 acres), the reserve is fairly small in comparison to some of its counterparts in Africa, but a Sabi Sands Game Reserve safari will never disappoint. The high concentration of big game throughout the reserves makes for great sightings when out on game drives or nature walks.

Best Known For:

• Frequent leopard sightings
• Exclusive, luxury safaris

Best For:

• Travellers seeking an exclusive and private safari experience

Location:

Located in the Greater Kruger region, Sabi Sands shares an unfenced border with the southwestern section of the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province.

Landscape & Scenery:

The scenery in Sabi Sands mainly consists of woodlands, open grasslands, and riverbanks, which attract an array of wildlife moving freely between the park and the reserve.

Activities & Experiences:

• Private game drives & off-roading
• Guided bush walks
• Spot-lit night game drives with skilled trackers
• Photography safaris
• Luxurious lodges with personalised safari experiences

Best Time To Go:

Like the neighbouring national park, the best time to visit Sabi Sands is in the reserve’s dry season, from May to October.

3. Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Safaris in Thornybush Private Game Reserve has fast become a favourite among visitors, making it one of the more prominent game reserves in South Africa. This private reserve promises intimate, luxury safaris near Kruger, sharing an unfenced border with the national park. This allows wildlife to freely roam between the two areas, making for incredible game viewing of iconic animals, including the famous Big 5.

Best Known For:

• Family-friendly safari experiences
• Big 5 sightings

Best For:

• First-time safari-goers
• Multi-generational families
• Older travellers

Location:

Thornybush Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to Kruger National Park within the Greater Kruger region in the Limpopo Province.

Landscape & Scenery:

Visitors can expect views of bushveld, dry savannah, and waterholes when in Thornybush – the perfect habitat for Africa's wildlife.

Activities & Experiences:

• Morning and evening game drives
• Bush dinners
• World-class spa treatments
• Intimate wildlife experiences

Best Time To Go:

For spectacular game viewing, the best time to visit Thornybush is in the dry season from May to September.

4. Marakele National Park

As far as South Africa national parks go, Marakele is arguably the most beautiful of all. Located in the scenic Waterberg Biosphere, this Big 5 reserve covers over 670 square kilometres (over 250 square miles) and is a favourite among nature lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the peace and quiet of the untamed wilderness.

Best Known For:

• Cape vulture colonies
• Stunning landscapes

Best For:

• Nature lovers
• Active travellers

Location:

Marakele is situated in the Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo province.

Landscape & Scenery:

The national park is often celebrated for its everchanging, breathtaking landscape, comprising rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys and grassy plains. Hike up one of the many scenic trails and be rewarded with gorgeous viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the wildlife and reserve.

Activities & Experiences:

• Game drives
• Bird watching
• Hiking trails
• Incredible photography opportunities
• Dramatic scenery
• Peaceful and less crowded safaris

Best Time To Go:

It's recommended that you visit Marakele National Park during the dry season from March to September, as the weather is cooler during this time and wildlife is easier to spot.

Eastern Cape

5. Addo Elephant National Park

The third largest of South Africa's national parks, an Addo Elephant National Park safari is a must for anyone who is a fan of the giant pachyderms. Addo was established in 1931 to protect the last remaining elephants in the area, of which there were only 11 left due to habitat loss and extensive hunting. Today, the 1,700 square kilometre (656 square mile) park is a haven for elephants with a population of over 550.

Elephants aren't the only animal that call Addo home. The park's inhabitants include the remaining members of the Big 5, as well as marine wildlife along the coast, including Cape gannets and African penguins.

Best Known For:

• Large elephant population
• Marine wildlife

Best For:

• Family-friendly holidays
• Active travellers

Location:

The highly accessible park can be found in the Eastern Cape.

Landscape & Scenery:

Addo Elephant National Park boasts diverse ecosystems that include wooded valleys, open plains, dense bushveld and coastal dunes.

Things To Do:

• Game drives
• Scenic hiking trails
• Whale watching (in season)
• Spot the Big 7 (the Big 5 plus whales and Great White Sharks)
• Coastal and land-based wildlife diversity

Best Time To Go:

Like many South Africa safari parks, it's best to visit Addo National Park during the dry season from May to September.

6. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is the home of luxury Eastern Cape safaris, offering 220 square kilometres (85 square miles) of pristine, untouched wilderness brimming with a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big 5.

This malaria-free, luxury reserve is highly regarded for its contributions to wildlife conservation in South Africa, particularly in reintroducing and protecting endangered species like black rhino, cheetah and Serval.

Best Known For:

• Intimate safari experiences
• Black rhino sightings
• Hands-on rhino conservation experiences

Best For:

• Animal lovers
• Families with young kids
• Malaria-free safaris

Location:

You can find Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the heart of the Eastern Cape, stretched out on either side of the Great Fish River.

Landscape & Scenery:

Standout features of the game reserve is its stunning landscape that changes from riverine forests and sprawling grasslands to rugged cliffs, meandering rivers, and rolling hills.

Activities & Experiences:

• Game drives and bush walks in a malaria-free reserve
• Hands-on conservation experiences
• Insightful cultural experiences
• High density of rhinos
• Exclusive lodges with a strong focus on eco-tourism

Best Time To Go:

May to September, during the region's dry season, is the best time to visit Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.

KwaZulu-Natal

7. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

The oldest of South Africa's national parks, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is also the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in the whole of Africa. Stretching to 960 square kilometres (371 square miles), the park is a pioneer in conservation efforts, saving the southern white rhino from near extinction. Today, the park is a haven for one of the largest populations of white rhinos in the world.

Best Known For:

• Rhino conservation efforts
• Being the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa

Best For:

• Classic Big 5 safaris

Location:

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is located north of Durban in central KwaZulu-Natal.

Landscape & Scenery:

A diverse landscape, ranging from rolling hills and riverine forests to grasslands, makes up the stunning scenery of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Activities & Experiences:

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Birdwatching
• See thriving white and black rhino populations
• Scenic drives through rich biodiversity

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit is from May to September during the dry season when vegetation is thinner and animals congregate around scarce water sources.

8. Phinda Private Game Reserve

A favourite among South Africa's reserves, Phinda Private Game Reserve offers quintessential KwaZulu-Natal vacations that range from classic Big 5 safaris to beachside getaways on the nearby Indian Ocean coast. Phinda is well-known as a luxury reserve offering tailored safaris across its 285 square kilometre (110 square mile) area.

Best Known For:

• Incredible sightings of black rhinos and cheetahs
• Conservation and community involvement

Best For:

• Romantic getaways
• Nature lovers
• Luxury, tailored safari experiences
• Travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation

Location:

When visiting Phinda Private Game Reserve, you'll find yourself travelling to the Zululand region of northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Landscape & Scenery:

Safaris in Phinda promise diverse ecosystems of savannah, wetlands, and coastal forests.

Activities & Experiences:

• Game drives
• Guided bush walks
• Water-based activities like boat cruises, scuba diving and snorkelling
• Rhino tracking
• Proximity to iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Marine and bush safari combination

Best Time To Go:

As with many other South African game reserves, the best time to stop by Phinda is during the dry winter months, from May to September, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. However, for those who prefer searching for our feathered friends, the green summer season offers superb birding opportunities between October and April.

Northwest Province

9. Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a premier South Africa game reserve best known for its malaria-free Big 5 safaris. The wildlife sanctuary covers approximately 550 square kilometres (212 square miles) and is set within an ancient volcanic crater, creating a dramatic landscape that houses abundant wildlife, including rare animals like African wild dogs.

Best Known For:

• Accessibility
• Diverse wildlife

Best For:

• First-time safari-goers
• Multi-generational families
• Day visitors staying in Sun City or Johannesburg

Location:

Situated in arm's reach of Johannesburg, Pilanesberg can be found in the Northwest Province, close to the fun wonderland of Sun City.

Landscape & Scenery:

Its unique locations see Pilanesberg boasting breathtaking volcanic landscapes with hills, plains, and waterholes.

Activities & Experiences:

• Game drives
• Self-drive safaris
• Hot air balloon rides
• Birdwatching
• Scenic views of the ancient volcanic crater
• Abundant wildlife within a compact area

Best Time To Go:

Wildlife tends to congregate around the reserve's waterholes from May to September – Pilanesberg's dry season – making it much easier to spot animals.

10. Madikwe Game Reserve

After the Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve is the most sought-after South Africa game reserve for wildlife viewing. Spanning approximately 750 square kilometres (290 square miles), a Madikwe safari promises incredible sightings in one of the country's largest and malaria-free reserves. One of Madikwe's most notable achievements is Operation Phoenix – the world's largest wildlife translocation project. Over 7 years, more than 8,000 animals were introduced into Madikwe, cementing the reserve's spot as one of the most wildlife-rich regions.

Best Known For:

• African wild dogs
• Luxury Big 5 safaris
• Malaria-free holidays
• Operation Phoenix

Best For:

• First-time safari-goers
• Multi-generational families
• Families with young children

Location:

Madikwe sits near the Botswana border in the North West Province.

Landscape & Scenery:

Game drives around the reserve promise views of woodlands, savannah, and riverine areas.

Activities & Experiences:

• Private game drives
• Bush dinners
• Guided bush walks
• Birdwatching
• Exclusive, family-friendly safari experiences
• Strong focus on conservation and eco-tourism
• Stargazing
• Photographic safaris

Best Time To Go:

To get the most rewarding safari experience, visit Madikwe from May to October during the dry season when wildlife is more easily spotted as they congregate around water sources.

Kalahari Desert

11. Tswalu Private Game Reserve

The largest of the game reserves in South Africa, Tswalu clocks in at 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles) of desert landscape in the famous Kalahari Desert. Known for its luxurious accommodations, personalised experiences and intimate wildlife viewing, Tswalu Private Game Reserve is the ideal destination for the traveller who is looking for a unique twist on the classic safari experience.

Best Known For:

• Rare species like pangolins and aardvarks
• Commitment to conservation and exclusivity
• Desert-adapted species like meerkats

Best For:

• Families
• Active travellers
• Repeat visitors to Africa

Location:

Tswalu can be found at the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape.

Landscape & Scenery:

Dramatic red sand dunes, arid savannahs, and mountain ranges make up the topography of this stunning reserve.

Activities & Experiences:

• Private game drives
• Guided bush walks
• Stargazing
• Horseback safaris
• Sleepouts in star beds
• Visits to archaeological sites
• Exclusive, personalised safaris
• Focus on rare and endangered species

Best Time To Go:

The dry winter months of May to September are the best time to visit Tswalu. The weather is much cooler during this time, meaning more wildlife activity and a more comfortable visit for travellers.

Ready To Visit South Africa's Safari Parks & Reserves?

Start planning your trip to South Africa with the help of our Africa Safari Experts. With over two decades of first-hand experience of travelling around Africa, our experts are perfectly positioned to craft a tailor-made vacation for you.