From the mind-flushing canvas to smoky tropical forests, Bushveld to snow-coated mountains, South Africa is the greatest nature-reserve country in the world. Its diversity and breathtaking scenic view will leave you in a state of bewilderment.
National parks are noteworthy places to experience magnificent landscapes with wildlife.
Here we have run down the top five national parks of South Africa:
Golden Gate Highland National Park
Golden Gate Highland National Park is located near Lesotho’s mountain valley. This park offers spectacular views of majestic sandstone cliffs dominating the whole region.
This pristine rock formation is mesmerizing in look. Their enormous mountain ridges address some hidden caves with San Rock art created on the walls. On the other side, history lights up the park; this attracts several footsteps yearly. Even some paleontological innovations have been made in its periphery. Also, scientists have found dinosaur skeletons and eggs.
“Golden Gate” name resembles the color of the cliffs at the time of sunset. Needless to say, the fantastic panorama of this national park will be enough to remember for the rest of your life.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is the most significant habitation of flora and fauna in South Africa. Also, it is one of the biggest wildlife nature-reserve in the world. Some of the most citable species like; lion, zebra, hippo, elephant, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, leopard, and giraffe are elating the park’s beauty. The casting of other 136 different mammals and 500 birds of different kinds is also an attraction.
Majestic granite hills embellish the southern part of the park. On the other hand, the magnificent view of the Lebombo Mountains rising from Savanna decorates the east of this national park. The northern part of this 7520 sq. mile wildlife reserve boasts the beauty of the smoldering tropical forests.
It is a fact that Kruger sometimes gets so crowded by the suffering flocks that you might wait in line to explore the park’s wildness. If you flip the scenario, you will discover Kruger as the most convenient network of highways.
Mapungubwe National Park
The crowning beauty of the Limpopo Province is the Mapungubwe National Park lying across 28,000 hectares. This national park is a historic nature-reserve site of Mapungubwe Hill.
This scenic landscape contributes a picturesque view to the whole canvas. This hill part of Limpopo province was the capital of the Mapungubwe Kingdom long ago.
These days, this national park is counted as one of the most enchanting scenic parks in the country. Its sandstone formation on the surface, woodlands, and forest sites create a heavenly paradise. Besides this, it belongs to that group of rare places where we can see the meerkats and Nile crocodiles live in one place.
You can choose a night’s stay as per your pocket budget. If you are limiting your pocket, choose the camping site. But, if you want to stay in luxurious accommodation, the resorts and hotels on the riverside will be an everlasting experience.
Tankwa National Park
The harsh and husky Karoo Semi-desert is the home to the Tankwa National Park. Its sharp-defined landscape is not suitable for everyone, but if you love a clear starry sky with a brilliant night view, the Karoo will be the right destination. This solitary place will give you an undistracted environment. Its barren desert and scantily populated lands will give you a feel of serenity. So, a visit to Tankwa will take you to the deep root of the incredible geological sense.
Tankwa is famous for another reason, and that is Sutherland Observatory. This place houses the world’s giant optical telescope. So, this place is best loved by nature photographers and astronauts.
If you want to explore this Tankwa National Park, you can arrange a small night settlement in Lord Milner Hotel. This hotel’s decoration and monarchical arrangement remind the time of the realm of Queen Victoria.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park
This national park is known for the habitation of the largest population of white rhinos in South Africa. This park protects the animals from mitigation. Currently, Hluhluwe is the home of more than 2000 white rhinos. But, the authority has sent a thousand more to the other park in South Africa. The park authority keeps attention on the perfect conservation measures. That executes the highest number of exhibits of these valuable creatures.
The distance between Durban to The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park needs a two and half hour’s drive, which is very convenient to cover. Also, you can have a tour of the Big Five. During holidays this location gets crowded due to its fascinating view.
If you want to stay here, it will be easy for you to find out lovely accommodation with all the primary facilities. Even the most exciting part of this Imfolozi Game Park is its multi-connectivity. This accessibility will help map your trip to Durban and other parts of South Africa.
If you desire to make your backpacking list with nature-reserve spots, South Africa is waiting for you with its numerous hidden treasures. The national parks of this country include wildlife encounters, wild citadels, and hiking trails. We hope our list will help you to set your tour map to explore natural wonders. Read more about travel around the world here.