Amazing Safari Parks in South Africa
There are so many incredible safari parks to visit in South Africa. They all feature various experiences from the magnificent wildlife, vast ecosystems, and comfortable lodging.
Whether you are looking to see the big five, go on a self-driving safari, or visit an ancient volcanic crater, you will never leave disappointed when visiting safaris in South Africa.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Sabi Sands shares a border with Kruger National Park. This game reserve is ideal for big 5 viewing and luxurious lodging. The guides are experts in tracking and drive off-road to allow for a better look at the animals.
As Sabi Sands is an extension of unfenced Kruger National Park, expect to have a true wildlife experience. High season for the park is anywhere from October to March. It is best to visit in May to September instead.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
This park is a joined between the countries of Botswana and South Africa. On the Botswana side, Gemsbok National Park offers basic campsites. In South Africa, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park features luxury accommodation and facilities.
With vast open desert scenery expect to see some of Africa’s most famous predators. This includes the lion, cheetah, and leopard. This is a fantastic park for someone who wants a secluded experience where you will never find any crowds. For best wildlife viewing, visit March to May.
Kruger National Park
Kruger is known as one of the most popular safari destinations in South Africa. You are guaranteed to spot the big 5 in a park so large it could be a small country. If you are the adventurous type, explore the park while on a self-driving safari.
Kruger’s habitat is a woodland savannah, with especially thick vegetation during the parks wet season, from October to April. Due to the parks sheer vastness, expect to see the big 5 in large quantities. This includes lions, elephants, buffalos, white rhinos, kudu, impala, and more.
Addo Elephant National Park
As the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo is an ideal location to see herds of elephants. Although you may spot some of the big 5, it is not as common as seeing the elephants. There are over 600 elephants in the park alone.
If you are looking to see some great white sharks and southern right whales, stop by the nearby Algoa Bay. Addo National Park is extremely accessible and offers a variety of accommodation for any traveler’s budget. For the best wildlife viewing, visit from June to September.
Hluhluwe-IMfolozi Game Reserve.
Known for its rhino population, this Kwazulu-Natal province park is one of the oldest in South Africa. Once home to a thriving population of white rhinos, the black rhino and big 5 still remain in this park. If you are lucky you may even spot a pack of wild dogs.
This park is filled with stunning scenery and thick vegetation, perfect for wildlife to hide in. For better visuals of the animals, visit during the dry season from May to September.
Pilanesberg National Park
This National Park is unique for its landscape. The park itself is set in once what was a volcanic crater, a beautiful backdrop for the big 5. Conveniently located an hours drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is a stunning destination for a weekend away.
Pilanesberg offers a variety of accommodation at all price points. It is home to elephants, buffalos, white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest to name a few. Visit during May or September for the parks dry season.
