National Parks in and near Cape Town

Feeling cooped up? Head out to Cape Town and visit Table Mountain National Park. An international tourism icon, this national park area partly comprises the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site. Although sans lion, rhino and other traditional National Park attractions, Cape Town’s most prominent geographical landmark boasts a plethora of exciting outdoor pursuits not to be missed.

Table Mountain National Park

The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset ... more

With 20 national parks protecting every conceivable type of landscape across the country, South Africa is serious about protecting its natural environment for future generations. All the national parks are all open to the public and allow visitors to relax in nature and experience African wildlife in its most pristine condition.

The most famous and a must-see for any visitor interested in African wildlife is the Kruger National Park. Bordering the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga on the west and Mozambique on the east, its two million hectares of immense diversity of life make it one of the best natural parks in all of Africa.

Camps are spread out over the entire region, and every conceivable African animal roams freely in their natural habitat. Safaris like this are many people's dream come true, and Kruger will not disappoint. It is Africa at its best.

For rugged nature and a real out-in-the-wild feel, head for the Tsitsikamma National Park on the eastern edge of the Garden Route. Dominated by ancient forests and sheer cliffs by the ocean, it is a beautiful and tranquil location frequented by dolphins and whales and well known as a hikers' paradise.

For those want to get off the beaten track and experience a spectacular environment, go to Augrabies National Park near the northern border with Namibia. Its name comes from a Khoi word meaning “Place of Great Noise” and the 56 m waterfall on the Orange River, thundering down the Orange River Gorge is a awe-inspiring site not to be missed.