The Top 7 National Parks to Explore in South Africa with Rovos Rail

South Africa is one of the most enchanting countries in Africa’s southern region. It’s got everything from the most breathtaking mountain ranges and desert landscapes to parks brimming with life and safari views of what is known as Africa’s “Big Five” game animals. And the best places to see all of this wildlife and stunning scenery are the country’s national parks.

There are 19 national parks scattered throughout South Africa, which in its own right is quite a huge country. So, if you want to see as many parks as possible on your South African adventure, traversing the country by rail is a smart option. And when it comes to traversing the country by train, there’s nothing like Rovos Rail—Africa’s premier luxury train that whisks you away to South Africa’s most unforgettable and diverse national parks.

Not sure which South Africa national parks to add to your itinerary as you explore the country aboard Rovos Rail? Here are seven you can’t miss.

The 7 Best National Parks to See in South Africa

Kruger National Park

There are plenty of parks across the world to see majestic and diverse wildlife, from the rocky mountains of Canada to the rainforests and coral reefs of Malaysia. But there’s nothing quite like going on safari in South Africa, where—if you’re lucky—you can spot animals like zebras and giraffes. And in South Africa, perhaps the most popular place to see safari animals is arguably Kruger National Park.

This South African national park has two million hectares of stunning, enthralling biodiversity. The park boasts over 140 mammals, more than 500 bird species and over 330 species of trees, among many other life forms. Here, you’ll even see animals in Africa’s “Big Five,” namely lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffalo.

Addo Elephant National Park

Another of the must-see South Africa national parks for wildlife aficionados is the Addo Elephant National Park, a park you can visit if your Rovos Rail journey makes a stop at Port Elizabeth.

The park was originally opened in the 1930s to protect the lives of the last 11 Addo elephants (the rest were hunted as far back as the 1700s). Today, it’s home to 600 elephants and 400 buffalo. It’s also the only national park where you can find all of Africa’s “Big Seven” (the original five plus whales and great white sharks) in their respective national habitats. It even boasts Bird Island, where over 120,000 gannets and a large colony of African penguins live.

Royal Natal National Park

This park is known for its incredible, majestic mountain range in Drakensberg. Most known for its dramatic rock wall of canyons referred to as the “Amphitheatre,” the Royal Natal National Park is a must for mountain lovers.

There are plenty of hiking trails in the park that allow you to admire the stunning views from above. Other activities you can try out in the area include trout fishing in the Thukela and Mahai rivers and horse riding in the park’s stables.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is most known for its iconic “Brandwag Buttress,” a huge sandstone cliff that has an unbelievable golden-orange glow that’s even more gorgeous during the sunset. Below the cliff, the park has plenty of rolling grasslands and even a small village called the Basotho Cultural Village. Here, you can learn more about the heritage of the locals by retracing the steps of the first occupants of the park from long ago.

Garden Route National Park

Ocean lovers will thoroughly enjoy a trip to Garden Route National Park, a park on the southern coast of South Africa that boasts scenic views of the Indian Ocean.

At Tsitsikamma, you can admire the rocky coasts and sand dunes near the waters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins and whales frolic in the waves. Meanwhile, in the Knysna area, you can marvel at beautiful lakes and bridges as you hike through the park.

Table Mountain National Park

This park is home to Table Mountain, the prominent mountain with a flat top in Cape Town. This mountain is so iconic that it’s considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, creating a beautiful backdrop in Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital.

Another must-see in Table Mountain National Park is the Cape of Good Hope, also known as the most southwest point of Africa. This rocky headland has incredible cliffs that can give you stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a famous lighthouse there that is the highest point in the area. It’s the perfect place to take in all of the views in the cape. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to get to the lighthouse hassle-free.

West Coast National Park

Lastly, we have West Coast National Park, a colourful park known for its vibrant flora and fauna in the Postberg Flower Reserve. The reserve is closed for most of the year, but it opens its doors to visitors in the springtime when its lively flowers are in full bloom.

The park is also a popular place for birdwatching, as it’s home to over 250 bird species. You can also visit the refreshing Langebaan Lagoon, where you can relax on the shores or enjoy the turquoise waters with a round of kayaking or kitesurfing.

The Best Time To Go to National Parks South Africa

The best time to visit the parks above is generally during the dry season from around May to September, when South Africa boasts cooler temperatures. If you come in the summer months of December to March, the heat can get unbearable and put a damper on your adventures.

If you’re looking to visit Kruger National Park and other areas to go on safari and see wildlife, it’s best to come in the winter. In around September, water is scarce in the parks, and animals clamour to the watering holes, making them easier to see.

And if you’re more interested in seeing flora and fauna, you might want to come to the parks between August and September, when the flowers bloom the most beautifully.

Explore the Best National Parks in South Africa with Rovos Rail

Climb aboard the Rovos Rail and admire the sights and sounds of South Africa’s national parks teeming with life. Whether you’re more interested in spotting lions and elephants or seeing the unique flora and fauna this side of the world has to offer, there’s a national park in the Rainbow Nation for you.

Love seeing the world by train? Check out the many rail journeys Entire Travel Group offers! Your next global adventure awaits!