South Africa’s Top National ParksSouth Africa is renowned for its vast, unspoilt wilderness areas teeming with wildlife. Over a dozen national parks offer visitors to South Africa an opportunity to view wildlife in a natural setting. Here are three of the most popular South African game reserves:

1. The Kruger National Park The vast expanses of the Kruger National Park cover the southern reaches of the Limpopo Province and the northern reaches of the Mpumalanga Province. This game reserve is one of the world’s largest game parks and is home to an unrivalled selection of wildlife.

Visitors to the park often choose to drive from one of the Mpumalanga entrances in the south, traverse the park, and exit in the Limpopo Province. A number of Mpumalanga and Limpopo accommodation options are located in close proximity to the borders of the park.

Alternatively, visitors to the park can book accommodation in one of the park’s many rest camps, and take the opportunity to spend a few nights in the African bush. Luxury lodges are also available to guests wishing to splash out on a 5-star game lodge experience.

2. Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park is a ‘transfrontier’ game reserve spread over the countries of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The park was created to allow animals to follow ancient migratory routes and sprawls over an area of 38,000 square kilometers.

About a third of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park falls within the borders of South Africa, and the reserve can be accessed from the Northern Cape. You can book accommodation within the reserve or else pre-book Northern

Cape accommodation on the borders of the park.

The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park is located in an exceptionally dry, arid region. The low level of rainfall gives rise to low scrub, and desert-like plateaus which provide an ideal terrain for spotting the profusion of game that populates the park.

3. Table Mountain National Park

While the Table Mountain National Park may be one of South Africa’s smallest national parks, it makes up for its size with its spectacular scenery and convenient accessibility. Located in the heart of Cape Town, the park comprises the towering granite massif of Table Mountain.

There are various means of reaching the summit of Table Mountain. The Table Mountain National Park operates a cable car service, while hikers can take a variety of different routes up the mountain - ranging from energetic hikes to ascents only suitable for expert climbers.

The Table Mountain National Park features a viewing deck and restaurant but does not offer accommodation. However, visitors will find a wide range of Western Cape accommodation options available in the suburbs that surround the base of the mountain.

Game reserve accommodation in South Africa

e-southafrica.com offers a range of accommodation options close to South Africa’s top game reserves. Browse our array of quality accommodation in South Africa to find the establishment that suits your taste and your travel style.