South Africa is surely the land of adventure, whether you are on safari in the world famous Kruger National Park in the north, or in the Cape Wine Region in the south, there are an infinite number of things to do and keep you busy as an avid adventurer. With 11 official languages and nicknamed the rainbow nation reflecting the large amount of fascinating and diverse cultures, South Africans are deemed friendly and very accommodating for tourists and travellers from all walks of life.
Game drives in the African bushveld, long golden beaches, mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. Whatever experience or adventure you are looking for – you are sure to find it in the southernmost country of Africa. Climate being mostly subtropical allows for hot summers and mild winters, making this a travel destination all year round.
The Drakensberg mountain range is one of the longest mountain ranges in Africa, with an abundance of hiking and adventure filled activities. Game and wildlife reserves are scattered all throughout the country, which means you will never be more than a few hours drive away from some of the best animal encounters and “Big-5” experience.
Both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean making up the coastal borders, brings a huge amount and diverse marine life to the coastal regions. Between July and November each year the small town of Hermanus is one of the top places in the world to see the annual whale migration, allowing you to get up close and personal with these giants of the ocean.
The northern region of the country is mostly african bushveld with a large amount of wildlife reserves including the Kruger National Park, sure to give you the real african bush experience you’ve been dreaming of.
Top Reserves in South Africa
Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern CapeThe Addo Elephant National Park is the third biggest national park in South Africa, malaria free game and conservation reserve located close to Port Elizabeth
Agulhas National Park
Western CapeThe Agulhas National Park is located in the Agulhas Plain in the Overberg region, and forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Northern CapeThe Augrabies Falls National Park is located close to Upington and based around the Augrabies Waterfalls, stretching along the Orange River with stunning views
Bontebok National Park
Western CapeThe Bontebok National Park is the smallest national park in South Africa, established to ensure the preservation and conservation of the rare Bontebok
Camdeboo National Park
Eastern CapeNational Park is located in the unique landscape and scenic beauty of the Karoo, almost completely surrounding the town of Graaff-Reinet
Garden Route National Park
Western CapeGarden Route National Park includes the indigenous forests and estuaries of Knysna National Lake Area, Tsitsikamma National Park and Wilderness National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Free StateThe Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated in the Eastern Free State on the foothills of the Maluti Mountains close to the little town of Clarens
Karoo National Park
Western CapeThe Karoo National Park is located near the town of Beaufort West, in the semi-desert area of the Great Karoo rich with ecological and cultural history
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Northern CapeThe Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large wildlife preserve in the Kalahari Desert, comprises the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National Park
Knysna National Lake Area
Western CapeKnysna National Lake Area is a tidal lagoon and open estuary part of the Garden Route National Park, with the town of Knysna located on the shore of the estuary
Kruger National Park
MpumalangaKruger National Park is the biggest national park and wildlife reserve in South Africa, its diverse landscapes and high density of animals is home to the Big 5
Mapungubwe National Park
LimpopoMapungubwe National Park also known as “The lost city of Gold” is set against the northern border of South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe and Botswana
Marakele National Park
LimpopoMarakele National Park is located in the Waterberg Mountains, in the northernmost province of Limpopo. Known as “Place of sanctuary” in the Tswana language
Mokala National Park
Northern CapeThe Mokala National Park located in the Northern Cape is one of the youngest national parks in South Africa, a sanctuary for various endangered animals
Mountain Zebra National Park
Eastern CapeMountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 for the purpose of providing a nature reserve and conservation of the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra
Namaqua National Park
Northern CapeNamaqua National Park is located within the semi-desert succulent Karoo, breathtaking landscapes in spring when the Namaqualand daisies and wildflowers flower
Pilansberg National Park
North WestPilanesberg National Park is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South Africa, scenic landscapes and large variety of wildlife and home to the Big 5.
Richtersveld National Park
Northern CapeThis transfrontier park with spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery consists of rugged kloofs and high mountains, famous for the Fish River Canyon
Robberg Nature Reserve
Western CapeThe Robberg Nature Reserve is located in Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route in the Western Cape, the reserve is based around the stunning Robberg Peninsula.
Royal Natal National Park
KwaZulu-NatalThe Royal Natal National Park is located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa and part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Table Mountain National Park
Western CapeTable Mountain National Park is famous for two well known landmarks, Table Mountain after which the park is named and Cape Point also known as Cape of Good Hope
Tankwa Karoo National Park
Northern CapeTankwa Karoo National Park is located in one of the most arid regions of South Africa, close to the town of Sutherland and Cederberg Mountains
Tsitsikamma National Park
Western CapeTsitsikamma National Park with it’s indigenous forests and marine reserve are part of the Garden Route National Park, magnificent stretch of coastline
West Coast National Park
Western CapeThe West Coast National Park is located next to the Atlantic Ocean close to the sheltered harbour of Saldanha Bay and clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon
Wilderness National Park
Western CapeWilderness National Park next to the seaside town of Wilderness in the Garden Route National Park has indigenous forest, rivers, lakes and stunning beaches
Top Adventures in South Africa
Black Elephant Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 9.3kmThis stunning circular hiking trail in the Garden Route National Park leads you through indiginous forests past enormous Outenique Yellowwood trees.
Boskloof Hiking Trail
Hiking Free State 2.1kmThis hiking trail in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park gives stunning views from the foot of an overhanging sandstone cliff.
Brandwag Buttress Hiking Trail
Hiking Free State 2.4kmThis hiking trail in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park has breathtaking views of the sandstone cliffs after which the National Park is named.
Cango Caves
Caves Western CapeThe Cango Caves is located 30km outside the Garden Route town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, this magnificent cave system is the largest in Africa.
Devils Peak Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 7.1kmOne of the most popular hiking trails in Cape Town and only slightly lower than Table Mountain, giving you panoramic views of Cape Town.
Echo Caves
Caves LimpopoThe Echo Caves are set close to the town of Ohrigstad in the Limpopo province of South Africa, these rocks and caves date back more than 3500 million years.
Echo Ravine Hiking Trail
Hiking Free State 2.3kmPicturesque hiking trail in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, leading you to a magnificent echo chamber hollowed out by erosion over the years.
GZ Adventures Mankele
Mountain Biking Mpumalanga Bike ParkMankele is an adventure park situated close to Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga province, this venue is a favourite among mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hole in the Wall Hiking Trail
Hiking Eastern Cape 4kmThe hiking trail runs along the spectacular coastline of the Wild Coast, stunning views of this rugged coastline includes the Hole in the Wall.
Holla Trails Mountain Bike Park
Mountain Biking KwaZulu-Natal Bike ParkHolla Trails in Sugar Rush Park is close to the town of Ballito 50km north of Durban, a favourite among mountain bikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Karoo Camp Loop Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 4.2kmThis guided hiking trail in the Karoo National Park is led by a qualified guide and offers a chance to see wildlife in the semi arid karoo landscape.
Kranshoek Coastal Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 9kmThis stunning circular hiking trail close to Plettenberg Bay passes by waterfalls through indigenous forest with breathtakingly beautiful coastal views.
Lion’s Head Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 4.2kmHiking up to Lion's Head peak is nothing short of spectacular, with some of the best views of Cape Town and surrounding areas.
Matroosberg Ski and Snowboard
Ski and Snow Western CapeThe Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve ski and snowboarding slope is situated on a farm called Erfdeel, close to the town of Ceres in the Western Cape.
Mushroom Rock Hiking Trail
Hiking Free State 3.9kmThis hiking trail on the Golden Gate Highlands Highlands National Park will lead you to the beautiful rock formation resembling a red shaded mushroom.
Red Elephant Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 6.8kmThis hiking trail in the Garden Route National Park will take you through indiginous forests on woodcutter trails past giant Yellowwoods and Stinkwood trees.
Robberg Nature Reserve Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 8.9km LoopThe Robberg Nature Reserve Hiking Trail is a 8.9km moderately traffic circular route and one of the most popular and scenic trails in the Plettenberg Bay area.
Sterkfontein Caves
Caves GautengThe Sterkfontein Caves is located in the Gauteng Province close to the town of Krugersdorp, within a 2 hour drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Sudwala Caves
Caves MpumalangaThe Sudwala Caves in the Mpumalanga province close to the town of Nelspruit were formed about 240million years ago and are the oldest caves in the world.
Tiffindell Ski Resort
Ski and Snow Eastern CapeTiffindell Ski Resort is the highest ski resort in South Africa, located just outside the small town of Rhodes in the southern Drakensberg mountain range.
Tsitsikamma Big Tree Nature Walk
Hiking Eastern Cape 1.3kmTowering over the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest canopy this "Big-Tree" nature walk will take you past an 800 year-old enormous Outeniqua Yellowwood tree.
White Elephant Hiking Trail
Hiking Western Cape 8kmThis scenic hike will take you through the indiginous forests of the Garden Route National Park and in summer cool down in the rock pool found on the trail.
Wodehouse Peak Hiking Trail
Hiking Free State 9kmThis challenging but beautiful hiking trail with it’s overhangs and sandstone faces overlooks the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Yellowwood Tree Hiking Trail
Hiking Eastern Cape 5.3kmThis scenic and beautiful hiking trail in the Tsitsikamma National Park will take you through indigenous forests passing by the Tsitsikamma Big Tree.