A Guide to South Africa’s National Parks

South Africa is home to a vast and diverse range of national parks and game reserves, both public and private. These incredible conservation areas span a variety of landscapes, from sun-scorched deserts to dramatic mountain ranges, and offer some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa — including the iconic Big Five.

The Eastern Cape – Malaria-Free Game Viewing

The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is dotted with traditional African villages and offers excellent safari experiences in several well-managed game reserves.

Shamwari Game Reserve, home to the renowned Born Free Foundation, is the oldest private reserve in the region and a leader in wildlife conservation.

What sets the Eastern Cape apart is its malaria-free status, making it especially popular with families and first-time safari-goers.

Top Recommendations:

• Addo Elephant National Park – ideal for spotting the Big Five, particularly elephants.

• Mountain Zebra National Park – home to endangered species such as the black rhino, cheetah, and of course, the mountain zebra.

📍 Best for: Family safaris, malaria-free travel, conservation-focused experiences.

Kruger National Park – The Icon of South African Safaris

Covering nearly 2 million hectares and bordering Mozambique, Kruger National Park is the most famous and one of the largest national parks in Africa. It’s a premier destination for both self-drive safaris and luxury lodge stays.

With multiple private reserves on its western boundary, and no fencing between them and the main park, wildlife roams freely — creating a truly authentic safari experience.

Safari Options:

• Self-drive safaris: Affordable, flexible, and ideal for adventurous travellers.

• Private game reserves: Offer guided game drives, often with experienced rangers and trackers.

Top Private Reserves in the Greater Kruger Region:

• Sabi Sands – renowned for leopard sightings.

• Timbavati, Thornybush, and Klaserie – excellent smaller alternatives, also unfenced with Kruger.

You can also enjoy bush walks, birdwatching, and night drives in many of the private reserves.

📍 Best for: Big Five sightings, flexible travel styles, luxury and budget safari options.

Madikwe Game Reserve – Malaria-Free Luxury in the North West

Madikwe, South Africa’s second-largest game reserve, is located near the Botswana border. It’s a malaria-free reserve, making it a top choice for family safaris or those seeking a worry-free wilderness escape.

Easily accessible from Johannesburg — a five-hour drive or one-hour flight — Madikwe offers exclusive lodges and fewer vehicles on game drives, giving you a more personal safari experience.

Wildlife Highlights:

• Strong populations of African wild dogs (painted wolves).

• Big Five animals and over 400 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

📍 Best for: Malaria-free safaris, families, wild dog sightings, birding.

Makalali Private Game Reserve – A Hidden Gem in Limpopo

Located in the scenic Lowveld region of Limpopo, just west of the Phalaborwa Gate to Kruger National Park, Makalali Private Game Reserve covers over 22,000 hectares of pristine bushveld.

Makalali, meaning “place of rest” in the Shangaan language, is committed to conservation and ecological restoration. Through the work of the Makalali Land and Wildlife Trust, efforts are ongoing to re-establish ancient wildlife migration routes connecting Kruger to the Drakensberg Mountains.

The terrain of rolling hills offers spectacular viewpoints, and the reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five.

📍 Best for: Conservation-focused safaris, scenic landscapes, exclusive experiences.

Phinda Private Game Reserve – Seven Diverse Ecosystems

KwaZulu-Natal – Culture, Coastlines & Conservation

Stretching along South Africa’s east coast, KwaZulu-Natal offers a year-round warm climate and a unique blend of wildlife, adventure, and Zulu heritage.

The province is home to the last remaining monarchy in South Africa — the Zulu Kingdom — and is rich in historical sites including the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

We recommend visiting the Elephant Coast, a biodiverse region that combines:

Isimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Big Five game reserves

Birding, ocean, and cultural safaris

White sandy beaches and coral reefs

📍 Best for: Cultural immersion, varied safari types, beach and bush experiences.

eeling inspired to explore the wild beauty of South Africa? Whether you’re planning a self-drive Kruger adventure or a luxury lodge getaway in Madikwe, our safari experts at Somak Holidays are here to help you craft your dream itinerary.

📞 Call us today on 020 8423 3000 or visit our website to start planning your South African safari holiday of a lifetime.