Xplore your favourite National Parks this Spring.

BY Motlatsi Kekana

South Africans can count September twice when listing their favourite months. Officially dubbed Tourism Month, September has a lovely selection of campaigns encouraging us to appreciate what’s in our backyard when it comes to travel adventures and xploring. From Sho’tLeft travel discounts to South African National Parks Week, you are spoilt for choice in getting to know some of the beautiful parts of our lovely country.

South African National Parks in partnership with Total Energies SA and First National Bank (FNB) are having their 18^th annual South African National Parks Week 18-22 September 2023 themed “Know your National Parks”. The feature element of this campaign is free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official identity documents and young persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity. We took the liberty to note some of the National Parks you can take time out to Xplore for the duration of the campaign and beyond. Remember that not all National Parks will be participating, and free access does not include accommodation.

Mapungubwe National Park

Located in the warm Limpopo Province, positioned at the meeting of 2 big rivers and 3 countries, Mapungubwe offers an array of wildlife, interesting history, and of course, beautiful scenery that will surely leave you wanting more of the Limpopo Province. Visit the SANParks site to get a list of other activities you can experience during your visit.

Kruger National Park

The Mpumalanga Province already has so much to offer when it comes to travel. Kruger National is known as South Africa’s most exciting African Safari destination. There are plenty of options when it comes to activities and accommodation in the area, you will be spoilt with Africa’s famous Big Five as well. You can book from romantic to family adventures if you visit www.SANParks

Golden Gate Highlands

Secretly tucked away in the Maluti Mountains in the Free State, Golden Gate Highlands is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife. The park’s popular attractions include vast, colourful sandstone formations which were once shelters for the Bushman.

Mokala National Park

Located roughly 80 km southwest of Kimberley, and just west of the N12 freeway which heads into Cape Town in the Western Cape. Named after the Tswana name for Camel Thorn trees, the reserve also has over 50 species of mammals including rare species such as White and Black Rhino, Roan Antelope, and Tsessebe.

Table Mountain

Known as one of the new Wonders of Nature and is located in the Mother City. A scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational asset in our country. A blend of rugged mountains, moonlit beaches, ancient forests, and much more surrounded by the city. An Acclaimed landmark, Table Mountain and the historic Cape of Good Hope draw millions of visitors every year. (“Table Mountain National Park – South Africa Nature Reserves”) Hiking being one of the most popular activities to engage in around these parts.

Marakele Nature

A game rich nature reserve characterised by the contrast of imposing mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and grass-clad hills. Marakele National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife including the Big Five and beautiful landscapes. Located on the South-Western corner of the Limpopo Province just 4 hours away from Gauteng.

Addo Elephant National Park

Over 550 Elephant get to call this Park home, nestled within the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. Speaking of elephants, the park also has the Big Five and several archaeological sites on the coast and in the Zuurberg where Bushman rock art can also be appreciated.

Imfolozi Game Reserve

Imfolozi is located on the Elephant Coast in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal which is north of Durban. We all know KZN for its rich history of the Zulu tribe, well this area was once the exclusive hunting ground of the mighty Zulu kings. The lush bushveld and rolling hills provide sanctuary for the Big Five.