Recreational activities and tourism are steadily moving towards their past selves now that COVID-19 seems like a long-forgotten dream. A popular recreational activity among people of all ages is visiting a Safari park. If South Africa Safari is one of the points on your to-do list for this year, you have come to the right place for information.
Safari parks in South Africa are home to some of the world’s most exciting wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Regional officials have also provided extensive support to commercialize the South African Safari further.
Did you know that South Africa has more than 21 national parks? Some of the most commonly sighted wildlife animals in the South African region are rhinos, leopards, lions, hippopotamuses, cheetahs, giraffes, African buffalo, and cape buffalo.
Safari adventures in South Africa are an expensive investment. It is always recommended that you undertake safari activities after thoroughly researching and exploring all your options. This helps ensure that every penny spent on Safari adds value to the overall experience.
The list of South Africa’s top 5 Safari parks below is a small contribution to helping readers finalize which places are worth visiting.
1- Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the region’s most popular and extensively visited Safari parks. It is spread across 2 million hectares of expansive land, meaning the animals can roam around vast areas. The park shelters more than 114 species of reptiles, 147 species of mammals, and 500 species of birds.
Real testimonies suggest that Kruger National Park is your best bet to spot the Big Five in the region.
Information about Entry Fees:
- For Adults: 400 Rand
- For Children: 200 Rand
Information about Accommodation:
The Kruger Park offers several accommodation centers across price ranges. Some facilities are luxurious, while other options include camping, guest houses, and safari tents.
2- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is a safari park near the former kingdom of Swaziland. Earlier, Hluhluwe and Imfolozi were separate parks, but they were merged into one in 1989. The park covers 96,000 hectares.
One of the prominent feats of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safari Park is its role in conserving the nearly extinct white rhinoceros. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is frequently featured in the list of the most stunning game reserves in South Africa due to serene mountains and inspiring savannah.
Information about Entry Fees:
- For Adults: 210 Rand
- For Children: 105 Rand
Information about Accommodation:
Visitors can choose luxurious stays at Hilton Camp and Thanda Luxury Game Reserve or from a list of budget-friendly lodging facilities.
3- Madikwe Game Reserve
Only three hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Madike Game Reserve offers excellent sightings to visitors. Rich with natural terrain, Madike became the home ground for the largest reintegration project, Operational Phoenix. Under the novel initiative, officials relocated over 8,000 animals to the Madike Game Reserve.
You cannot undertake a safari in this park in your own car. The adventure is part of your stay at Madikwe.
Information about Entry Fees:
For Adults and Children: Not applicable since day tourism is not allowed.
Information about Accommodation:
Madikwe offers some excellent stay choices, each offering unique experiences. For instance, National Geographic recommends Jaci’s Safari Lodge.
4- Karoo National Park
Look no further if you are seeking places to spot certain endangered species. Karoo National Park houses the Riverine Rabbit, a highly endangered species. Visitors will also be near Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, and other vulnerable animals.
Karoo National Park covers 750 square miles and offers breathtaking views of ancient geological formations within its borders.
Information about Entry Fees:
- For Adults: 266 Rand
- For Children: 133 Rand
Information about Accommodation:
Experience staying at 4-star accommodation facilities or unique standalone farmhouses. The Karoo welcomes the needs of all visitors.
5- Addo Elephant National Park
A South African safari is incomplete without sighting the world-famous species of indigenous elephants. The Addo Elephant National Park offers opportunities to witness the beauty of majestic creatures. Since its establishment in 1931, the Addo Elephant Park has seen the elephant population grow from only 11 to over 600.
At the Addo Elephant National Park, you may also spot animals such as buffalo, lions, and zebras in addition to the ‘ecosystem engineers’.
Information about Entry Fees:
- For Adults: 397 Rand
- For Children: 199 Rand
Information about Accommodation:
The Addo rest camps are highly popular among regular tourists. They are budget-friendly and highly functional. If you are looking for more relaxing stays, facilities such as Gorah Elephant Camp and River Bend Lodge can accommodate your needs.
Conclusion:
If you are planning a safari in South Africa, we recommend booking in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. Some of the sites are prone to diseases such as Malaria. Consult your doctors to avoid any potential health risks. While on your excursion, follow all recommended guidelines to maintain the sanctity of the Safari parks.