Table Mountain National Park
What to expect: A Natural World Heritage Site and Natural New 7 Wonder of the World, the Table Mountain National Park is an iconic location and loved around the world. A place where majestic mountains plunge directly into the crystal blue water of the sea, the park is home to a bounty of flora and fauna, some of which is found nowhere else on earth. The perfect place to take advantage of the free access week.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/
West Coast National Park
What to expect: Considered a jewel of the Western Cape, the West Coast National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town and just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay. There is plenty to do, ranging from various hikes and mountain biking to kayaking and whale watching, while a picnic or lunch at the Geelbek restaurant are favourite pastimes in the park. There are also a number of fantastic accommodation facilities if you would like to spend some time exploring.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/
Agulhas National Park
What to expect: Located on the Agulhas Plain, just 45 minutes from the coastal town of Gansbaai in the Cape Oveberg, the Agulhas National Park boasts beautiful lowland fynbos on limestone soils - considered endangered and restricted largely to the southern Overberg. Other highlights included the southern-most tip of Africa, the lighthouse and the graveyard of ships that met their untimely end in the treacherous waters off the coast.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/agulhas/
Bontebok National Park
What to expect: With the backdrop of the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River running alongside it, the Bontebok National Park is the perfect day-trip and stayover. Rich in both flora and fauna, and a perfect place for birdwatching, the park has UA accommodation for those looking to stay overnight.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/bontebok/
Karoo National Park
What to expect: It may have once been considered a one-night stopover, but the Karoo National Park has since become a place offering a number of activities, including a mountain bike trail, guided and un-guided walks and a selection of 4x4 trails. There is, of course, also breathtaking landscapes – this is the Karoo after all – and an array of plant and animal life to admire.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo/
Garden Route National Park
What to expect: The Garden Route is one of the most popular self-drives in South Africa and has a huge amount on offer in the way of activities and experiences, including the Garden Route National Park. This beautiful park is well known for its indigenous forests, incredible coastline and, of course, the iconic Otter Trail. The park is also home to flora and fauna found only in this area, including the Knysna Seahorse and Knysna Dwarf Chameleon.
