If you’re considering where to go in 2026 for a holiday of a lifetime, South Africa’s national parks offer an extraordinary range of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and activities that appeal to adventurers, families, and first-time safari-goers alike. With world-class cities, rich cultural heritage, and some of the most beautiful safari destinations on the planet, a holiday in South Africa will inspire you to explore and unwind.
From classic Big Five game drives to birding safaris to spot the over 870 species of birds that can be found in South Africa, the variety is unmatched.
Kruger National Park
When you think of a South African safari, Kruger National Park is usually the first destination that comes to mind. It’s one of the largest and most famous reserves in Africa, home to the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 500 species of birds. Kruger offers both accessibility and adventure, whether you’re driving through on a self-drive route or joining a guided safari. The park also has a diverse mix of accommodation – from rustic campsites to high-end luxury lodges – making it ideal for every type of traveller.
Addo Elephant National Park
Famed for its large elephant herds, Addo Elephant National Park provides a very different experience. Addo is one of the largest national parks in South Africa and is known for not only the Big Five but also the Big Seven, which includes the southern right whale and great white shark, which can be found along the coast.
Beyond the Big Five, you’ll find various types of antelope, warthogs, over 400 bird species, and even the flightless dung beetle, which is unique to the region. Addo stretches from dense bush to coastal dunes, making it a great destination for travellers who want to experience diverse scenery as well as see wildlife.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
If your vision of a safari includes sweeping plains, Golden Gate Highlands may surprise you. Set in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains, this park is less about spotting lions and more about marvelling at sandstone cliffs, wildflowers, and birdlife. It’s a haven for photographers, hikers, and those who love wide-open spaces.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
For a safari that blends land and water, iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the KwaZulu-Natal coast is unforgettable. During migration season (June to November), you can even see humpback and southern right whales offshore. The park is also known for frequent sightings of crocodiles and hippos wallowing in estuaries and flamingos feeding in the shallows. With UNESCO World Heritage status, the park is an ecological treasure and offers a very different safari atmosphere compared to inland reserves.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
For travellers seeking a raw, remote adventure, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park delivers. Stretching across South Africa and Botswana, this desert wilderness is known for its red sand dunes, striking black-maned lions, and gemsbok antelope. Birding safaris here are also superb, with raptors soaring above the open skies. If solitude and dramatic scenery appeal to you, this is the park to add to your 2026 safari wish list.
South Africa’s national parks continue to evolve, with improved infrastructure, conservation programmes, and a growing focus on responsible tourism. With so much variety – deserts, coasts, wetlands, savannahs, and mountains – you can return again and again, experiencing something entirely new each time. For the holiday of a lifetime in 2026 (or beyond), consider one of South Africa’s magnificent national parks.
