All 42 South African Game Reserves (Facts, Info, Map)
South Africa is a haven for animal enthusiasts, offering an array of game reserves where you can encounter everything from majestic lions to elusive leopards. Here’s a look at some of all places across the country where these magnificent creatures roam freely.
If you’re eager to explore the rich tapestry of South African wildlife and perhaps tick off seeing the Big 5 animals from your bucket list, you’re in for a treat!
Here is the map of all South African game reserves, or visit the interactive Google Maps version.
Kruger National Park – the largest
Located in northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, sprawling over about 7,722 square miles (almost 5 million acres). It’s famous for its diverse wildlife including the Big Five and offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities in the world.
Wildlife: The Park is the home of 145+ mammal species, 500+ bird species, 30+ amphibian species, 110+ reptile species and 45+ fish species. It is estimated to have 1,500 lion, 17,000 elephant, 48,000 buffalo and 1,000 leopards individuals.
How to get there? It is an approx. 6 hours from Johannesburg by car. The closest airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit. Other regional airports that are close by: Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Adjacent to Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Game Reserve is 251-square-mile reserve renowned for exceptional leopard sightings. Its unfenced borders with Kruger allow for the free movement of wildlife.
How to get there? It is an approx. 6 hours from Johannesburg by car. The closest regional airport is Skukuza.
Timbavati Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park, Timbavati Game Reserve spans about 206 square miles and is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, famed for its naturally occurring white lions.
How to get there? It is an approx. 6 hours from Johannesburg by car. The closest regional airport is Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.
Manyeleti Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park, the 90-square-mile Manyeleti Game Reserve is known for its dense wildlife populations and offers a more secluded safari experience.
How to get there? It is an approx. 6 hours from Johannesburg by car. The closest regional airport is Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.
Mapungubwe National Park
In northern South Africa, the Mapungubwe National Park covers approximately 108 square miles, rich in biodiversity and archaeological history. The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
Wildlife: The Park is estimated to have 456 birds, 46 raptors, 90 mammal species, 32 snakes, and 17 bat species.
How to get there? It is approx. 130 miles from Johannesburg. The closest airport is Polokwane International Airport.
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Positioned in KwaZulu-Natal, this park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, covering nearly 370 square miles. It’s celebrated for its critical role in rhino conservation and also hosts the Big Five.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda covers about 170 square miles and is celebrated for its seven distinct ecosystems, hosting an impressive array of wildlife including the Big Five.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site in KwaZulu-Natal, this park spans roughly 790 square miles and is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique marine and wetland environments.
Mkhuze Game Reserve
Situated in KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhuze covers about 100 square miles and is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This reserve is celebrated for its bird watching, with over 420 bird species recorded, and also supports a significant population of white and black rhinos.
Addo Elephant National Park
Near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, this park spans approximately 695 square miles. Initially established to protect the last remaining South African bush elephants, it now also shelters other species including lions and black rhinos.
Pilanesberg National Park
Located in an ancient volcanic crater, this North West province park covers about 212 square miles. It offers a unique landscape and is malaria-free, home to the Big Five and numerous other species.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Near the Botswana border, this 290-square-mile reserve is malaria-free and known for its wild dog populations. It offers intimate wildlife viewing and luxury accommodations.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Extending over 14,668 square miles across South Africa and Botswana, this park features desert landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions.
Karoo National Park
Located in the Western Cape, this park encompasses about 290 square miles. It features dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, including a successful reintroduction of lions.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
In the Eastern Cape, Shamwari spans about 96 square miles and is known for its luxury lodges and animal rehabilitation centers, playing a significant role in conservation efforts.
Welgevonden Game Reserve
This 282-square-mile reserve in the Limpopo Province is malaria-free and known for its significant populations of rhinos and luxurious safari experiences.
Marakele National Park
Also in Limpopo, Marakele encompasses about 250 square miles and is part of the Waterberg Biosphere, offering a haven for the Big Five in a diverse landscape.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
This 86-square-mile private reserve in the Eastern Cape offers an exclusive safari experience with robust conservation practices, particularly for rhinos and elephants.
Garden Route National Park
Located along the southern coast, this park covers about 495 square miles and is known for its lush forests, dramatic coastline, and diverse ecosystems.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Situated around the stunning Augrabies Waterfall in Northern Cape, the park spans about 820 square miles and offers landscapes dominated by rugged terrain and diverse wildlife.
Mountain Zebra National Park
In the Eastern Cape, covering approximately 110 square miles, this park is dedicated to preserving the endangered Cape mountain zebra and other species.
West Coast National Park
Near Langebaan, about 90 miles north of Cape Town, this 106-square-mile park is famed for its spring flower blooms and migratory birds.
Nambiti Private Game Reserve
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, this 56-square-mile reserve is malaria-free and known for its Big Five sightings and luxurious lodges.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The largest private game reserve in South Africa, covering about 440 square miles in the Southern Kalahari, known for its conservation of desert species and the elusive pangolin.
Bontebok National Park
Located in the Western Cape, this small park covers about 11 square miles and is focused on protecting the rare bontebok, a type of antelope.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
In the Free State, covering about 135 square miles, this park is noted for its spectacular sandstone formations and a variety of high-altitude wildlife.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
This Western Cape reserve covers approximately 136 square miles and is particularly noted for its marine reserve, which provides a sanctuary for marine life and is a prime whale-watching spot.
Agulhas National Park
Situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, this park covers about 79 square miles and protects unique fynbos vegetation and historic sites, including the iconic lighthouse.
Cederberg Wilderness Area
Located in the Western Cape, the wilderness covers about 284 square miles and is famous for its ancient rock art and rugged, scenic landscapes.
Karoo Nature Reserve
This reserve in the Western Cape covers about 123 square miles, showcasing the unique desert flora and fauna of the Great Karoo area.
Table Mountain National Park
Encompassing the iconic Table Mountain and surrounding areas in Cape Town, this park covers about 85 square miles and offers breathtaking views and rich biodiversity.
Camdeboo National Park
Surrounding the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, this park covers about 76 square miles and is known for the spectacular Valley of Desolation and rich wildlife.
Tankwa Karoo National Park
Located in a remote area of the Northern Cape, this park spans about 570 square miles, offering stark desert landscapes and a tranquil retreat.
Knysna National Lake Area
Part of the Garden Route National Park, this area is famed for its beautiful lakes, forests, and coastal views.
Royal Natal National Park
In KwaZulu-Natal, this park is famous for its stunning Drakensberg Mountain scenery, including the Amphitheatre cliff face, one of the most impressive geological features in South Africa.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
A cross-border park with Namibia, this area covers about 2,300 square miles of desert landscape, known for its rugged mountains and cultural heritage of the Nama people.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Located near Pretoria, this 15-square-mile reserve is a popular spot for birdwatching and viewing rhinos and other game.
Mokala National Park
In the Northern Cape, this newer park covers about 105 square miles and focuses on the conservation of endangered species like the black rhino and roan antelope.
Marloth Nature Reserve
Situated near Swellendam in the Western Cape, this reserve covers about 49 square miles, known for its hiking trails and native forests.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
In KwaZulu-Natal, this small reserve offers stunning gorge views, rich wildlife, and exhilarating adventure sports.
Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
Located in Mpumalanga, this reserve spans approximately 57 square miles around the Loskop Dam area. It is renowned for its water-based activities and diverse wildlife, including large populations of hippopotamus and various antelope species.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Near Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, this reserve encompasses about 48 square miles. It offers a scenic landscape with rolling hills and plains, home to a variety of game including zebra, red hartebeest, and several antelope species, making it a great spot for hiking and wildlife photography.
