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Complete list of 20 national parks in South Africa

Addo Elephant

Agulhas

Ai-Ais Richtersveld

Augrabies Falls

Bontebok

Camdeboo

Garden Route

Golden Gate Highlands

Karoo

Kruger

Mapungubwe

Marakele

Mokala

Mountain Zebra

Namaqua

Table Mountain

Tankwa Karoo

Tsitsikamma

West Coast

Wilderness

South Africa National Parks

Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park situated in the Eastern Cape. The park is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on Earth, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle. It includes five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones and extends from the semi-arid karoo in the north to the coast in the south.

Agulhas National Park is located at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The park features the historic Cape Agulhas lighthouse and protects portions of the unique limestone fynbos vegetation. The area is known for its treacherous coastline and numerous shipwrecks.

The Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a desert landscape characterized by rugged mountains and deep river valleys. It is one of the world's richest succulent areas and home to many rare plant species. The park represents a unique partnership between South Africa and Namibia, preserving the cultural heritage of the Nama people.

Augrabies Falls National Park features a spectacular 56-meter waterfall on the Orange River. The park's name comes from the Khoi word meaning 'place of great noise.' The landscape is characterized by granite outcrops and unique desert vegetation, providing habitat for various wildlife species including klipspringer and black eagles.

Bontebok National Park was established to protect the rare bontebok antelope from extinction. The park lies in the Cape Floral Kingdom and features unique fynbos vegetation. The Breede River flows through the park, providing opportunities for water-based activities and bird watching.

Camdeboo National Park surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet and is known for the Valley of Desolation, a geological phenomenon of dolerite pillars. The park protects the Karoo landscape and its diverse wildlife. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding plains and the town below.

Garden Route National Park encompasses diverse coastal and forest landscapes along South Africa's southern coast. The park includes the Tsitsikamma Forest, Knysna Lake Area, and Wilderness section. It protects ancient indigenous forests, coastal fynbos, and marine areas while offering numerous outdoor activities.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is characterized by its distinctive sandstone cliffs and outcrops. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the sandstone cliffs. It protects a rare highland habitat and contains valuable paleontological sites with dinosaur fossils.

Karoo National Park showcases the unique landscape and wildlife of the Great Karoo semi-desert region. The park features ancient fossil trails and diverse wildlife including black rhino and Cape mountain zebra. Its interpretive center tells the story of the region's natural and cultural history.

Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest game reserves and South Africa's flagship national park. It features an exceptional diversity of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The park spans two million hectares of unrivaled biodiversity and archaeological sites.

Mapungubwe National Park is home to the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe, the first indigenous kingdom in southern Africa. The park features diverse wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and white rhinos, alongside significant archaeological sites. The landscape is characterized by sandstone formations, mopane woodlands, and the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.

Marakele National Park is situated in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains. The park is home to all of the Big Five and hosts one of the world's largest colonies of Cape vultures. Its dramatic landscapes include deep valleys, mountain peaks, and rolling hills covered in cycads and yellowwood trees.

Mokala National Park is a sanctuary for endangered species including black rhino, tsessebe, and roan antelope. The park features Kalahari thornveld vegetation and unique rocky outcrops. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for rare antelope species and provides a vital conservation role in South Africa's northern region.

Mountain Zebra National Park was established to protect the Cape mountain zebra from extinction. The park features rugged terrain with grass-covered plains and deep valleys. Besides mountain zebra, the park is home to cheetah, black rhino, and various antelope species.

Namaqua National Park is renowned for its spectacular spring flower displays and unique succulent plant species. The park transforms into a colorful carpet of wildflowers during the spring season. It encompasses both the Succulent Karoo biome and coastal sections with pristine beaches.

Table Mountain National Park is a natural wonder featuring the iconic flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town. The park includes the Cape Peninsula from Signal Hill to Cape Point. It protects unique fynbos vegetation and offers spectacular hiking trails and viewpoints.

Tankwa Karoo National Park is known for its stark desert landscapes and clear night skies. The park lies in the Succulent Karoo biome and features unique desert adapted flora. It offers visitors an authentic Karoo desert experience with dramatic landscapes and extreme temperature variations.

Tsitsikamma National Park protects a pristine coastal area with dramatic cliffs, indigenous forests, and marine environments. The park features the famous Otter Trail and suspension bridges over the Storms River mouth. It is known for its ancient forests, fynbos vegetation, and marine life.

West Coast National Park is centered around the Langebaan Lagoon, a wetland of international importance. The park is famous for its spring wildflower displays and diverse bird life. It features pristine beaches, ancient granite outcrops, and rich marine life.

Wilderness National Park protects a series of lakes, rivers and estuaries along the Garden Route. The park features diverse ecosystems including coastal dunes, forests, and wetlands. It is particularly known for its bird life and water-based activities on its lakes and rivers.