Things to do in Western Cape, South Africa: The Best National Parks

November 17, 2021 Harland Bartelt

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Restaurants in Western Cape

1. Wilderness National Park

Wilderness South Africa +27 44 877 1197 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 435 reviews

Wilderness National Park

Reviewed By Cairokid - Maidenhead, United Kingdom

This is part of the Garden Route and is lovely. The beach is awesome with dramatic waves and a large sandy beach.

2. Agulhas National Park

214 Main Road, Bredasdorp 7287 South Africa +27 28 435 6078 [email protected] http://www.sanparks.org/parks/agulhas/
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Agulhas National Park

Reviewed By bradowen27 - Saraland, United States

Just a short walk from the lighthouse is the southern most tip of Africa. With a great sculpture of Africa built at the point and maps and history of the area. See the dividing line where the Indian and Atlantic oceans collide and enjoy the beauty of the area. L'Agulhas is a quiet beachy town, a few seafood restaurants and some shops but enjoy the walks and views from the national park

3. Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park

Dumbleton Road, Knysna South Africa +27 82 858 9409 https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/all.php
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,245 reviews

Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park

Reviewed By katied953 - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom

Incredible scenery, so much to do around here, walking, kayaking, bungee jump, waterfalls. Keep an eye out for all the wildlife as well!

4. West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park South Africa +27 22 772 2144 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 516 reviews

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park hosts vast concentrations of migratory birds, and is an ideal spot for appreciating the colorful flora endemic to the region. There are picnic sites, hiking trails, and opportunities to go mountain biking or whale watching.

Reviewed By 999Dotty - Hartsdale, United States

We enjoyed several hours of excellent birding in West Coast National Park; they have several "birds hides" which are essentially shelters where you can sit and enjoy close bird-watching without disturbing the birds. And as we were leaving the park, we saw a herd of yak-type mammals. We have been on many safaris, so we never get tired of seeing animals in the wild. The park is about 90 minutes outside of Cape Town, and is a beautiful way to spend a few hours. I think they also have several beaches, but we did not visited them; we were mainly interested in birding.

5. Karoo National Park

Beaufort West 6970 South Africa +27 23 415 2828 [email protected] https://www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo/
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 390 reviews

Karoo National Park

Reviewed By brigettemyburgh - Kempton Park, South Africa

The best is to take your own food as the meals were’nt of the greatest.The chalet is lovely and the scenery is beautiful. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful. Spent two nights here and absolutely loved it. The area is a geological dream!

6. Bontebok National Park

N2, Swellendam 6740 South Africa +27 28 514 2735 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/bontebok
Excellent
25%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
7%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 451 reviews

Bontebok National Park

This picturesque camping area is a protected refuge for the rare bontebok, a South African antelope recognizable for its red coat and white face.

Reviewed By E6060LImichaeld

Was a lovely, scenic drive in a beautiful nature reserve. We managed to see the endemic bontebok, rhebok, and wild zebra. A stunning landscape. A must do.. definitely.

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