Some people invest in unit trusts, others in property, but not all pension plans look the same and since putting this list together, my one now involves a countrywide road trip to visit all of our 19 national parks.
Six weeks seems like a good amount of time to devote to it.
This isn’t the first time someone has thought to put together a road trip like this. In the United States, it’s a fairly common pursuit for those who love nature, are adventurous and can tolerate long drives.
Scott Ramsay spent three years visiting South Africa’s wild places between 2011 and 2013.
On his journey, which was supported by South African National Parks, he visited more than 50 protected areas in South Africa, including all 19 national parks. Scott has carved a life out of documenting such places and has now photographed more than 100 protected areas and conservancies in 12 African countries.
This proposed road trip, starting and ending in Johannesburg, clocks in at 7260 km.
You may want to slice up the route slightly differently between the Garden Route and the Karoo, but I suppose that’s the joy of a road trip – the freedom to be the master of your own journey. Interestingly, KZN doesn’t appear on the list. (Royal Natal National Park, despite its name, is in fact not a national park.)
The trip, in this order, would visit the following parks:
1. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Start your trip off with a gilded bang as you explore the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the north-eastern Free State. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs. Stand the chance to see black wildebeest, eland, oribi, zebra, the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs.
2. Mokala National Park
Established in 2007, Mokala is one of the country’s newest parks and is situated in the far eastern corner of the Northern Cape. Mokala is a Setswana name for camel thorn, which is an incredible resource for the wildlife that survives in the often harsh conditions characteristic of this area. Many animals have been relocated to the park, including black and white rhino, tsessebe, roan antelope, red hartebeest, buffalo, gemsbok and black wildebeest.
3. Camdeboo National Park
You’ve now entered the Karoo, a place that has a soft spot in many South African’s hearts. Camdeboo National Park provides a fascinating insight into the unique landscape and ecosystem, not to mention the awesome scenic beauty. And if you want a taste of the local people, head into the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. Or, probably an even better idea, visit the nearby Valley of Desolation.
4. Mountain Zebra National Park
Next, head east towards Cradock to discover the conservation success story of a park that saved the Mountain Zebra species from extinction. In 1937, when the park opened, it had only six zebra on 1 712 hectares of land. These zebra didn’t survive but donations by local farmers ensured the species and the park continued. Today, it boasts 370 zebra roaming in 28 412ha, kept company by black rhino, eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and Cape buffalo.
5. Addo National Park
Time to take things up a level – all the way up – for a rendezvous with the world’s largest animal. Originally proclaimed in 1931 with only 11 elephants, today this finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary for over 450 of the animals – the densest elephant population on earth. The iconic black-maned lions of the Kalahari were introduced to Addo over 15 years ago. The big reason for choosing these lions (as opposed to somewhere like Kruger) is because they are disease-free and would not affect the buffalo population, which might have otherwise caught tuberculosis.
6. Garden Route National Park
You’ve now made it all the way to the lush slopes of the Garden Route and its national park, where you can explore the beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines, indigenous forests and much more. Guides here can take you on an epic journey by foot, kayak, lilo, boat, mountain bike, scooter and Segway. And, if you’re lucky, you might even slip in a trip on the Otter Trail.
7. Karoo National Park
After submerging in the waters of the Garden Route, trackback inland. We recommend taking the Swartberg Pass, one of the iconic roads in SA. The Karoo National Park is dominated by the lofty Nuweveld Mountains and rolling plains, with a unique variety of wildlife that may require some patience to spot. Interestingly, the park has five species of tortoise, the highest density of species per equivalent area anywhere in the world. Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagles find sanctuary within the park. But keep in mind that a park such as this is as much about the landscape and succulents as the wildlife.
8.Tankwa Karoo National Park
Things are about to get even dustier and sparser in the Tankwa Karoo, home to epic sunsets and the occasional hedonistic jol for art lovers. This 80,000-hectare park is worth visiting for its koppie-studded, moon-like landscape, diversity of succulent plants and fine Karoo birding. Only two southern African regions have been designated as Biodiversity Hotspots by Conservation International. One is the Cape Floral Kingdom, and the other the Succulent Karoo, of which Tankwa is part. There are tourism facilities, accommodation and camping within the park and a couple of privately operated B&Bs on the periphery.
9. Bontebok National Park
We’re bouncing back towards the coast as we head towards Swellendam. A detour via Tradouw Pass is recommended for the curious and adventurous. Set against the majestic Langeberg Mountains, the park boasts proud achievements in biodiversity conservation, from the endangered fynbos veld type, coastal renosterveld, to the namesake bontebok. Once these colourful antelope numbered a mere 17, now the population sits at around 3,000. The park also offers bird watchers over 200 bird species.
10. Agulhas National Park
Just 100 kilometres southwards lies the Agulhas National Park. What goes on here? Well, you can stand at the southernmost tip of Africa, where two oceans meet. Explore the historic Cape Agulhas lighthouse. Marvel at the shipwrecks that dot this rugged, beautiful coastline. Curl up in front of a cosy fire with the sound of crashing waves in the background. Or, my personal favourite, just kick back and watch the ocean as a fire sizzles next to you.
11. Table Mountain National Park
Congratulations, you’ve reached the halfway stage of the road trip, more or less. Don’t get distracted by the beaches, wine farms or restaurants please – let’s stick to the script. We have nature to explore. A visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach is part of the itinerary, as is a walk on Cape Point. Ultimately though, we’re here to scale a mountain. My recommendation is Indian Venster but if you prefer another route, or even the cable car, I’m not here to judge. Stand atop Table Mountain and cast your gaze northwards to where you’ve come. Take a deep breath and continue on, we have further to go
12. West Coast National Park
In an ideal world, you’d visit this park in August or September when the daisies are exhibiting their carnival of kaleidoscopic colours. But even if you are here another time, there’s still much to enjoy. The Langebaan Lagoon is the focal point of this small park, which has seaside braai areas and picnic spots to enjoy the views.
13. Namaqua National Park
Similarly to the West Coast National Park, a tapestry of brilliant colours unfolds enticingly along the winding roads of Namaqua in August and September. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. Here’s a fact for you – with its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1,000 of its estimated 3,500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. Fields of flowers, star-studded nights, quiver trees, enormous granite outcrops and the icy Atlantic are just some of the sights to catch.
Compiled by
First published on Cape Town etc
Also see: A list of rand friendly places to visit as a South African
