Nature of South Africa - national parks and reserves for active recreation

The nature and geography of South Africa are very diverse. In this country, you can find any terrains and climatic zones except for tundra and polar deserts. The Republic of South Africa is located in the very south of the African continent. Its eastern coast is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, and western by the Atlantic Ocean. The most common terrain of the country is hilly plateaus located in its central part. In the north of South Africa, mountains with a height of up to 1.5 kilometers rise and the Limpopo River flows. Its valley is overgrown with wild tropical forests. There are 2 deserts in the country. These are the Kalahari and Namib deserts. Drakensberg Mountains stretch along the Indian Ocean coastline.

South Africa has 20 national parks and more than 100 reserves, both public and private. Some of them, besides observing the life of wild animals, also offer hunting for them. In almost every park or reserve there are camps designed for travelers. Accommodation options can be different, ranging from simple tents to individual apartments, depending on the budget and preferences.

The oldest national park in South Africa is Kruger Park established in 1898. It was founded by the only president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger, a year before the outbreak of the military conflict with the British Empire. Located 500 kilometers from the City Park occupies an area of Johannesburg areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Kruger National Park has the status of largest and most profitable National Park on the planet! Numerous meadows and pastures of the park are home to 145 animal species, about 450 species of birds, and 100 species of reptiles. The big five animals of Africa - elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and buffalo - became the symbol of the national park. The flora is represented by 460 species of trees and shrubs and over 200 grass species. In the north of the park, scientists have discovered an early man site with stone structures. Kruger Park is included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve located 13 kilometers away from Sun City has been operating since 1979. It lies in the crater of an extinct volcano. Its territory is surrounded by a circle of 4 hills. Today, the park has become one of the most visited tourist parks in South Africa. The park's main purpose is to preserve a number of animal species from extermination by poachers. In the center of Pilanesberg, there is a picturesque lake, which has become home to various waterfowl species. In addition, the park is inhabited by over 6,000 species of animals and 350 species of birds. The park offers a number of hotels allowing to observe the animal and plant life around the clock.

In the Sundays River Valley, 70 kilometers away from Port Elizabeth, you will find Addo Elephant National Park. He was created to save the remaining 11 elephants in 1931. At the present time, the park has grown and already become home to 360 elephants. Previously, the park was poorly fenced and the elephants freely walked through the neighboring territories, becoming victims of poachers and local residents. To save the last remaining individuals, workers of the park decided to bring pineapples and various citrus fruits to the center of the Addo. Eventually, the elephants got used to the feeding place and ate so much fruit that began to die from its oversupply. In this regard, the feeding of Addo elephants with citrus fruits is strictly prohibited. In addition to elephants, rhinoceros, buffaloes, antelopes and other representatives of the African fauna live in the reserve.

The Tsitsikamma National Park stretches in a narrow strip along the coastline of the Indian Ocean for 80 kilometers. It protrudes 5 kilometers into the ocean. Tsitsikamma became the first marine park in South Africa. This protected area boasts of a large number of freshwater reservoirs and waterfalls. The life of birds can be observed without leaving the hotel room in case of staying in cozy small houses equipped directly on the trees. In the park, besides birds, you can also visit a monkey reserve or a mini-park of snakes, as well as a nursery of cheetahs or elephants. Fans of outdoor activities will be able to try a bungee jump from a waterfall, raft down the Storm River, go canoeing or fishing.