Go wild in South Africa: 5 ways to get back to nature

Whether it’s spotting Africa’s famed Big Five, diving into its natural wonders or peeping for birdlife, South Africa is a trove of one-of-a-kind wildlife. South Africa is harnessing an array of conservation projects and education programmes to ensure it strikes a balance between environmental protection and visitor enjoyment.

By exploring this wildlife-rich country, not only can you contribute directly to wildlife protection via its visitor centres and national parks, but you can also immerse yourself in a plethora of conservation projects. Here are some of the best ways to explore its diverse nature.

1. Go on safari in Kruger National Park 

The Kruger National Park offers one of the best safari experiences in Africa. Reaching close to two million hectares, the density of African game and birdlife here is high, so you have a great chance of spotting the Big Five. 

The best time for sightings is between April and November, when the vegetation is less dense and wildlife is easier to spot. Places to stay include eco-conscious camps such as the Ngala Tented Camp in the north, and Camp Shonga in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains. A luxury stay doesn’t mean you have to compromise on responsible travel either, with places like Singita’s Sweni Lodge, Lebombo Lodge and Lebombo Villa rooting themselves in environmentally conscious practices and the empowerment of local communities.

2. Waddle with penguins on Boulders Beach

If birdlife is one of the top reasons to visit South Africa, the waddling penguins of Boulders Beach are the stars of the show. Populations of these characterful birds have declined by 83 per cent in just over 50 years, but thanks to Cape Nature Conservation, their habitat is now part of the Table Mountain National Marine Protected Area, and breeding programmes have helped grow the colony to around 3,000 birds in recent years.

Those curious to see these birds up close can do so via the boardwalks of Foxy Beach and by paying a small entrance fee, you are contributing to the protection of the penguins through South African National Parks.

3. See the incredible marine life of the Great African Sea Forest

Home to the most flourishing giant bamboo kelp on the planet, the Great African Sea Forest – which stretches for more than 1,000km between Cape Town and Namibia – has been dubbed one of the greatest underwater wonders.

After featuring on the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, this habitat for thousands of marine species and otherworldly marine life has shot to fame, with conservationists highlighting its key role in regenerating the world’s oceans.

Travellers who come to the region are encouraged to get involved in its protection by donating to the Support Sea Change Project. You can join organised diving trips to the sea forests from False Bay, where you might glimpse seals, pyjama sharks and the elusive octopus.

4. Hike in the grasslands

Perhaps one of the most important ecosystems in South Africa is its grassland, where vast herds of animals, from wildebeest and zebra to elands and antelope, once thrived in large numbers, before they were hunted by early European settlers. 

Thanks to conservation efforts across the country, the wildlife here may have a chance to thrive once again. From rare butterflies and birds like the endangered blue swallow to more than 3,000 plant species, a wide variety of wildlife could see a boost in their numbers. Those who want to explore the South African grasslands – which play home to three World Heritage Sites and 42 river ecosystems – should make tracks in the Golden Gate Highlands or one of the many parks found along the Drakensberg mountains.

5. Go birdwatching

South Africa is home to some 900 species of birds and you’ll find more than 500 of them in the Kruger National Park alone. Look out for the lilac-breasted roller, brown snake eagles and the tawny eagle. Kariega Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, is another favoured spot for glimpsing raptors and thanks to the rich fynbos kingdom of the Potberg Mountains and the De Hoop Nature Reserve, some 260 bird species, including waterfowl species, the endangered Cape Vulture and 13 species of migrant wader, all thrive here.

Feeling inspired?

Start planning your dream visit to South Africa now by heading over to the official website. 

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