National Parks in South Africa
South Africa is one of the largest countries on the African continent, roughly three to four times the size of Germany. People of all skin colors live in the country.
And from different African cultural circles, which is why South Africa is also referred to as the Rainbow Nation.
Equally diverse are the flora and fauna of the country, which in many parts remains completely untouched. To protect them, South Africa has declared several areas as national parks. The fame of these parks extends far beyond the continent's borders.
The Kruger National Park
The oldest and at the same time largest national park in the country is the Kruger National Park. The park's origins date back to the year 1898, when it was still declared a game reserve. The area was declared a national park over 80 years ago; in 1926 it received its current name.
With an area of around 20,000 km², the national park is one of the largest in the world, but the animal population is relatively small by comparison. During the dry season, many animals migrate to the surrounding areas, which is why large parts of the borders have now been fenced.
In summer, the landscape blooms; at this time, it rains heavily and the dried-up rivulets and rivers become raging torrents. At this time, the Kruger National Park is populated by large herds of animals. With 150,000 specimens, impalas are the most common mammal species found in the park. Large herds of elephants, zebras and Cape buffaloes cross the national park in summer. At this time, waterbucks, warthogs and hippopotamuses gather at the watering holes.
The Marakele National Park
In the north of the country, a few kilometers from the border with Botswana, lies the Marakele National Park. It is known for its characteristic landscape; it is situated in the middle of the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa. In this hilly area, the landscape changes from wide grasslands over deep valleys to high mountain ranges. In the national park grow some of Africa's rarest tree species, including cedars, palms and tree ferns as well as yellowwood.
Well-known savannah animals such as elephants and various antelope species are native to the national park, as are the rare white rhinos. A special spectacle is observing the resident Cape vultures, which are threatened with extinction.
The Agulhas National Park
At the southernmost point of South Africa, at Cape Agulhas, lies the Agulhas National Park. The area is an important part of the flora and fauna at the Cape. Due to its unique animal and plant life, the region deserves its status as a national park. Many plants are only native to this park; some species are on the list of endangered genera.
Over an area of 180 km², many nature trails lead through the national park, which is known for its stormy weather at any time. In the summer months, colorful flowers bloom, and for decades a lighthouse has guided passing ships.
Along the coast, humpback whales swim by again and again; otherwise, the national park is known for its great variety of bird species. Some rare seabirds make their home in the Agulhas National Park.
