When people think of seeing the Big 5 in Africa, they usually imagine the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania, or Kruger National Park in South Africa. While these parks are fantastic, they can be crowded and expensive. South Africa has some of the best national parks for wildlife viewing, and it’s not just about Kruger.
There are other less crowded spots where you can enjoy budget-friendly, self-drive safaris. These adventures let you move at your own pace and have personal encounters with the animals. Yelling “STOP!” when you spot something and slamming on the brakes is such an adrenaline rush!
One park that’s very special to us is where we saw our first big African wildlife. The dirt roads are well-marked and not too high, making it easier to spot creatures. Here, you can see leopards, buffalo, jackals, black and white rhinos, lions, antelope, zebra, and elephants. It’s also home to the flightless dung beetle.
The best part? You can do a self-drive. We took our Chevy Spark all over the park and saw 8 out of the 9 lions that live there, plus elephants, buffalo, a rare caracal cat, jackals, and more. Just grab a map at the entrance, and off you go. Pack a lunch and stop at the designated picnic area – it’s best to plan a full day because you’ll want to stay from opening to closing. It costs 160ZAR ($17.21) for adults and 80ZAR ($8.69) for children under 12, which is quite the bargain!
Another must-see is this massive wetland park protecting 280 km of coastline and 5 main ecosystems: offshore reefs and beaches, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests, and lakes. It’s so unique! The St. Lucia Estuary area is the best spot for hippos and crocs, which you’ll see around the wetlands and in the lake. Leopards, antelopes, and rhinos are also here, although we didn’t spot any.
Like Addo National Park, this is another great place for a self-drive safari. The roads are good, the scenery is stunning, and there are several spots where you can get out (if you’re brave) and enjoy the views. The best part is that entry is free!
Close to the St. Lucia area and near the Mozambique border, this park is perfect for spotting big wildlife, especially white rhinos. It has the most white rhinos in the world. We also did a self-drive here, and it was amazing. There are hides where you can watch animals at a watering hole without them realizing you’re there. It’s a fantastic way to see wildlife up close.
Here, you can see blue wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo, and lots of antelope. We had great encounters with giraffes and wildebeest. The entrance fee is 110ZAR ($11.83) for adults and 55ZAR ($5.90) for children under 12.
Although it’s in Swaziland and not South Africa, we have to mention Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re in South Africa, a detour to Swaziland is worth it. Milwane is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, and you can hike around the park without worrying too much about predators. The only dangerous animals are crocs and hippos, which stick to the water.
Another great thing about Milwane is that you can stay right inside the sanctuary. We stayed in a beautiful roundavel hut and had antelope, ostrich, and warthogs right outside our door – a truly unforgettable experience. The entrance fee is just 40SZL ($4.31), which is amazing.
We highly recommend these fantastic, budget-friendly, lesser-known national parks for your South African safari. We saw almost everything on our list, although the elusive leopard, rare black rhino, and cheetahs had to wait until our visit to the Masai Mara in Kenya. All you need is a map, some food, a vehicle, and a sense of adventure. Grab your binoculars and go explore!
Have you been on a safari in South Africa? We’d love to hear about your experience!