Five Western Cape national parks to visit this Free Access Week

The Western Cape is a region blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to towering mountains and lush forests. Here are five national parks to visit this National Parks Week…

1. Table Mountain National Park

Stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from fynbos-covered slopes to pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs. The park is also part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to thousands of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Visitors during National Parks Week can explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the popular Platteklip Gorge, which leads to the summit of Table Mountain. Cape Point, located at the park’s southern end, is another highlight, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meeting.

2. West Coast National Park

Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the West Coast National Park offers a coastal escape filled with stunning lagoons, beaches, and even seasonal wildflower displays. The park’s jewel is the Langebaan Lagoon, a turquoise stretch of water that’s perfect for kayaking, water sports as well as picnicking on the beautiful stretch of sand.

The nearby Postberg section of the park is also particularly famous for its spring wildflower bloom, where the landscape transforms into a colourful carpet of daisies, particularly between August and September.

3. Garden Route National Park

The Garden Route National Park is a diverse and expansive area that combines coastal beauty with dense forests, freshwater lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges along the country’s southern coast. The park includes the former Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, and Knysna national parks and is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, canoeing, zip-lining, and birdwatching.

4. Bontebok National Park

Near the town of Swellendam sits Bontebok National Park, which may well be one of South Africa’s smallest national parks, but it offers plenty to see and do. The park was originally established to protect the rare bontebok, an antelope species that was once on the brink of extinction. Today, visitors can easily spot these striking animals grazing on the grassy plains, alongside other wildlife such as Cape mountain zebras, red hartebeest, and grey rhebok.

5. Agulhas National Park

Agulhas National Park is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans officially meet. This windswept, rugged coastline is not only significant for its geographic location but also for its rich cultural and natural heritage. The park is home to a unique marine ecosystem, including various fish and seabird species, as well as endangered plant species that thrive in the coastal fynbos.

Explore the Agulhas Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1849, or hike one of the park’s scenic trails, such as the Rasperpunt or Two Oceans Hiking Trail. The shipwrecks that litter the coastline are a testament to the treacherous waters off the Cape, adding a historical element to this beautiful park.