How large and how populated is South Africa?

South Africa covers approximately 1,221,040 square kilometers and has an available population figure of 63,015,904, recorded for 2,024. Taken together, these numbers give a much better sense of the location’s real scale than either figure would on its own.

How many national parks are associated with South Africa?

South Africa is associated with 24 national parks in the dataset. That count makes the location relevant as a park-discovery entry point, whether it is being viewed as a country, a region, or a broader geographic grouping.

Which national parks are associated with South Africa?

The dataset links South Africa with the following national parks: Abe Bailey Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park, Anysberg Nature Reserve, Atherstone Nature Reserve, Augrabies Falls National Park, Babanango Game Reserve, Balule Nature Reserve. This list gives a direct protected-area overview for the location and is often the quickest way to understand why the place matters in MoriAtlas.

Which countries or regions are associated with South Africa?

South Africa is associated with the following country or countries: South Africa. Where more detailed internal geography is available, it is also associated with the following region or regions: Central Province, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West. This helps show whether the location is narrowly bounded or connected to a wider network of places.

What are the official and native names of South Africa?

The official name of South Africa is Republic of South Africa, and its native name is Republiek van Suid-Afrika (Afrikaans), iRiphabhuliki yaseNingizimu Afrika (Zulu). These naming forms add useful legal, linguistic, and local context beyond the shorter common name used in English interfaces.

What language and time zone information is associated with South Africa?

South Africa is associated with the following language codes: af, en, zu, xh, nso, st, tn, ss, and with the time zone Africa/Johannesburg. These are practical metadata points that help the place profile work better across localization, search, and international geographic browsing.

What geographic character defines South Africa?

South Africa is classified in the dataset as a coastal location. Coastal geography often shapes climate patterns, settlement history, access routes, and the broader natural identity of a place.

What are the main country facts for South Africa?

For South Africa, the capital is Pretoria, the largest city is Johannesburg, and the associated currency code is ZAR. Together, these facts provide a quick practical snapshot of the country beyond its place on the map.

What codes identify South Africa in geographic datasets?

South Africa is identified by the ISO code ZA and the country code ZA. These standard identifiers are especially useful when connecting MoriAtlas place records to other structured geographic or statistical systems.

How many national parks are in South Africa, and which ones are they?

South Africa is associated with 24 national parks in the dataset: Abe Bailey Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park, Anysberg Nature Reserve, Atherstone Nature Reserve, Augrabies Falls National Park, Babanango Game Reserve, Balule Nature Reserve. This makes the country page one of the strongest entry points for browsing its protected landscapes at a national scale.

Which regions are associated with South Africa?

South Africa is associated with the following region or regions: Central Province, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West. This is useful for moving from a country-level overview into more detailed regional park discovery.

Countries

Browse the geographic distribution of South Africa's protected lands and natural terrain.

South Africa National Parks and Protected Areas: An Atlas of Mapped Landscapes and Regional Geography

Q: What is South Africa?

South Africa is a Country in the MoriAtlas geographic dataset. It is used as a structured place record for organizing nearby regions, countries, and protected-area discovery, and where relevant it can also act as part of the broader geographic area of Africa.

South Africa offers a diverse array of national parks and protected areas, each contributing to the country's rich natural landscape. This atlas entry point allows for a structured exploration of these significant conservation zones, highlighting their mapped boundaries and regional geographic context. Discover the spread of protected lands across South Africa, from its iconic wildlife reserves to its unique biomes, providing a comprehensive overview for geographic discovery.

Related tags

southern africacoastal countrywildlife destinationmegadiverse countryparliamentary republic

Browse categories

Park system

Exploring the South Africa Park System and National Protected Areas

Compare regional scale, historical age, and diverse habitat patterns across conservation zones

Browse the national parks in South Africa to evaluate a diverse range of bushveld, mountain, and coastal protected areas. Aggregated data from known records highlights median park sizes, historical designations, and climate classifications to simplify comparisons across regional conservation landscapes.

Known protected area

207,662 km²

Area data available for 102 of 109 parks.

Median park size

195 km²

Median across 102 parks with known area.

Oldest known park

Phongolo Nature Reserve

Established in 1894.

Largest known park

Cape Floristic Region

Recorded area: 78,555 km².

Designation distribution

Nature reserve43

National park24

Wildlife reserve24

Protected area9

Biosphere reserve6

2 more categories represented

Habitat distribution

Grassland44

Shrubland38

Riverine habitat31

Wetland25

Savanna22

15 more categories represented

Climate distribution

Subtropical30

Mediterranean20

Arid12

Temperate10

Alpine1

1 more category represented

About

Browse South Africa's extensive national park geography, outlining the diverse protected landscapes and their regional distribution.

Discover National Parks in South Africa: An Atlas of Protected Areas and Wildlife Landscapes

Browse the diverse national parks and protected areas across South Africa, encompassing vibrant coastal reserves and expansive inland conservation landscapes. A country-level atlas provides a structured entry point for navigating individual park pages and understanding the unique geographic distribution of protected terrain.

South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa, spanning 1.22 million km² with a population of over 63 million. The country operates with three capital cities—Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial)—and is renowned for its biodiversity, national parks, and multicultural society.

South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a parliamentary republic located at the southern tip of the African continent. It comprises nine provinces and maintains one of the most diverse populations in the world, with eleven official languages reflecting its rich multicultural heritage. The country transitioned to democratic rule in 1994, ending the apartheid era, and now serves as a regional economic and political powerhouse.

Largest city:Johannesburg

Currency code:ZAR

ISO code:ZA

Parks count

109

Capital

Pretoria

Area

1,221,040 km²

Population

63,015,904 (2,024)

Coastal

Island

Mountainous

Landlocked

Park atlas109 parks

Discover the regional distribution of South Africa's key national parks, from coastal reserves to inland wildlife areas.

National Parks in South Africa: Explore Diverse Protected Areas and Conservation Landscapes

Explore an essential list of South Africa's national parks and key protected areas, covering diverse landscapes from its coastal regions to the expansive inland bushveld. The structured country-level view offers vital geographic context, enabling users to map park distribution and navigate directly into detailed facts for each conservation landscape.

National parkSouth Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa's Iconic National Park for Geographic Discovery

Explore savanna landscapes and mapped protected area boundaries.

Kruger National Park serves as a paramount example of a protected landscape, offering a rich tapestry of savanna ecosystems and varied terrain across South Africa's Lowveld. This canonical entry details its vast geographic scope, approximately 19,623 square kilometres, and its status as the nation's first national park. Understand the park's environmental context, from the Lebombo Mountains to the Limpopo River, and its integral role within larger transfrontier conservation initiatives, providing critical insight for atlas-based geographic exploration.

Area: 19,623 km²
Established: 1926
IUCN: II
Visitors: 1.7M annual

Kruger National Park Atlas Entry

National parkEastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park: South African National Park with Diverse Protected Landscapes

Explore its geographic context and unique Big Seven megafauna habitats.

Addo Elephant National Park is a crucial protected landscape within South Africa's Eastern Cape, covering approximately 1,640 square kilometers of varied terrain including karoo plains, coastal dunes, and marine protected areas. Its identity is deeply tied to the successful recovery of elephant populations and its distinction as the only African national park where all Big Seven megafauna can be observed in their natural surroundings. Discover the park's geographic spread, landscape diversity, and its role as a premier conservation area.

Area: 1,640 km²
Established: 1931
IUCN: II
Visitors: 305.5K annual

Addo Elephant National Park protected area

National parkNorthern Cape

Richtersveld National Park: Geographic and Protected Area Map Context

Exploring arid volcanic landscapes in Northern Cape

Richtersveld National Park represents a vast, complex protected area defined by its rugged mountain ridges and arid desert ecology. Centered in South Africa's Northern Cape, the landscape is shaped by the Orange River and high-altitude volcanic formations. This profile offers detailed insight into the park's natural boundaries, endemic plant habitats, and its role as a living cultural landscape within the wider regional geography.

Area: 1,624.45 km²
Established: 1991
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Arid

Richtersveld National Park Geography

Watercolor illustration of a savanna landscape with scattered trees and rock formations

National parkLimpopo

Mapungubwe National Park: National Park with Rich Iron Age Archaeology and Savanna Landscapes

Explore Limpopo's unique protected area at the three-nation border.

Mapungubwe National Park is a vital protected area in South Africa's Limpopo region, renowned for its dual significance as a major archaeological site and a diverse natural landscape. This national park protects a significant portion of savanna ecosystems, including unique riparian forests and mopane woodlands, surrounding the historic Mapungubwe Hill. As part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, it plays a crucial role in regional conservation, offering a distinct geographic perspective at the confluence of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and serving as a focal point for atlas-based discovery of protected lands.

Area: 280 km²
Established: 1998
IUCN: II
Relief: Lowland

Mapungubwe National Park Protected Area

Biosphere reserveWestern Cape

Cape Floristic Region: A Detailed Geographic Atlas of the Western Cape Biodiversity Hotspot

Mapped protected biosphere reserve and fynbos landscapes

Explore the Cape Floristic Region, an expansive protected landscape within South Africa. This atlas provides a detailed look at the region's Mediterranean shrublands, sandstone-derived soil terrain, and its status as a singular floral kingdom. Understand the geography of the Western Cape through its mountain ranges and diverse ecological zones.

Area: 78,555 km²
Established: 2004

Cape Floristic Region Atlas and Geography

National parkWestern Cape

Table Mountain National Park: Mapped Protected Landscape and Geographic Context in Western Cape

National Park details focused on atlas exploration and regional geography.

Table Mountain National Park is a designated national park within the Western Cape region, offering a distinct geographic profile for atlas exploration. This entity provides detailed mapped boundaries and landscape context, crucial for understanding its role as a protected area in South Africa. Users can explore the specific geography that defines this park and its place within the broader regional context, making it a key point of interest for structured geographic discovery and map-based research.

Area: 221 km²
Established: 1998
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Mediterranean

Table Mountain National Park Protected Landscape

Nature reserveWestern Cape

Prince Edward Islands Nature Reserve: Subantarctic Volcanic Landscape and Marine Geography

Remote volcanic terrain and protected ocean boundaries in the southern Indian Ocean.

Discover the geographic profile of the Prince Edward Islands, an uninhabited volcanic nature reserve. Analyze the rugged cliff-lined coastlines, peat-covered uplands, and the surrounding marine protected area that safeguards essential habitats for penguins and threatened seabird species in the southern Indian Ocean.

Area: 343 km²
Established: 2003
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Tropical

Prince Edward Islands Nature Reserve Map

Wildlife reserveWestern Cape

Cederberg Wilderness Area: Geographic Overview of Western Cape Protected Landscapes

Mapped sandstone peaks and diverse fynbos wilderness.

The Cederberg Wilderness Area represents a rugged mountain range defined by its resistant Peninsula Formation sandstone and complex geological history. Encompassing dramatic rock formations, ancient caves, and unique botanical endemics, the area offers a study in the intersection of mountainous terrain and the Cape Floral Region. Understand the regional context and physical geography that shape this protected sanctuary.

Area: 710 km²
Established: 1973
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Mediterranean

Cederberg Wilderness Area Atlas

Protected areaKwaZulu-Natal

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park: Protected Mountain Landscapes and Escarpment Geography in South Africa

Exploring the basalt cliffs and alpine plateau of KwaZulu-Natal.

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park encompasses an expansive protected region where the Drakensberg escarpment rises sharply from the foothills of KwaZulu-Natal. This atlas record details the park landscape, including its transition from sandstone terraces to high-altitude basalt, its extensive river gorges, and the concentration of archaeological cave sites. Use this resource to understand the geographic scale of this transboundary conservation area.

Area: 2,429.13 km²
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Temperate
Access: Access unknown

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Atlas

State or regional parkKwaZulu-Natal

Royal Natal National Park: State or Regional Park in KwaZulu-Natal's Geography

Mapped boundaries and landscape context for South African protected areas.

Royal Natal National Park serves as a vital protected landscape within the diverse geography of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This state or regional park offers a focused point for atlas exploration, allowing for a detailed understanding of its mapped boundaries and regional significance. By examining Royal Natal National Park, users can gain specific insights into South Africa's network of protected natural areas and their distribution, enriching overall geographic comprehension.

Area: 80.94 km²
Established: 1916
Relief: Mountain
Access: Moderate access

Royal Natal National Park details

Protected areaKwaZulu-Natal

Maloti-Drakensberg Park Geography: Mountain Escarpments and Alpine Plateau Exploration

A transboundary protected landscape spanning South Africa and Lesotho

Spanning the core of the Drakensberg mountain system, Maloti-Drakensberg Park provides a unique window into high-altitude biodiversity and geological drama. The protected area features basalt cliffs, rolling valleys, and an extensive plateau, forming a critical ecological and cultural corridor. This atlas entry covers the topographic features and spatial distribution of one of southern Africa's most significant protected landscapes.

Area: 2,493.13 km²
Established: 2001
Relief: Mountain
Climate: Alpine

Maloti-Drakensberg Park Protected Area

Protected areaMpumalanga

Makhonjwa Mountains: Geologically Ancient Protected Landscape in Eastern South Africa

Atlas mapping of the Barberton Greenstone Belt and Mpumalanga terrain

Spanning 120 by 60 kilometres, the Makhonjwa Mountains represent a vital scientific archive of Paleoarchean history. This protected area offers a deep look into volcanic komatiite rocks, ancient meteor impact evidence, and complex highland ecosystems that define the geography of the Mpumalanga border region.

Established: 2018
Relief: Mountain
Scope: Terrestrial
Water: Minor water

Makhonjwa Mountains Protected Area Geography

Browse South Africa National Parks

Landscape and environment

Understand how South Africa is shaped by terrain, ecosystems, and seasonal conditions

South Africa geography, nature, climate, and landscape context for park-focused travel research

Explore the physical geography, natural setting, and climate patterns of South Africa through a location-first overview built for travel research, national park discovery, and broader regional context. This section helps explain how landscapes, habitats, and environmental conditions shape what people search for, where they travel, and how they experience protected areas in South Africa.

South Africa geography and landscape

South Africa occupies the southernmost region of Africa, with coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. The interior features elevated plateaus including the Highveld, with the Drakensberg escarpment marking the eastern highlands. The country shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

South Africa nature and environment

South Africa contains exceptional biodiversity with multiple biomes including savanna, fynbos, succulent karoo, and grassland. The country hosts famous national parks such as Kruger, which supports the Big Five, and Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town. Marine environments along both coasts include unique ecosystems and whale migration routes.

South Africa climate and seasonal conditions

South Africa experiences varied climates ranging from subtropical in the northeast to Mediterranean in the southwest. The interior experiences hot summers and mild winters, while coastal areas benefit from ocean moderation. Rainfall is highest in the east and diminishes westward into semi-arid regions.

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Ways to explore South Africa

Useful phrases, related topics, and discovery prompts connected to South Africa.

south africa country overviewwhat is south africa known forsouth africa geography and climatesouth africa wildlife and national parkssouth africa provinces and capitalssouth africa population and languagessouth africa countryrepublic of south africasouthern africa nationssouth africa capitals pretoria cape townsouth africa population 63 millionsouth africa languagessouth africa wildlife reservessouth africa drakensberg

Park map

Explore the geographic distribution of South Africa's national parks, tracing their locations and regional context.

South Africa National Parks Map: Explore Protected Areas and Wildlife Reserves

Preview the geographic placement of South Africa's national parks and protected areas, understanding their distribution across the country's vast and biodiverse terrain. Open the dedicated country map for a comprehensive atlas view of all mapped conservation landscapes, regional park clusters, and detailed geographic context within South Africa.

View Full South Africa Park Map

Natural feature types

Browse the Natural Features and Geographic Landscapes of South Africa

Access a structured inventory of natural features found throughout protected landscapes in South Africa. Use this MoriAtlas index to examine how mountain, coastal, and inland features define the country's unique geographic character and park systems.

Understanding the Geographic Spread and Conservation Context of South Africa's Protected Areas

South Africa National Parks and Protected Areas: Essential FAQ for Geographic Discovery

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about national parks and protected areas across South Africa, including their unique geographic features and regional distribution. These insights help users trace the diverse conservation landscapes, from coastal reserves to inland wilderness, providing valuable context for exploring the country's extensive park atlas.

Other countries

Compare diverse protected landscapes, tracing conservation efforts across the wider southern African region.

Discover National Parks in Countries Near South Africa and Explore Broader African Protected Areas

After exploring South Africa's rich national parks and protected areas, continue your discovery into the distinct park geographies of nearby countries. Browse mapped protected landscapes across the wider continent, gaining geographic context for conservation efforts and diverse natural heritage.

Namibia National Parks and Protected Areas: Geographic Atlas Exploration

Dive into Namibia's protected natural areas with this structured geographic overview. Understand the distribution of national parks and conservation lands across the country's diverse terrains, from desert expanses to savanna ecosystems. This atlas-style exploration highlights the mapped boundaries and regional geographic significance of Namibia's protected landscapes, providing a factual basis for understanding conservation efforts.

21 parks

Namibia National Parks Atlas

Zambia National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Landscapes and Geographic Context

Delve into the geography of Zambia with this comprehensive atlas of its national parks and protected areas. Understand the spatial relationships between diverse landscapes, from floodplains to woodlands, and how conservation efforts are mapped across the country. This resource provides essential context for exploring the natural terrain and protected regions of this Southern Africa nation, offering a foundation for detailed geographic discovery.

19 parks

Zambia National Parks and Protected Areas

Explore National Parks and Protected Areas in Malawi: A Geographic Atlas

Delve into the structured geographic data for Malawi's national parks and protected areas. This atlas provides clear insights into the mapped boundaries and regional spread of conservation lands, highlighting the country's unique natural terrain. Understand the distribution of protected sites and enhance your geographic comprehension of Malawi's conservation efforts and diverse landscapes.

15 parks

Malawi National Parks Atlas

Zimbabwe National Parks and Protected Areas Atlas: Geographic Discovery

Navigate Zimbabwe's significant national parks and protected areas through a detailed geographic lens. This atlas entry provides context on the distribution of protected lands, showcasing the varied natural terrain and conservation landscapes across the nation. It serves as a foundational resource for understanding the country's protected area network and planning further map-based discovery.

11 parks

Zimbabwe National Parks Atlas

Mozambique National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Landscape Discovery

Navigate Mozambique's network of national parks and protected areas within a geographic atlas framework. This resource highlights the mapped boundaries and distribution of conservation landscapes across the country, offering insights into regional geography and natural terrain. It is designed for users seeking a structured overview of protected lands for atlas-based exploration and understanding of Mozambique's natural heritage.

10 parks

Mozambique National Parks and Protected Areas

Lesotho National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Geographic Distribution

Delve into the structured geography of Lesotho's protected areas and national parks. This atlas provides a clear view of their distribution and landscape context, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the nation's natural terrain. Whether you are researching regional park networks or tracing the boundaries of significant conservation zones, this resource offers detailed geographic insights into Lesotho's protected lands.

4 parks

Lesotho Protected Areas Atlas

Botswana National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Geographic Discovery

Botswana's protected areas represent significant natural landscapes, from vast desert wildernesses to critical conservation zones. This atlas entry provides a geographic overview, highlighting the mapped distribution of national parks and transfrontier conservation areas. Understand the regional context of Botswana's protected lands and prepare for detailed exploration of its diverse natural terrain.

4 parks

Botswana National Parks and Protected Areas

Eswatini National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Landscape Exploration

Navigate Eswatini's protected lands with this atlas-focused guide. Understand the geographic spread and mapped boundaries of national parks and conservation areas, providing a solid foundation for exploring the country's natural regions and landscapes. This is your starting point for a structured exploration of Eswatini's diverse geography.

1 park

Eswatini National Parks and Protected Areas

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Protected area types

Continue Exploring South Africa's Protected Area Classifications

Delve further into the specific classification systems that define South Africa's protected lands. By examining each represented designation group, you can gain a richer understanding of the country's conservation geography and the unique characteristics of its natural landscapes. Continue your atlas exploration to discover the mapped boundaries and context for each category of protected area.

South Africa Protected Area Designations

MoriAtlas Explorer

Continue Your Global Geographic Exploration with MoriAtlas Park Discovery

Dive deeper into the world's protected landscapes and national parks through MoriAtlas's structured atlas interface. Discover how continents and countries are organized, and how individual park geography fits into the broader map. Our platform is built for understanding the distribution and context of protected areas worldwide, facilitating your journey through global natural geography.

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Global natural geography

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