As summer fades and the days grow shorter, South Africa’s national parks take on a calmer, golden charm that travellers can overlook. March through May is often seen as a shoulder season, yet it might be the best-kept secret for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
With its cooler weather, fewer crowds, and spectacular scenery, autumn offers a more intimate and immersive experience of the country’s wild spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a weekend explorer, or just craving some downtime, there is something inviting about visiting a national park at this time of the year.
Clara Metivier/Unsplash
Cooler weather means better exploring
Gone are the scorching midday temperatures that can turn a walk into a workout. Autumn relieves the heat, making it the ideal season for outdoor activities, especially in parks known for their dramatic trails and wide-open spaces. Think fossil walks in the Karoo National Park without breaking a sweat, or tackling the Leopard Trail in the Baviaanskloof with the sun as your companion, not your enemy. Cooler mornings and mild afternoons mean you can spend longer outdoors, soaking in every inch of the natural landscape.
Fewer crowds, more solitude
With the school holidays and summer vacations wrapped up, national parks see a noticeable dip in visitor numbers. This is good news for those who value space, peace, and privacy. Campsites are quieter, trails are less trafficked, and lookout points offer solitude. In popular parks like Kruger, Addo Elephant Park, and Golden Gate Highlands, you’re more likely to spot wildlife without jockeying for space with other visitors. It’s nature at its most peaceful—and most rewarding.
Wildlife spotting gets better
Picture/Southern Drakensberg/Facebook/David Minne
One of the hidden perks of autumn is how it subtly shifts the landscape in favour of wildlife viewing. Grasses begin to thin, trees shed leaves, and the bush opens up, improving visibility on game drives and bush walks. With cooler temperatures, animals are more active during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon. Migratory birds may still be lingering in some regions, adding to the diversity of sightings. Keep your binoculars ready—you might spot something rare.
Autumn colours paint the landscape
Nature gets a makeover in autumn, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. From the Highveld’s burnt orange grasses to the Cederberg’s copper tones, the changing colours make for postcard-perfect scenery. The Drakensberg becomes a canvas of fiery reds and golds, while fynbos-covered mountains in the Western Cape glow in the amber light. For photographers, this is pure magic. For everyone else, it’s the perfect backdrop for a scenic drive or sunset hike.
Budget-friendly travel
Travelling during autumn doesn’t just make sense seasonally—it’s also kind to your wallet. Being off-peak for many parks and lodges makes you more likely to find discounted rates, midweek stay specials, and better availability for guided activities. If you’re a frequent park visitor, this is the perfect time to make the most of your SANParks Wild Card, which gives you access to over 80 parks and reserves across Southern Africa.
Best national parks to visit in Autumn
While almost any national park is worth visiting during this time, a few truly shine:
Picture/ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld/Wild Safari Guide
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Free State)
The dramatic sandstone cliffs glow golden in the afternoon sun, and the crisp air is perfect for hiking the Brandwag Buttress or exploring the vulture hide.
- Marakele National Park (Limpopo)
Nestled in the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele offers beautiful scenery, excellent birdwatching, and a real sense of wilderness.
- Camdeboo National Park (Eastern Cape)
Picture/Karoo Heartland
Explore the hauntingly beautiful Valley of Desolation and enjoy quiet drives through the Karoo plains.
- Table Mountain National Park (Western Cape)
With fewer crowds on popular trails like Lion’s Head or Platteklip Gorge, and mild conditions, autumn is a top-tier hiking season in the Cape.
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)
This desert-mountain wilderness is best explored in the cooler autumn months, when daytime temperatures are manageable. The rugged terrain, river canyons, and cultural richness make it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for seasoned explorers.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal)
Autumn brings ideal weather for beach-and-bush combos. Go from snorkelling at Cape Vidal to game viewing in uMkhuze. Birdlife is prolific, and the humidity has eased, making it a dreamy time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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