Maclear's Beacon

10 of the Best National Parks in Africa

"Arguably the best urban national park in the world and Cape Town's playground, the mountains are crisscrossed by trails of varying difficulty that deliver spectacular views: watch the sun rise from Lion's Head or set on the Atlantic from the Pipe Track, tackle the technical India Venster Trail, or enjoy panoramic vistas from Suther Peak. There are gentle, shady strolls through Newlands Forest and single-track routes across the mountaintop, opportunities to spot the king protea, tiny colorful sunbirds, and even the caracal, and a cable car that can whisk you to the top in minutes." - Heather Richardson Heather Richardson Heather Richardson is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes about travel, conservation, and environmental science for publications such as National Geographic, Nature, BBC Future, and The Guardian. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines