South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with boat-loads of tourists visiting every year. At Adzuna HQ, in light of Tourism Day on Friday the 27th, we’ve been on the hunt for some of the country’s most eye-popping locations to bag a job in tourism.
Tourists come to South Africa for many reasons, so we’ve separated this series into three different parts.
- Most Beautiful Beaches
- Most Amazing Natural Reserves
- Top cities
In this post, the 2nd of our three part series, we’re showcasing the most amazing national parks you could ever want to work in, so scroll down and check some of them out, and maybe even find a job in the area!
Some stats
- 50% of people who come to SA on holiday come to visit natural attractions.
- Two fifths of all tourists interviewed at the end of their trips said the best part of their visit was the scenery/parks.
- 87% could not name a negative experience in the country.
- Almost one million Europeans and Americans come primarily for the Natural Reserves.
Working in SA: The Most Beautiful Parks
1. Addo Elephant National Park
The third largest reserve in South Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park, as its name points at, was founded as a reserve for elephants. The population of these animals has grown from 11 in 1931 to over 450 now, and the park is also the only in the world to house the “Big 7”. It receives over 120,000 visitors annually.
Nearest city: Port Elizabeth (50,000)
Area: 1,640 km²
Jobs: Spa therapists, game rangers, maintenance managers
Search on Adzuna for jobs in the Addo Elephant Park.
2. Kruger National Park
The most famous of all of SA’s national parks, the first 3 tourist cars arrived all the way back in 1927. Apart from the “Big 5”, this reserve has more species of large mammals than any other African Game Reserve, 147 species total, including 12,000 white rhinos, 11,000 elephants and over 3,000 lions. With over 40 lodges and camps, the camp is visited by over a quarter million people every year.
Nearest Cities: Nelspruit and Phalaborwa
Area: 19,633 km²
Jobs: Sous chefs, spa therapists, camp managers, lodge managers
Search on Adzuna for jobs in the Kruger National Park.
3. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park
One of SA’s most beautiful geological landmarks, this park has a stunning array of rock outcrops and sandstone cliffs. The park is also a hit with palaeontologists, the oldest dinosaur embryos being discovered within the park’s boundaries… from a stunning 220 million years ago.
Nearest city: Bethlehem (Population 16,000)
Area: 340 km²
Jobs: Lodge supervisors, admin assistants
Search on Adzuna for jobs near the Golden Gate Highlands.
4. Table Mountain National Park
Located very close to Cape Town, this reserve is not left wanting for tourists, with over 1 million visits to its different parts. The south-westernmost location in Africa, it is part of the Cape Floristic Region, and has more species of plant than the whole of the United Kingdom.
Nearest city: Cape Town (Population 433,000)
Area: 221 km²
Jobs: Concierges, reservations agents, bar managers, demi-chefs
Search on Adzuna for jobs in Cape Town.
5. Mapungubwe National Park
A historical reserve, this park contains the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, with settlements dating back to the Iron Age. More than 9000 people lived in the city around 1300, and it is complete with a hill-top graveyard that can still be visited!
Nearest city: Musina (Population 42,000)
Area: 280 km²
Jobs: Head chefs, reservations managers, hotel managers, sommeliers
Search on Adzuna for jobs near Mapungubwe.
6. Madikwe Game Reserve
One of South Africa’s largest game reserves, it was created in 1991. Site of one of the largest game translocation exercises in the world in “Operation Phoenix” (1991-1997). With 36 lodges, 12 of them luxury lodges, in the reserve and many tourist locations in the area, this is a destination that is gaining momentum every day.
Nearest city: Zeerust (Population 9,000)
Area: 750 km²
Jobs: Tour guides, kitchen managers, head chefs, barladies
Search on Adzuna for jobs near the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Well that’s all folks… did you like this post? Tell us about it on Facebook, tweet it or share it on LinkedIn! If it is snazzy offices you are after check out some of Africa’s Craziest Work Spaces. For some extra information on the jobs market stay tuned for some job market insights.
Don’t want to work with so many animals around? Why not try checking out the best beaches to find work in…
