The SA safari park ranked the world’s most Instagrammable
A new study found that the world’s most Instagrammable safari park is in South Africa. Can you guess which one?
South Africa claims the crown for safari bragging rights.
New research into the most Instagrammable safari destinations shows two African parks sharing the top global spot with over a million Instagram hashtags and tens of thousands of TikTok posts.
One of those parks sits right here in beautiful South Africa.
Kruger National Park: South Africa’s social media safari giant
A study by UK holiday company Travelbag found that South Africa’s Kruger National Park shares first place with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park as the most Instagrammable safari destination.
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kruger ranks among Africa’s largest game reserves and hosts the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. With hundreds of bird species, diverse landscapes, and constant wildlife encounters, it’s no wonder travellers flood social media with their Kruger adventures.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Instagram hashtags: over 1 million
- TikTok posts: 74 600+
Part of Kruger’s appeal lies in its accessibility. Unlike some safari destinations that require charter flights or lengthy transfers, Kruger is easily reached from Johannesburg. The park also caters to every type of traveller, offering everything from budget-friendly camps to ultra-luxury lodges.
“In South Africa, Kruger National Park shines during the off-peak months when the dry season draws animals to waterholes, making game drives particularly rewarding and peaceful.” Suzanne Harvey, Head of Destination Experts at Travelbag, said.
Pilanesberg: SA’s runner-up
The study ranked South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park close behind, highlighting its accessibility as a malaria-free reserve just a few hours from Johannesburg.
Home to over 7 000 animals, including the Big Five, and set against ancient volcanic terrain, Pilanesberg remains a favourite for families and first-time safari-goers. On TikTok, it even surpasses Kruger with more than 165 000 posts.
The global safari hotspots
Beyond South Africa, Tanzania’s Serengeti shares the top spot with Kruger, thanks to the largest animal migration on Earth, a spectacle that has made it a social media phenomenon. Kenya’s Maasai Mara ranks third, beloved for year-round predator action and classic Big Five sightings.
Here’s a look at the top five safari parks:
| Rank | National Park | Location | No of Instagram Hashtags | No of TikTok Posts |
| 1 | Serengeti National Park | Tanzania | 1 100 000 | 61 100 |
| Kruger National Park | South Africa | 1 000 000 | 74 600 | |
| 2 | Pilanesberg National Park | South Africa | 100 000 | 165 200 |
| 3 | Maasai Mara National Park | Kenya | 384 000 | 47 000 |
| 4 | Victoria Falls National Park | Zimbabwe | 391 000 | 34 700 |
| 5 | Jim Corbett National Park | India | 396 000 | 1 447 |
| Golden Gate Highlands National Park | South Africa | 5 021 | 61 500 |