SA’s national parks now on Google Street View

Google Street View has launched imagery of all of SA’s parks. Photo credits: Rudolph De Girardier.

Google officially launched Street View imagery of all South Africa’s national parks, nature reserves, top tourist attractions and a host of new trails on November 2.
The announcement of 170 new trails in South Africa’s national parks and reserves follows on from the Mzansi Experience launched in March 2016.

​The new trails extend the existing Street View imagery of South Africa’s wilderness areas to include all 19 national parks, 17 previously ‘un-trekked’ nature reserves and various other sites of natural, cultural and historical significance in all nine of South Africa’s provinces.

More than 200 South African volunteers from across the country were involved in the 12-month project, mapping out the various parts of SA.

“The hundreds of volunteers who helped along the way proved to be truly passionate about showing the best of South Africa through their participation in the loan programme, “says Magdalena Filak, Programme Manager for Google.

Drive South Africa, Google’s ground partner coordinated the collection of all imagery and volunteers.  “For the first time, travellers and wildlife lovers from across the globe can explore the full spectrum of South Africa’s diverse wilderness areas on Google Maps and Street View,” said Andre Van Kets, Founder of Drive South Africa.
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Additionally, seven of South Africa’s eight Unesco World Heritage Sites are also available on Street View; users can see Mapungubwe Hill, the Richtersveld, Drakensberg Mountains, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Tourism Update