All South African national parks now on Google Street View

A team of nature-loving South Africans, in partnership with Google Street View, have released a large collection of 360-degree imagery of the country’s wildest areas. The announcement of 170 new trails in South Africa’s national parks and reserves follows on from The Mzansi Experience launched in March 2016, which showcased prominent tourist attractions such as Kruger National Park, Table Mountain and Cape Point amongst others.

Trekking Truitjieskraal one early morning, as the sun catches the rocky landscapes glowing in the distance. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

The new trails, launched 2 November 2017, 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 many sites of natural, cultural and historical significance in all nine provinces of South Africa.

Discover South Africa's National Parks with Google Street View.

More than 200 South African volunteers from across the country were involved in the 12-month project, mapping out the parts of South Africa that they call home. Many were SANParks, CapeNature and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife rangers and guides. Others were avid hikers, nature-lovers and tech enthusiasts.

Shandro Jordaan walking in the Garden of Eden, Knysna National Park – a magical boardwalk trail through lush forest. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

“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 program,” says Magdalena Filak, Program Manager for Google.

Petunia, Dominic and Jude – local field rangers at Grootvadersbosch National Park – carrying the hefty Google Trekker on the scenic Grysbok Circle Trail. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

The project forms part of Google’s Street View Camera Loan Program, which encourages individuals and organisations to borrow 360-degree camera technology to help map the planet.

The team of volunteers was coordinated by loan program partner Drive South Africa. Outdoor enthusiast and company founder André Van Kets saw the potential of this technology to showcase South Africa to travellers around the globe.

Steph Heywood trekking the Cradle of Humankind. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

“The Trekker camera is a 22kg custom-made backpack fitted with 15 cameras pointing in all directions. The on-board technology plots the camera’s exact location on the trail. While recording, the camera takes a 360-degree photo every two seconds – it’s the off-road equivalent of Google’s Street View cars,” says Van Kets.

“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,” he added.

Marco Cianfanelli’s extraordinary sculpture of Nelson Mandela at the Capture Site – trekked by guide Lyanda Nyandeni. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Street View users can now walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, climb seven new trails to the top of Table Mountain, hike the Otter Trail, track cheetah on foot and walk with elephants and other incredible wildlife, guided by trained rangers.

The heritage trail of Mapungubwe National Park, where ancient cultural mysteries come to life. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Seven of South Africa’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are now available to explore, including Mapungubwe Hill, the Richtersveld, the towering Drakensberg Mountains and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The Google Trekker on Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

To showcase the launch of South Africa’s new Street View imagery, Drive South Africa launched a microsite offering a virtual experience of the country.

South Africa in 360 – an immersive VR journey through the country’s wild spaces. Photo: Discover Africa Group.

The microsite, South Africa in 360 – inspired by Google’s US National Parks project – is an immersive VR adventure through South Africa’s top destinations and hidden gems. It combines Street View imagery with video, photos and stories from the trail, offering viewers unique perspectives.

The first day of a four-day hike on the Wild Coast. Photo: Rudolph de Girardier.

Fast facts:

• 170 new trails
• 900km trekked on foot
• 50,000km travelled over 12 months
• 232 points of interest recorded
• 206 South African volunteers
• 9 provinces of South Africa
• All 19 national parks, 17 nature reserves and numerous tourist attractions
• Lion, cheetah, elephant and other wildlife encountered on foot (guided by rangers)
• 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• First time Google partnered with a third-party in South Africa via the Street View Camera Loan Program