All the dates for SANParks Week
The initiative, which offers free entry to most of the 21 national parks across the country, will run from 22-26 September 2025, with selected Parks extending free access into the following weekend (27-28 September). But remember that free entry applies only to day visits, and does not include accommodation or activities.
In the Cape, locals can look forward to free entry to the following National Parks on specified dates:
Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 (hold up: this excludes Boulders Penguin Colony, and use of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
Although getting anything for free is welcome these days, it's not hard to feel that SANParks could have been a little more generous in offering the public free access to what is, don't forget, our shared natural heritage.
I guess we're fortunate that SANParks Week in 2025 will coincide with the 24 September Heritage Day public holiday (last year it was held from 9-13 September), but check those dates above and you'll find that entry to the two most accessible Parks – West Coast and Table Mountain – will be limited to weekdays only. Monday to Friday. Those days when, y'know, most of us are working or studying?
That's especially annoying when it comes to the West Coast National Park, where the spring flowers are in full bloom and I'm sure loads of locals would love to head out and see them without paying the R116 entry fee.
SANParks says it is limiting access to weekdays and 'not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season'. Well, yes, that's all the more reason to make it easier to go, right?
And excluding the ever-popular Boulders Beach penguin colony from access to Table Mountain National Park? For families who can't afford the R50pp entry fee, this would be the perfect opportunity to offer a day out in nature. Making locals stump up the entire week feels a little short-sighted.
If SANParks is truly hoping to 'encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership' as it says, then it should be willing to throw open the gates a little wider.
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Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
All the dates for SANParks Week
South African National Parks is trumpeting all across social media this week, as it announces dates for annual SA National Parks Week. The initiative, which offers free entry to most of the 21 national parks across the country, will run from 22-26 September 2025, with selected Parks extending free access into the following weekend (27-28 September). But remember that free entry applies only to day visits, and does not include accommodation or activities. In the Cape, locals can look forward to free entry to the following National Parks on specified dates: Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 (hold up: this excludes Boulders Penguin Colony, and use of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway) Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 Although getting anything for free is welcome these days, it's not hard to feel that SANParks could have been a little more generous in offering the public free access to what is, don't forget, our shared natural heritage. I guess we're fortunate that SANParks Week in 2025 will coincide with the 24 September Heritage Day public holiday (last year it was held from 9-13 September), but check those dates above and you'll find that entry to the two most accessible Parks – West Coast and Table Mountain – will be limited to weekdays only. Monday to Friday. Those days when, y'know, most of us are working or studying? That's especially annoying when it comes to the West Coast National Park, where the spring flowers are in full bloom and I'm sure loads of locals would love to head out and see them without paying the R116 entry fee. SANParks says it is limiting access to weekdays and 'not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season'. Well, yes, that's all the more reason to make it easier to go, right? And excluding the ever-popular Boulders Beach penguin colony from access to Table Mountain National Park? For families who can't afford the R50pp entry fee, this would be the perfect opportunity to offer a day out in nature. Making locals stump up the entire week feels a little short-sighted. If SANParks is truly hoping to 'encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership' as it says, then it should be willing to throw open the gates a little wider.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Enjoy free access to national parks this September
South Africa is blessed with 21 national parks, and from 22 to 26 September 2025, locals will be able to visit some of them for free. This is in celebration of the South African National Parks Week, which runs from 22 to 26 September 2025. SANParks made the announcement on 13 August. "Week Of Free Access To National Parks Announced. On 21 September 2025 South African National Parks (SANParks) will host a celebratory event at Kruger National Park to kickstart the 20th annual SA National Parks Week which will be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks. During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks," read the statement on Facebook. This will allow locals to explore 'breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage' that the parks offer without paying a cent. However, SANParks warned the offer does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. Locals can visit the following national parks for free during 22-26 September: Kruger National Park Launch date: 21 September 2025, Mopani Rest Camp, Limpopo Free access 22 – 26 September 2025 Northern Region Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Mapungubwe National Park: 20 – 28 September 2025 Marakele National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Cape Region Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 [Extension TBC] (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway) Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 (not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season) Frontier Region Addo Elephant National Park: 22 – 27 September 2025 Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Garden Route Region Garden Route National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Arid Region Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 Mokala National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 The Pilanesberg National Park is located less than 200 km from Johannesburg, making it a perfect day trip. This is where you can get to see Africa's Big Five. The park is also in an area that has eroded mountains, valleys and plains. The entrance fee is R80 per adult and R30 per child. The park offers a three-hour open-vehicle guided safari, and prices range from R450 per child to R 900 per adult. Read more about the park here. You can also take another day trip and visit Marakele National Park, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. The park has elephants, rhinos, and lions among other wildlife. Read more about it here. Visit these two parks to experience the beauty of wildlife, connect with nature, view amazing sights, see a range of South African plant species, and enjoy time out with loved ones.
Daily Mail
07-08-2025
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Disney gives surprising update on prices
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