SANParks announes week of free access to national parks
Western Cape National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 (not extending to the weekend as it is active Flower Season)
These are the dates on when different parks will have free access:
During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks.
The 20th annual SA National Parks Week will be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks.
Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006.
SANParks also uses this time to celebrate a sense of pride in South Africa's natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.
SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa's inclusive approach to conservation.
Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa's rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, business, scientists and tourists.
Free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
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The South African
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South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that 21 national parks across the country will offer free entry to day visitors during the 20th annual SA National Parks Week, which runs from 22 to 26 September, with an extended weekend option at selected parks on 27 and 28 September. A launch event is scheduled for 21 September at the Kruger National Park, officially kicking off the week-long celebration. The initiative, launched in 2006, is designed to promote national pride, highlight South Africa's natural and cultural heritage, and encourage greater public awareness around conservation efforts. 'SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa's inclusive approach to conservation,' SANParks said in a statement. Four of the country's most popular protected areas in the Frontier Region will be participating: Addo Elephant National Park Karoo National Park Camdeboo National Park Mountain Zebra National Park While entry is free, the offer does not cover accommodation, guided tours, or other paid tourist activities inside the parks. Since its inception, National Parks Week has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, many of whom would otherwise be unable to afford entry fees. SANParks hopes that this milestone 20th year will see record public participation across all provinces. Visitors are advised to arrive early, as parks may experience high foot traffic during the free-access period. For more information and updates, visit the official SANParks website or check with individual parks for operating hours and entry conditions. For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access, click HERE. 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 Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Garden Route Region Northern Region Mapungubwe National Park: 20 – 28 September 2025 Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Marakele National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Arid Region Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 Mokala National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 Kgalagadi National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025 |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 Kruger Launch date 21 September 2025, Mopani rest Camp, Limpopo. Free access 22-26 September 2025 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
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SANParks is offering free access to these national treasures in September
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The South African
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