Latest news with #SANationalParksWeek
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
SANParks offers FREE access to these Frontier Region parks in September
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 South African
a day ago
- The South African
SANParks confirms FREE access to these CAPE parks in September
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that 21 national parks across the country will offer free entry to day visitors for a week in September as part of the 20th annual SA National Parks Week. The initiative, which runs from 22 to 26 September, will be extended to the weekend of 27 and 28 September at selected parks. A launch event will take place on 21 September at the Kruger National Park, marking the official start of the week. Included among the list are FIVE popular parks in the Cape region, namely Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park and West Coast National Park. First introduced in 2006, National Parks Week aims to foster a sense of national pride and promote awareness around the conservation of South Africa's natural, cultural, and historical heritage. '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. While entry is free, visitors should note that the offer does not include accommodation or paid tourist activities within the parks. The campaign has consistently drawn large numbers of day visitors to participating parks over the years, and SANParks hopes this milestone year will see even greater public engagement. 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.
Time Out
a day 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
a day 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.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
SANParks confirms free access to THESE parks in September
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that 21 national parks will grant free access to visitors in September for a period of a week. SANParks uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa's natural, cultural and historical heritage, as protected and preserved by the national parks system. Free access to the national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. On 21 September 2025, 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 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. National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. '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,' SANParks said. 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.
