Free entry: Explore most of South Africa’s parks this week
Plan a day in a SANParks destination during SA National Parks Week, with free entry, wildlife, trails and landscapes across South Africa.
Free entry gives South Africans a chance to swap screens and traffic for trails, wildlife and open country during SANParks Week.
The 21st annual event runs this week, from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 September, with 16 named participating parks.
SANParks says the initiative offers free day access at most of its 21 national parks. The campaign has run since 2006 and aims to help South Africans experience and value their natural heritage.
WHEN DOES FREE ENTRY APPLY?
Kruger National Park and West Coast National Park offer free access from 7 to 11 September. Augrabies Falls National Park follows the same weekday period.
Most other participating parks open their gates for the full seven days.
The choice covers very different landscapes. In the Cape, visitors can explore Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain and Tankwa Karoo national parks. West Coast also joins during its weekday period.
WHERE CAN YOU GO FOR FREE?
The Frontier Region brings Addo Elephant, Camdeboo, Karoo and Mountain Zebra into the programme. Addo offers self-drive wildlife viewing, while Camdeboo includes the Valley of Desolation. Karoo has a fossil trail, while Mountain Zebra offers self-drive viewing and 4×4 routes.
The Garden Route National Park includes Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma. Visitors can walk trails, visit the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge or explore forest landscapes. Six canoes a day will also be available free in Wilderness, on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITHOUT PAYING?
The Northern Region offers Golden Gate Highlands, Mapungubwe and Marakele. Visitors can hike, drive and watch wildlife. Mapungubwe also offers views of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, where three countries meet. Some attractions, such as Mapungubwe Hill, still carry fees.
The Arid Region includes Kgalagadi, Mokala and |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park for the full week. Augrabies joins until 11 September. Visitors can hike, birdwatch, picnic and take self-guided drives. Namaqua National Park is not participating.
The free entry covers day access only. Accommodation, guided activities, game drives and other paid facilities remain chargeable. Table Mountain National Park’s Boulders Penguin Colony and aerial cableway are also excluded.
Adults must show a valid South African ID at the gate. Children under 18 must provide a valid birth certificate. SANParks advises visitors to check each park’s arrangements before travelling, as conditions and visitor limits can differ.
Pack water, food, sun protection and binoculars where useful. Arrive early at busy gates, especially if you want to make the most of a single day. The offer suits families, school groups, older visitors, first-time park guests and regular visitors seeking a low-cost outing.
For many South Africans, the week of free entry offers more than a saving. It creates a chance to see familiar places differently, introduce children to conservation and spend time outdoors.