SANParks announces free entry to these Cape parks in September

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that 21 national parks nationwide will offer free entry to day visitors for a week in September as part of the 20th annual SA National Parks Week.

The initiative will run from 22 to 26 September and extend to the weekend of 27 and 28 September at selected parks.

A launch event will be held on 21 September at the Kruger National Park to officially open the week.

The list includes five popular parks in the Cape region: Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park, and West Coast National Park.

Sense of national pride

SANParks introduced National Parks Week in 2006 to foster national pride and promote awareness of conserving 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 will be free, visitors should note that the offer excludes accommodation and paid tourist activities within the parks.

Over the years, the campaign has consistently attracted large numbers of day visitors to participating parks, and SANParks hopes this milestone year will draw even greater public participation.

Dates and parks

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

• 22 – 28 September

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