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.
Sense of national pride
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.
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
Have you taken advantage of the free access in previous years?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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