Don’t forget: Free access to South Africa’s national parks begins tomorrow
· The South African
South Africans looking for an affordable day out have something to look forward to this week.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
The 21st annual SA National Parks Week starts tomorrow, Monday, 7 September, giving South African day visitors free access to participating national parks across the country.
The initiative will run until Sunday, 13 September 2026, giving families, nature lovers and first-time visitors the chance to explore some of South Africa’s most spectacular protected areas without paying the usual conservation fees.
Which national parks can you visit for free this week?
Participating parks include some of South Africa’s best-known destinations, including:
Kruger National Park- Free access: 7 – 11 September 2026
- Agulhas National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Bontebok National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Table Mountain National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026 (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- West Coast National Park: 7 – 11 September 2026 (not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season)
- Addo Elephant National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Camdeboo National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Karoo National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Mountain Zebra National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Garden Route National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 7 – 11 September 2026
- Mapungubwe National Park: 7 – 11 September 2026
- Marakele National Park: 7 – 11 September 2026
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Augrabies Falls National Park: 7 – 11 September 2026
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
- Mokala National Park: 7 – 13 September 2026
While most participating parks will offer free access throughout the week, three major parks have different dates.
Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park, and Augrabies Falls National Park will offer free entry only from Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September.
Free access at these parks will not extend to the weekend, so visitors planning a trip should keep this in mind.
What is included – and what isn’t?
The free offer applies to day visitors only.
Accommodation, guided activities, game drives and other paid activities inside the parks are not included and will still be charged at the normal rates.
Visitors should also bring a valid South African ID to qualify for free entry.
Also important to note that not every attraction managed by SANParks is included in the free access campaign.
The following are excluded:
- Namaqua National Park
- The Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park
- The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Visitors should also check with their chosen park before travelling, as individual parks may have specific entry requirements or visitor limits.
SA National Parks Week has become one of SANParks’ most popular annual initiatives, giving thousands of South Africans an opportunity to experience the country’s natural heritage without the usual entrance costs.