From September 7 to 13, 2026, the 21st annual South African National Parks Week will take place. This event will allow citizens and residents of South Africa to visit participating national parks across the country for free during the day.
The initiative, organized by SANParks (South African National Parks), aims to encourage residents to familiarize themselves with South Africa's natural heritage, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation and the country's protected areas.
It is important to note that free entry applies exclusively to daytime visitors; accommodation, guided tours, safaris, and other paid tourist services are not included in the program and will be charged at standard rates.
To receive free access, visitors must present a valid South African identification document, although identification is not required for children under 18.
Which parks can I visit for free
Not all parks or attractions offer free access throughout the entire seven days. For example, Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park, and Augrabies Falls National Park will offer free entry from Monday, September 7, to Friday, September 11, excluding weekends.
Meanwhile, Namaqua National Park, the Boulder's Penguin Colony section in Table Mountain National Park, and the Table Mountain cableway are excluded from this initiative.
The list of parks where free visits are possible includes Augulhas National Park, Bontbeek National Park, Table Mountain National Park (excluding the Boulder's Penguin Colony section), Tankwa Karoo National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Komdebo National Park, Karoo National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Garden Route National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Mpungubwe National Park, Marakele National Park, Ai/Richtersfeld Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Mokala National Park.
Since individual parks may have different participation dates, as well as specific entry conditions or visitor limits, it is recommended to check the details before traveling.
The South African National Parks Week was launched in 2006 and has become one of SANParks' signature initiatives for public awareness. In 2025, over 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free access.
Whether planning a family vacation, a trip with friends, or simply wanting to reconnect with nature, this promotion gives South African residents a chance to enjoy the country's landscapes, wildlife, and protected areas without the usual daily entrance fees.