The 21st annual SA National Parks Week will take place from September 7 to 13, 2026, giving South African citizens and residents free day access to participating national parks across the country.
Image: SANParks
South Africans looking for an affordable way to get outdoors this September will have the chance to explore some of the country's most spectacular natural spaces without paying an entry fee.
The 21st annual SA National Parks Week will take place from September 7 to 13, 2026, giving South African citizens and residents free day access to participating national parks across the country.
The initiative, led by South African National Parks (SANParks), aims to encourage people to experience South Africa's natural heritage while promoting appreciation for conservation and the country's protected areas.
The free access applies to day visitors only. Accommodation, guided activities, game drives and other paid tourism activities are not included and will still be charged at the usual rates.
Visitors will need to present a valid South African identity document to qualify for free entry, while children under the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.
However, not every park or attraction will offer free access for the full seven days.
Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park will offer free access from Monday, September 7, to Friday, September 11, excluding the weekend.
Meanwhile, Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park, and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded from the free-access initiative.
Individual parks have different participation dates and may also have specific entry conditions or visitor limits, so visitors are encouraged to check the details before travelling.
SA National Parks Week was launched in 2006 and has grown into one of SANParks' flagship public awareness initiatives. More than 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free-access opportunity in 2025.
Whether it's a family outing, a road trip with friends or simply an excuse to reconnect with nature, the initiative offers South Africans an opportunity to experience the country's landscapes, wildlife and protected spaces without the usual day-entry costs.
IOL
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