Next week, all South African citizens are allowed free entry as a day visitor to most of the 21 national parks. This forms part of the annual SA National Parks Week, typically held in September, encouraging South Africans to explore and enjoy their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership.
This free access to the South African National Parks (SANParks) does not include free access to accommodation or other paid activities within the parks, and grants free entry for day visitors only.
Free access will be granted with the presentation of a South African identity document, valid from Monday, 22 September, until Friday, 26 September. However, at some parks the days of free entry have been extended over the weekend to include Saturday, 27 September, and Sunday, 28 September.
During this week, most parks have invited and planned special programmes for nearby schools
and community groups.
When visiting national parks, take note of the following:
- This free entry is applicable to South Africans who will be requested to present their
South African identity documents. - The free access is only for entry and no other tourism activities.
- Conditions applicable to the free entry are that access will only be granted to day
visitors upon presentation of an identity document; only children below the age
of 16 years gain entry without proof of identity. - Groups regarded as commercial ventures: private open safari vehicles operators,
tourists who come to the park on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in
this free access arrangement (except on 24 September which will be a holiday, where
these guests will form part of the daily gate quota). - Visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly to avoid having to rush back as there
are speed limits within parks. Park rules will be enforced as always to ensure that
visitors enjoy their visits. - No alcohol may be brought into the park. No loud music and alcohol consumption will be
allowed at any area close to the park. Braais will only be allowed at designated areas
at the picnic sites. - The use of drones is strictly prohibited in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and SANParks regulations. Unauthorized drone use poses safety risks to visitors, disturbs wildlife, and compromises security operations.
Kruger National Park
Free access: 22 – 26 September. Visitors are requested to make online bookings as quotas will be implemented to avoid congestion at the gates and other public areas within the park.
Planned activities for invited guests will take place during the week, which include:
- 22 – 26 September: Walk and Learn on the Wild Side. KNP will host the event in conjunction with Limpopo’s Department of Education’s Vhembe and Mopani Districts. The project targets high school learners specifically Grade 10 and Grade 11 from neighbouring communities, exposing
them to conservation and tourism related careers. A total of 200 learners will be hosted, and will be divided into groups of 40 alternating daily. - 23 – 25 September: Road safety awareness in the park. To keep tabs and highlight safety management with visitors on the roads inside the park, the law enforcement officials will conduct awareness with focus on areas such as vehicle roadworthiness, valid licence check, speeding, and more.
- 24 September: Cultural Heritage celebration in Matsulu. As September is both Tourism and Heritage month, there will be a cultural heritage celebration at Matsulu, a township outside Numbi Gate. The event will allow park management an opportunity to strengthen relations with key stakeholders from around the park.
- 26 September: Gingirikani Greening project launch. As part of the Corporate Social Investment programme, a launch of a greening project with communities will take place at Gingirikani, a village in Giyani.
- 26 September: Disability Inclusion programme. Over the past few months, SANParks, in
partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) empowered 34 young people with disabilities through an entrepreneurship development course and will on 26 September handover cheques to celebrate this milestone of the Disability Inclusion Programme.
Cape Region
Free access:
- Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September (excluding the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse)
- Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September
- Table Mountain National Park: 22 –28 September (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September
- West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September (not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season)
Things to do in the Cape Region parks:
Agulhas National Park: Explore the Southernmost Tip of Africa, boasting magnificent views, and take a walk along the shore to view a shipwreck along the Agulhas coastline. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty that this park has to offer.
Bontebok National Park: While it may be one of SANParks’ smaller parks, it presents boundless opportunities. Observe the majestic bontebok in its natural habitat, paddle along the serene waters of Breede River Dam, engage in fishing activities, and embark on unforgettable hiking trails.
Table Mountain National Park: Indulge in a uniquely South African experience with a braai (barbecue) at picturesque spots like Tokai Forest, Newlands, Silvermine, and Oudekraal. Uncover the history of the Cape of Good Hope, while exploring the interactive audio-visual exhibition that delves into Early Sapiens Behaviour situated at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre. Engage in thrilling hiking adventures with spectacular viewpoints and have a braai or swim to end your day.
Tankwa Karoo National Park: For those seeking tranquility and awe-inspiring landscapes, Tankwa Karoo National Park awaits. Discover its serene ambiance and traverse its scenic 4×4 routes, offering a journey into the heart of untamed beauty.
West Coast National Park: A mere two-hour drive from Cape Town, the park presents a remarkable flower season in the Postberg, Seeberg, and Mooimaak areas. Witness the spectacular bloom and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the West Coast. Stroll through the newly developed Bakoor Trail starting at the Langebaan gate and cool off at the lagoon or bring your family along for a braai.
West Coast is home to over 250 bird species offering a variety to enthusiasts.
Frontier Region
Free access:
- Addo Elephant National Park: 22 – 27 September
- Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September
- Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September
- Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September
Addo Elephant National Park: With its closest entrance gate at Colchester only 30 minutes outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), a self-drive game drive allows guests to explore the entire game viewing area of the park at their leisure, with a pit stop at Jack’s Picnic Site a must. This fenced-in area is the perfect spot for a picnic or braai, about halfway towards main camp. At main camp visitors can explore the underground and bird hides, walk the PPC Discovery Trail and visit the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre for interesting, interactive displays about the park and its history. For those preferring to explore on foot, walking and hiking trails are available in the Zuurberg and Woody Cape sections. In addition, guests will be treated to some cultural entertainment by local traditional artists
on Wednesday 24 September and Saturday 27 September.
Camdeboo National Park: This park, which surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet, is home to the world-famous Valley of Desolation. Visitors can choose to participate in one of the many walking trails or spend time at one of the picnic sites, along the banks of the Nqweba Dam or at the bird hide. Day visitors may also enjoy a leisurely self-drive through the park for bird and game viewing, making the most of its sights and sounds along the way or venture further on a 4×4 trail.
Karoo National Park: The 200m fossil trail at this park outside Beaufort West is a must-see. This wheelchair accessible trail showcases the geology and the paleontology of the Karoo and uses
genuine fossils and petrified wood in the displays. A scenic, self-game drive is a great way to experience the park, while the 4×4 trails allow participants to delve even further into the expanses of Karoo National Park. Visitors may want to pack a picnic basket or braai goodies and enjoy the facilities at the Doornhoek and/or Bulkraal picnic sites, as well as the swimming pool at Bulkraal if weather permits. The Ou Schuur Interpretive Centre with its lush garden can also not be missed, which
gives visitors an insight into the park’s interesting history, culture and ecology.
Mountain Zebra National Park: A self-drive game drive at this park outside Nxuba (previously Cradock) is guaranteed to provide some memorable animal sightings. Keen birders will also not be disappointed, with over 250 species to look out for. There are walking trails inside the fenced-in rest camp and for the more adventurous, various 4×4 trails. If the weather allows, a stop at one of the swimming pools and picnic sites has to be included.
Garden Route Region
Free access: 22 – 28 September
Visitors to the Garden Route National Park get seven full days to explore the Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and Wilderness sections of the park. The week’s programme features guided hikes and nature walks, cultural activities, educational opportunities, and interactive experiences that highlight the vital relationship between people and nature. Programme highlights:
Knysna section:
- Visit the Seahorses at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
- Guided tour of Harkerville Forest and Fynbos Trail at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
- Forest Legends Museum, and visit to the elephant room
- 30-minute self-guided tour at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
Tsitsikamma section:
- Suspension Bridge: Visit the famous Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge with one of the rangers.
- Big Tree Walk: The Tsitsikamma Forest is home to the Big Tree. Explore the forest on your own or join a guide on the path to learn more about these monumental trees.
- Otter Trail Waterfall: Take a leisurely hike to the Otter Trail Waterfall with a guide on hand to answer all your questions.
- Segway Tours: Visit the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park and receive a 20% discount at Segway Tours. Provide proof of entry into the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.
- Canopy Tour Activity: Visit Storms River Adventures for a 20% discount on the canopy tour activity during the SA National Parks Week. Provide proof of entry into the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.
Wilderness section:
- Forest Fun: The Woodville Big Tree is a short drive from Ebb & Flow Rest Camp and an easy walk from the parking area to the 810-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood tree. Self-guided.
- Casual Canoe: Canoe on the Touw River to Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher trail to the waterfall. Special offer: Six canoes per day will be free for one hour. First-come, first-served basis. Bookings to be made before arrival.
- Bird-watching: From lush indigenous forest to sparkling rocky shores and pristine sandy beaches, Wilderness is a birder’s paradise. Some of the bird hides you can explore are the Gallinule and the Malachite bird hide.
- Picnic time: Explore the hidden wonders on the banks of the Jubilee Creek in the deep forest, as you walk through the old mining trails or bask in the sun while the kids splash in the nearby creek. Adventurous souls can take a swim in the natural pools. Do not forget to visit the Dalene Mathee Big Tree and Memorial at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site.
- Mountain bike fun: Try out one of the three mountain bike trails at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, all starting from the parking area at the Farleigh Forestry Station.
Northern Region
Free access:
- Mokala National Park: 22 – 28 September
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 22 – 26 September
- Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 22 – 28 September
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