Enjoy the beauty of South Africa's national parks at no cost! From 9 September 13 September, most of the 21 national parks managed by SANParks will offer free entry to visitors. To accommodate increased demand, additional free access will be granted on September 14 and 15 at selected parks. Please note that while entry is free, accommodation and other tourist activities within the parks will still incur charges.
What is SA National Parks Week?
SA National Parks Week is an annual campaign that allows all South Africans the chance to visit and enter most of the parks managed by SANParks, for FREE. This special and dedicated week aims to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa's natural, cultural and historical heritage, as well as an appreciation of biodiversity.
There is a growing need for national parks to be relevant, particularly to young people and communities living near these parks. And through SANParks' Socio-Economic Transformation programmes and the Expanded Public Works Programme, they work closely with these communities in a quest to be more inclusive in their management of protected areas. This inclusivity provides access to parks for cultural use, while also exposing the youth and students to the different career options in the fields of conservation and tourism.
Since SANParks Free Access Week started in 2006. Every year, SANParks aims to increase the number of visitors that are granted free access to national parks.
Which National Parks are Free to The Public?
- The Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a vast desert landscape with towering mountains and unique plant life.
- Addo Elephant National Park, home to a significant population of elephants and other diverse wildlife.
- Agulhas National Park, known for its stunning coastline and marine life.
- Augrabies Falls National Park, featuring the majestic Augrabies Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Southern Africa.
- Bontebok National Park, dedicated to the conservation of the rare bontebok antelope.
- Camdeboo National Park, offering breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
- Garden Route National Park, a coastal paradise with pristine beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park, renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and vibrant flora.
- Karoo National Park, a semi-desert landscape with diverse wildlife, including gemsbok and black-footed cats.
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a vast desert park shared with Botswana, known for its iconic lions and other desert-adapted animals.
- Kruger National Park, one of the most famous national parks in the world, offering a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems.
- Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ancient ruins and stunning landscapes.
- Marakele National Park, home to a significant population of wild dogs and other predators.
- Mokala National Park, a smaller park with a variety of wildlife, including giraffes and zebras.
- Mountain Zebra National Park, dedicated to the conservation of the mountain zebra.
- Namaqua National Park, known for its vibrant wildflower display in spring.
- Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring iconic Table Mountain and diverse ecosystems.
- Tankwa Karoo National Park, a vast desert landscape with unique flora and fauna.
- West Coast National Park, a coastal park with diverse marine life and beautiful beaches.
For More Information
For more information about the SANParks Free Access Week, visit www.sanparks.org.
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