SANParks announces week of free access to national parks

The 20th annual SA National Parks Week will be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks.

During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks. 

These are the dates on when different parks will have free access:

Cape Region

• Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 [Extension TBC] (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
• Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Western Cape National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 (not extending to the weekend as it is active Flower Season)

Frontier Region

• Addo Elephant National Park: 22 – 27 September 2025
• Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025

Garden Route Region

• 22 – 28 September

Northern Region

• Mapungubwe National Park: 20 – 28 September 2025
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
• Marakele National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025

Arid Region

• Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. 

SANParks also uses this time to celebrate a sense of pride in South  Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system. 

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.  

Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible  through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national  parks, business, scientists and tourists.  

Free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

IOL Travel