South Africans will once again have the opportunity to explore some of the country’s national parks for free during the 21st annual SA National Parks Week.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the 2026 campaign will take place from 7 to 13 September 2026, giving South African day visitors free access to participating national parks across the country.
However, visitors planning to explore Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park or Augrabies Falls National Park should take note that free access at these parks will only be available from Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September 2026. The free entry period at these three parks will not extend to the weekend.
SANParks says the annual initiative gives families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors an opportunity to experience some of South Africa’s protected natural spaces without paying the usual conservation entry fees.
Which national parks are excluded from SA National Parks Week 2026?
While several national parks will participate in the free access campaign, Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony Section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are not included in the 2026 SA National Parks Week initiative.
SANParks has also reminded visitors that the free access initiative applies to participating parks and does not cover other tourism experiences and services.
Who qualifies for free access to national parks?
South African citizens who want to take advantage of the free access period will be required to present a valid identity document when entering participating national parks. Children under the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.
Visitors should also be aware that the free access offer does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourism activities offered at national parks. These services will continue to be charged at their normal rates.
SANParks says individual parks may also have their own entry requirements and visitor limits, meaning visitors are encouraged to check the specific conditions applicable to the park they plan to visit.
SA National Parks Week has attracted thousands of visitors
Since its launch in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives, encouraging more South Africans to experience the country’s national parks and learn more about the role they play in conservation.
The initiative has attracted hundreds of thousands of day visitors over the years, with more than 105,000 visitors taking advantage of the free access initiative in 2025 alone.
The 2026 campaign will once again give South Africans the opportunity to visit participating national parks, spend time in nature and experience some of the country’s wildlife and landscapes without paying an entry fee.
Visitors can find more information about the specific dates and participating parks on the official SANParks SA National Parks Week 2026 page.
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