The Garden Route National Park is ready to welcome visitors during the 21st South African National Parks Week, taking place from 07 to 13 September 2026.
South African citizens can explore the Garden Route National Park’s Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections free of conservation/entry fees from 07 to 13 September 2026. Visitors 18 years and older must present a valid South African ID, while those younger than 18 are required to provide identification in the form of valid Birth Certificates.
The free-entry initiative applies to conservation fees only and excludes accommodation and activities, which remain subject to applicable fees. Selected special offers will, however, be available during SA National Parks Week.
Visitors to the Tsitsikamma Section can discover the iconic newly refurbished Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, explore the indigenous forest surrounding the Big Tree, and/or hike the Waterfall hiking trail. Untouched Adventures is offering a 10% discount for the Kayak and Lilo activity during SA National Parks Week. The Stormsriver Adventures is offering a 20% discount for the Zipline activity. To qualify for the Zipline discount, you need to produce a proof of entry to the national park.
In the Knysna Section, visitors can learn more about the endangered Knysna seahorse at the SANParks Thesen Island Office, enjoy a self-guided stroll through the Garden of Eden, or step back in time at the Forest Legends Museum and explore its elephant room. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacular forest and fynbos landscapes and have a picnic at Kranshoek Viewpoint. For those seeking adventure, Knysna Ziplines, located at the SANParks Kranshoek Picnic Site, will offer visitors a 50% discount on the ziplining experience during SA National Parks Week.
The Wilderness Section offers visitors the opportunity to canoe along the Touw River towards Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher Trail to the waterfall. As a special offer, six canoes per day will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can also explore the historic mining trails and natural pools of Jubilee Creek, as well as visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree and Memorial at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site.
The Garden Route National Park encourages all school groups, youth, families, and senior citizens to take advantage of the week to reconnect with nature and experience the biodiversity, landscapes and heritage protected within the Garden Route National Park.