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South African National Parks (SANParks) will once again open its gates to South Africans during SA National Parks Week, taking place from 7 to 13 September 2026.

The annual initiative gives South African citizens and residents the opportunity to experience some of the country’s protected areas and reconnect with nature through free day access to participating national parks.

In the Cape Region, Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, and Tankwa Karoo National Parks will offer free access for the duration of National Parks Week, from 7 to 13 September. West Coast National Park will participate from 7 to 11 September.

The free access offer excludes Boulders Penguin Colony and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Table Mountain National Park. The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is also excluded.

Visitors can make the most of the week by exploring trails, enjoying scenic landscapes, spotting wildlife and birds, and spending time with family and friends in some of the Cape’s most iconic natural spaces.

Things to do in the Cape Region:

Agulhas National Park
Visit the southernmost tip of Africa, explore the coastline and take in the views along the Agulhas shoreline. Visitors can also discover the area’s rich maritime history, including the shipwrecks along the coast.

Bontebok National Park

Get close to nature and look out for the park’s namesake bontebok. Visitors can enjoy the park’s hiking and cycling routes, except for the Bushbuck and Ou Tuin trails, which remain closed following the flooding incident in May 2026. Fishing along the Breede River and relaxing in the park’s scenic surroundings are also popular activities.

Table Mountain National Park
From hiking and exploring scenic viewpoints to enjoying a family braai, there is plenty to experience across Table Mountain National Park. Visitors can explore areas such as Tokai Forest, Newlands, Silvermine and Oudekraal, while the Cape of Good Hope offers opportunities to discover the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The Early Sapiens Behaviour exhibition at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre provides an opportunity to learn more about the history of human occupation in the area.

Tankwa Karoo National Park

For those looking to escape the city, Tankwa Karoo offers vast open landscapes, dramatic scenery and a sense of tranquillity. The park lends itself naturally to wellness and astro-tourism, with its wide-open spaces, exceptional night skies and peaceful surroundings offering visitors an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience a sense of rejuvenation. From stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country to exploring scenic 4×4 routes, visitors can experience the unique character of the Karoo and the restorative spirit of Tankwa.

West Coast National Park
Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, enjoy the lagoon and make the most of the spectacular wildflower season, particularly in the Postberg, Seeberg and Mooimaak areas. The Bakoor Trail, which starts at the Langebaan Gate, offers another way to explore the park. With more than 250 recorded bird species, West Coast is also a popular destination for birding enthusiasts.

Free access during SA National Parks Week applies to day visits only and excludes accommodation, commercial activities and other fee-based facilities. 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.

SA National Parks Week is an opportunity for South Africans to experience the country’s national parks and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage they protect.

SANParks encourages visitors to plan their visits, respect park rules and regulations, keep the parks clean by disposing of waste responsibly, and help keep these protected areas safe and enjoyable for everyone.