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15 September 2025

Garden Route National Park Extends SA National Parks Week To A Weekend – 22 TO 28 September 2025

The Garden Route National Park will once again open its gates free of charge for the 20th annual South African National Parks Week, from 22 to 28 September 2025.

This milestone year offers visitors seven full days to explore the Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and Wilderness sections of the park. The invitation is extended to families, schools, faith-based groups, social clubs, senior citizens, friends, and nature enthusiasts to share in this nationwide celebration of South Africa’s natural heritage.

The week’s programme features guided hikes and nature walks, cultural activities, educational opportunities, and interactive experiences that highlight the vital relationship between people and nature. SANParks encourages schools and community organisations to seize this chance to deepen their understanding of conservation in an engaging, accessible way.

Entry during National Parks Week applies strictly to day visits and excludes accommodation, commercial activities, and other fee-based facilities.

Through initiatives such as this, SANParks reaffirms its commitment to connecting people with nature, fostering environmental stewardship, and ensuring that national parks remain spaces for all South Africans to enjoy.

Programme Highlights:

Knysna Section

  • Visit the Seahorses at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
  • Guided Tour of Harkerville Forest and Fynbos Trail at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
  • Forest Legends Museum, and visit our elephant room
  • 30-minute Self-Guided Tour at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00

Tsitsikamma Section

  • Suspension Bridge – Visit the famous Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge with one of our well-informed rangers
  • Big Tree Walk – The Tsitsikamma Forest is home to the Big Tree. Explore the forest on your own or join a guide on the path to learn more about these monumental trees.
  • Otter Trail Waterfall – Take a leisurely hike to the Otter Trail Waterfall with a guide on hand to answer all your questions.
  • Segway Tours – Visit the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park and receive a 20% discount at Segway Tours. Provide proof of entry into the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.
  • Canopy Tour Activity – Visit Storms River Adventures for a 20% discount on the canopy tour activity during the SA National Parks Week. Provide proof of entry into the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.

Wilderness Section

  • Forest Fun – The Woodville Big Tree is a short drive from Ebb & Flow Rest Camp and an easy walk from the parking area to the 810-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood tree. Self-guided.
  • Casual Canoe – Canoe on the Touw River to Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher trail to the waterfall. Special Offer: 6 Canoes per day will be free for 1 hour. First-come, First-served basis. Bookings to be made before arrival.
  • Bird Watching – From lush indigenous forest to sparkling rocky shores and pristine sandy beaches, Wilderness is a birder’s paradise. Some of the bird hides you can explore are the Gallinule Bird Hide and the Malachite Bird Hide.
  • Picnic Time – Explore the hidden wonders on the banks of the Jubilee Creek in the deep forest, as you walk through the old mining trails or bask in the sun while the kids splash in the nearby creek. Adventurous souls can take a swim in the natural pools. Don’t forget to visit the Dalene Mathee Big Tree & Memorial at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site.
  • Mountain Bike Fun – Try out one of the three mountain bike trails at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, all starting from the parking area at the Farleigh Forestry Station

All sections of the Garden Route National Park will be open free of charge during National Parks Week. South African citizens and residents must present a valid SA ID to gain free entry. Children under 16 will be granted access without proof of identity.