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South African citizens in the Eastern and Western Capes with valid identity documents will be able to explore a national park near them at no cost between 7 and 13 September 2026 during the 21st annual SA National Parks Week.

In what is known as the Frontier Region of South African National Parks, this applies to Addo Elephant National Park (outside Gqeberha), Camdeboo National Park (on the borders of Graaff-Reinet), Karoo National Park (outside Beaufort West) and Mountain Zebra National Park (near Nxuba).

Each year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to these protected areas during this time. 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.

During this time South Africans can see what national parks have to offer and do their part by getting to know their national parks, celebrate their rich heritage offering and experience first-hand the iconic beauty and plethora of natural flora and fauna.

Addo Elephant National Park, with its closest gate to Gqeberha only 30 minutes away, offers guests the opportunity of spotting the Big Five and doing some birding in its game viewing area while self-driving through the Park. The Matyholweni Gate, at Colchester, is becoming more and more popular as a gateway into the Park due to its location. A number of activities are on offer throughout other sections of the Park. Guests can go on self-drives and explore the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre, PPC Discovery Trail and various hides at what is known as Main Camp. There are various hiking trails in the Zuurberg and Woody Cape sections of the Park, which also offer exceptional birding opportunities.

Camdeboo National Park has a number of short walks and hikes guests can enjoy, while 4×4 routes are on offer for the more adventurous. Those wanting a more casual visit can do some self-drive game viewing or bird watching and drive up to the world-renowned Valley of Desolation to take in the splendour this magnificent creation offers.

Karoo National Park is well known for the beautiful vista’s and scenery. Driving through the Park gives guests an amazing opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity it offers while game viewing and bird watching. Alternatively, visitors can participate in short walks around the rest camp. The fossil trail provides a glimpse into the area’s distant history, while the park’s picnic sites and swimming pools make for the perfect spots to unwind.

Mountain Zebra National Park offers a wide variety of eco-activities for guests to enjoy while they’re in the Park. Rest camp walks, bird watching, self-drive game viewing and 4×4 trails are all possible at Mountain Zebra. Picnic sites with swimming pools provide the perfect stop during the course of the day to take stock of what the park is all about.

The free access does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities as these carry their normal fees. For more information please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026