The 21st annual SA National Parks Week is set to take place from 7 to 13 September 2026, providing South African day visitors with an opportunity to experience participating national parks at no charge.
This annual initiative opens the gates of participating parks to South African day visitors, creating an opportunity for families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors to connect with the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
While SA National Parks Week runs from 7 to 13 September, individual parks may apply different access periods.
In the Arid Region, Mokala National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Richtersveld National Parkwill extend their participation to include the weekend from Monday, 7 September through to Sunday, 13 September 2026. However, Augrabies Falls National Park will only offer free access during the week, excluding the weekend.Namaqua National Park is not included in the free-access initiative.
Visitors to the national parks in the Arid region are invited to enjoy a variety of exciting activities. Explore beautiful hiking trails and embark on self-guided game drives to experience the unique landscapes and wildlife. Bird lovers can indulge in bird watching, while mountain biking enthusiasts can take on thrilling routes.
Discover the stunning Desert Botanical Garden at RichtersveldTransfrontier Park or learn more about the national parks’ rich heritage at the interpretation centres in MokalaNational Park and KgalagadiTransfrontier Park.The majestic Augrabies Falls National Park offers freefalls 56 meters into the spectacular 18km gorge below, several panoramic viewpoints can be visited inside the park, all of which give stunning vistas of the park, the gorge and the Orange River. Don’t forget to bring a picnic or braai pack and unwind at one of our picturesque picnic spots, surrounded by nature’s tranquillity.
South African citizens wishing to make use of the free access are required to present a valid identity document at the relevant park gate. Children under the age of 18 are required to provide identification in the form of valid Birth Certificates.
The free access applies to day-entry only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities, which remain subject to the normal applicable fees.
Visitors are encouraged to check the specific arrangements for their chosen park before travelling, as individual parks may have different entry conditions and visitor limits. Information on participating parks, applicable dates and visitor arrangements is available on the SANParks website:https://www.sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026.
Since its inception in 2006, SA National Parks Week has grown into one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives. The campaign provides an important opportunity for South Africans to experience and appreciate the country’s protected areas, while gaining a deeper understanding of the important role national parks play in conserving South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
SANParks encourages South Africans to take advantage of this annual opportunity to explore, learn and reconnect with nature. Visitors are reminded to respect the environment, wildlife and fellow visitors and to familiarise themselves with the applicable park rules before entering.