Pretoria: The South African National Parks (SANParks) has revealed the schedule for this year's SA National Parks Week, allowing day visitors to enjoy free access to select national parks. This initiative, now in its 21st year, offers an opportunity for South Africans to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the country's protected areas without charge.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event will take place from 7 to 13 September 2026. However, at Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park, and Augrabies Falls National Park, the free access will be limited to weekdays, from 7 to 11 September, excluding the weekend. SANParks emphasized that the campaign aims to promote public engagement with nature by offering free entry to South African day visitors.
While the initiative encourages exploration, certain locations such as Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony Section of Table Mountain National Park, and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are not included in this year's free access week. To gain entry, South African citizens must present their identity documents, though children under 18 are not required to provide identification.
The free access extends only to park entry and does not cover accommodation, guided activities, game drives, or other tourist services, which will be charged as usual. Additionally, SANParks notes that individual parks may have specific entry conditions and visitor limits. For specific dates and participating parks, visitors are advised to check the SANParks official website.
Since its launch in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become a key public awareness initiative for SANParks, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and enhancing public appreciation for the role of national parks in conservation efforts. In 2025, the free-access week attracted over 105,000 visitors, highlighting the program's success and popularity.