SanParks announces dates for 2026 free access week

South African National Parks (SanParks) will host its 21st annual SA National Parks Week from 7 to 13 September 2026, giving South African day visitors free access to participating national parks.

25 Aug 2026

Source: freestock.ca via | Kruger National Park, South Africa, along the Sabie River.

Source: freestock.ca via Wikimedia Commons | Kruger National Park, South Africa, along the Sabie River.

The initiative applies to day visits only. Visitors will still pay the normal fees for accommodation, guided activities, game drives and other paid activities.

Some parks have shorter access period

Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park will offer free access from Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September only, excluding the weekend.

Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park, and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded from the initiative.

SanParks said individual parks may also have different entry conditions and visitor limits.

What visitors need to know

South African visitors must present a valid identity document to qualify for free entry. Children under 18 do not need to provide identification.

The free access applies to entry only and does not cover accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities, which remain subject to their normal fees.

Visitors can check the specific dates and conditions for each participating park on the SanParks website.