South African National Parks Week 2024
Explore South Africa’s Natural Beauty For Free During the 19th Annual South African National Parks Week!
Calling all head-over-heels nature lovers, avid explorers, and keen adventurers! South Africa’s most anticipated celebration of natural beauty and cultural heritage is back! South African National Parks (SANParks) is once again rolling out the lush GREEN carpet for ALL South Africans to discover, explore, and experience their extraordinary local National Parks at absolutely no cost with the return of its highly anticipated SA National Parks Week!
The 19th annual SA National Parks Week will take place between the 9th of September 2024 and the 13th of September 2024, with an extension to the 14th and 15th of September 2024 at selected National Parks.
During this long-awaited, highly-anticipated, and wildly exciting week, visitors will be granted FREE ACCESS to most of the 21 National Parks managed by SANParks. HOWEVER, it is of utmost importance to take special note of the fact that this offer does not include / extend to accommodation facilities or any other tourist activities within the parks.
To find out when each park will be observing SA National Parks Week, and to check which parks will be extending their free access, visitors are encouraged to visit the SANParks website.
SANPARKS National Parks |
Dates per National Park |
| |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Addo Elephant National Park | 9 September – 13 September 2024 |
| Agulhas National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Augrabies Falls National Park | 9 September – 13 September 2024 |
| Bontebok National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Camdeboo National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Garden Route National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Karoo National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Kruger National Park | 9 September – 13 September 2024 |
| 9 September – 15 September 2024 | |
| Marakele National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Mokala National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Mountain Zebra National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Namaqua National Park | Excluded from SA National Parks Week |
| Table Mountain National Park (Excludes free access to Boulders Beach and the Table Mountain Cableway) | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| Tankwa Karoo National Park | 9 September – 15 September 2024 |
| West Coast National Park | 9 September – 13 September 2024 |
The Origins & Impact of SA National Parks Week
Since its inception in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become a
beloved annual tradition.
This incredible initiative gives South Africans from ALL walks of life the unbelievable opportunity to explore and enjoy the magnificent natural wonders of our nation’s protected areas & the chance to fully immerse themselves in South Africa’s diverse landscapes – from the vast coastline of the Garden Route to the expansive savannahs of Kruger National Park. Whether you’re eager to spot the Big Five, explore rugged mountainscapes & captivating coastlines, or simply enjoy a peaceful day in nature, SANParks Free Week offers a rare opportunity to do all that and MORE!
The initiative was born out of a desire to make national parks more accessible to all citizens, especially those who had never had the chance to visit due to financial constraints. By waiving entrance fees for one week each year, SANParks aims to create a deeper connection between the public and these precious natural spaces, which are essentially their heritage.
Over the past 18 years, SA National Parks Week has continued to showcase tremendous growth – with each year being bigger & better than the next. It has truly become a highly successful campaign attracting a significant increase in day visitors to the participating parks. However, the heart & soul of SA National Parks Week extends far beyond offering free entry – it is about celebrating South Africa’s rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage. SANParks uses this time to foster a sense of pride and responsibility in preserving these treasures for future generations.
The event has not only brought more South Africans into the parks but has also played a role in raising awareness about conservation.
For many, this week sparks a newfound love for nature, encouraging repeat visits and even inspiring careers in environmental conservation.
Who Can Take Advantage of the Free Entry?
The beauty of SA National Parks Week is its inclusivity!
The offer of free entry is open to all South African citizens, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. All you need is your South African ID or birth certificate to gain access. The free entry applies to DAY VISITS ONLY, so whether you plan to spend a few hours or a full day exploring the park, you won’t need to worry about entrance fees.
It’s important to note that while entry is free, additional activities like guided Kruger Park safaris or access to certain facilities may still carry a cost. Also, given the popularity of this week, parks can become quite busy, so plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.
The Launchpad for This Year’s Events
The celebrations this year begin with a special launch event at Marakele National Park on 8 September 2024.
Known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and incredible wildlife, Marakele provides a stunning backdrop for the start of this important week. This event will feature a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing opportunities, conservation talks, and interactive displays, all designed to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of protecting our natural heritage.
Visit South Africa’s National Parks During Free Week
During the SA National Parks Week, visitors will have the opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic National Parks.
Whether it’s the expansive wilderness of the Kruger National Park, the unique biodiversity of Table Mountain National Park, or the rich history and wildlife of Addo Elephant National Park, there’s something for everyone. And each park will provide its own unique experiences.
In addition to free entry, many parks will usually have special programmes throughout the week. These might include educational tours, cultural performances, or conservation activities that provide deeper insights into the park’s ecosystem and the efforts being made to preserve it.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
While SA National Parks Week is an excellent time to explore, it’s also a popular event, which means parks can get quite crowded. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it’s a good idea to arrive early or consider visiting one of the lesser-known parks. Also, keep in mind that while entrance fees are waived, other costs like accommodation, meals, and some activities, like guided Kruger Park safaris, are not included in the free offer.
