Celebrate your heritage with SANParks Week 2017

Free entry into a national park or reserve? Absolutely. During the 12th annual SANParks Week in September you can enter 18 national parks at no cost. Mahala, nothing, gratis!

From 18 to 22 September 2017, South African wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and explorers of all ages get free access to many of our national treasures. Day visitors can choose from 18 participating national parks to discover the Big Five, indigenous forests, scenic coastlines, wildflower landscapes and much more – all at no cost.

This is your chance to explore our natural, cultural and historic heritage at its best. Just make sure you have your ID document at hand to obtain free entry at any of the parks during SANParks Week. SANParks especially encourages people from communities neighbouring on the parks, schools and higher education institutions to make the most of the opportunity.

Many of the national parks will also host special activities for day visitors to enjoy. Follow Wild on Facebook and we will keep you up to date with the latest details.

Just look at the incredible places you can visit for free during SANParks Week…

Agulhas National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park

Table Mountain National Park

Garden Route National Park

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Kruger National Park

Tankwa Karoo National Park

Save the date

See below to find out which parks you can visit for free during SANParks Week 2017. For each park the dates of free entry and any exclusions are listed.

• Addo Elephant National Park: 18-22 September
• Agulhas National Park: The park is an open-access park with no pay points. Access to the lighthouse will be included as free access.
• Augrabies Falls National Park: 18-23 September
• Bontebok National Park: 18-24 September
• Camdeboo National Park: 18-24 September
• Garden Route National Park: 16-23 September
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 18-24 September
• Karoo National Park: 18-22 September, plus free access to the first 100 visitors per day on 23 and 24 September
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 18-23 September
• Kruger National Park: 18-22 September
• Mapungubwe National Park: 18-24 September
• Marakele National Park: 18-24 September
• Mokala National Park: 18-23 September
• Mountain Zebra National Park: 18-22 September, plus free access to the first 100 visitors per day on 23 and 24 September
• Namaqua National Park: Excluded from SANParks Week
• Table Mountain National Park: 18-23 September (Free access excludes Boulders Penguin Colony)
• Tankwa Karoo National Park: 18-24 September
• West Coast National Park: 18-22 September
• |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 18-23 September

Take note that free access to the above national parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

CapeNature Access Week

From 18-25 September you can visit your favourite CapeNature reserve for free. Take the time to reconnect with your natural heritage. Choose from several reserves for day trips, hiking, and diverse animal and bird life.

Picture courtesy of CapeNature

Did you know that the CapeNature portfolio also includes several World Heritage Sites? Make sure to celebrate nature at one of these sites in your area:

• West Coast: Groot Wintershoek, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier
• Winelands: Limietberg, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Hottentots Holland
• Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch
• Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River
• Klein Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg

Other reserves include Lambert’s Bay Bird Island, Stony Point, Vrolijkheid and Rocherpan.

Visit CapeNature’s website for more information.

Pictures courtesy of SANParks