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.
greetings do i need to book for free access week?
Hello Thandi. To merely enter one of the participating park, no booking is needed. Enjoy!
Thank you for the info above: is Cape Point and Boulders not included in the Heritage week of free access? Many thanks
Hi. Does Kirstenbosch gardens form part of the free access?
Hello Nazeema. Unfortunately not. Take note that free access also excludes Boulders Penguin Colony. Do let us know if you have any further questions. Regards, Wild.
I’m in Kzn,pls give parks I can visit free
Hi, will the Table Mountain Cable way be free of charge?
Good day. Unfortunately not. Regards, Wild,
Hi
I would to take my church Sunday School children to Addo Elephant Park, can you tell me when is the free entry next month for South Africans?
Hello does Pretoria Zoo also form part of the free entrance and when does the free entry end?
Hello Lerafo. Unfortunately not. SANParks week ends on 22 September. Regards, Wild.
Hi. Is Cape Point also free? If so, intill when? Thanks. Schalk
Hello Schalk. Entrance to Cape Point is indeed free, but SANParks Week already ended on 23 September 2017. Regards, Wild.
Can you please tell me when my Wildcard expires?
No: 00247891
Good day Rose. Please contact the Wild Card Centre on 0861 46 9453. Thank you and regards, Wild.