South African National Parks has revealed when day visitors can explore the country’s national parks without paying entrance fees during the annual free access week in September.

The 21st SA National Parks Week will run from 7 to 13 September, giving South Africans the chance to visit participating parks at no charge.

However, three of the country’s most popular destinations will only offer free access on weekdays. Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park will welcome free day visitors from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September, excluding the weekend.

SANParks announced the initiative on Monday, describing it as an opportunity for families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors to experience the country’s protected areas.

Not all parks will participate in the free access week. Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony Section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded from the promotion.

South Africans must present their identity documents to qualify for free entry. Children under 18 will not need to provide identification.

The free access covers day visits only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities, which carry normal fees. Individual parks may have different entry conditions and visitor limits.

Visitors can check specific dates for each park on the SANParks website at www.sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026.

SA National Parks Week has run since 2006 and has become one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives. The programme attracts hundreds of thousands of day visitors annually and helps strengthen public appreciation of the country’s national parks and their conservation role.

More than 105 000 visitors used the free access initiative in 2025.

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