Free entry to Kruger National Park as SA National Parks week returns in September 

By Kopano Dibakwane

South Africans who have never been able to afford a trip to a national park will get their chance again next month.

The 21st annual SA National Parks Week is set to take place from 7 to 13 September 2026, offering free access to South African day visitors at participating parks across the country.

The initiative was announced on 24 August 2026, by SANParks ( South African National Parks).

According to SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, JP Louw, the campaign remains one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives aimed at opening conservation to all.

“This annual initiative provides South African day visitors with free access to participating national parks during the designated week,” Louw said.

“This highly anticipated campaign opens the gates of participating national parks to South African day visitors at no charge, creating an opportunity for families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors to experience some of the country’s most spectacular protected areas,” Louw added.

He said that South Africans must present their identity documents, and children below the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.

Louw said the free access does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities, which carry normal fees.

Free access to Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park, will reportedly be from Monday 7 to Friday 11 September 2026 only, and excludes the weekend.

Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony Section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are reportedly excluded in the free access week.

Louw explained that individual parks may also have different entry conditions and visitor limits, and urged visitors to check the official schedule.

“For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access, please visit the SANParks website,” he added.

Since its inception in 2006, SA National Parks Week has attracted hundreds of thousands of day visitors and helped to strengthen public appreciation of conservation.

“Since its inception in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives. In 2025 alone, more than 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free-access initiative,” Louw said.

The free week is said to be particularly significant for learners, families and communities bordering parks, many of whom living next to a national park but have never entered.