Celebrate South Africa’s wild heritage during National Parks Week

On September 21, South African National Parks (SANParks) will launch the 20th annual SA National Parks Week with a special event at Kruger National Park. From September 22 to 26, with an extended weekend on September 27 and 28 at selected parks, South Africans will once again have the opportunity to explore the country’s wild treasures free of charge.

This initiative applies to most of the 21 national parks managed by SANParks, making it one of the most anticipated events on the nation’s travel calendar.

It is important to note that while entrance fees are waived during this period, accommodation and other paid tourist activities remain excluded. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips in advance, and check the specific dates for each park here: SANParks Events Calendar.

Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week has drawn an influx of day visitors eager to reconnect with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. Beyond the chance to spot wildlife and enjoy scenic landscapes, the week serves as a celebration of South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.

The campaign highlights how parks play a vital role in sustainable development. Partnerships with local communities, researchers, businesses and tourists themselves all contribute to preserving these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations. SANParks’ commitment ensures that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife, but also about fostering pride and awareness among South Africans.

For many visitors, National Parks Week is more than just a free outing. It’s a reminder that the natural wonders of South Africa belong to everyone - and that preserving them is a shared responsibility.

• 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛@𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍.𝚌𝚘.𝚣𝚊).
• 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜, 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝙰𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗@𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊.𝚌𝚘𝚖) 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜𝙰𝚙𝚙 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.