2025 SANParks Free Week is Here!

It’s September, and if you are a South African with a love for the great outdoors, you probably know by now that September means it’s free week!

From the 22nd to the 26th September 2025, most SANParks reserves are throwing open the gates for free day visits, with select parks extending that generosity into the weekend of 27 and 28 September.

As always, this spectacular “mahala” week is a golden opportunity to explore the natural wonders that make our country unique. Whether you’re longing for wild panoramas, lush greenery, or cultural heritage, SANParks is calling.

And if you’re dreaming of a Kruger Park experience that goes beyond the entry gate, Elephant Herd has your back, with local insight, respectful safari experiences, and deep roots in conservation tourism.

Why Elephant Herd Loves SANParks Free Week

At Elephant Herd, we believe travel should feel personal and purposeful and that it should leave you feeling changed.

SANParks Free Week aligns with exactly that, making nature accessible to all South Africans while spotlighting responsible conservation.

Free Week does so well because:

Inclusivity – This initiative lets everyone enjoy our natural heritage, which fuels social connection and national pride.
Conservation awareness – Free entry encourages deeper appreciation, education, and long-term engagement with conservation; many first-time visitors return as paying guests.
Local impact – Increased tourism during this time supports park-adjacent communities, aligning with Elephant Herd’s ethos of uplifting local livelihoods.

When & Where: Know Your Dates

If you plan to partake this year, here’s a handy breakdown of key dates for select parks:

Region / Park	Free Access Dates
Kruger National Park	22–26 September 2025 (kickoff event 21 Sep at Mopani Rest Camp)
Cape Region	Agulhas, Bontebok, Tankwa Karoo: 22–28 Sep Table Mountain NP: 22–25 Sep (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony & cableway) West Coast NP: 22–26 Sep
Frontier Region	Addo: 22–27 Sep Karoo, Camdeboo, Mountain Zebra: 22–28 Sep
Garden Route	Garden Route NP: 22–28 Sep
Northern & Arid Regions	Mapungubwe: 20–28 Sep Golden Gate, Marakele: 22–28 Sep Augrabies, Mokala, Kgalagadi: 22–28 (varies)

Smart, Doable Tips for a Better Experience

If this year is the first time you will be partaking in the Free Week experience, we have some tips that you can keep in mind:

Arrive early & beat the queue
Free access attracts crowds, huge crowds. You should start your day early to make sure that you get into the park and see as much as you can.
Pick a less-visited place
Instead of the classic Kruger rush, you can look at other options like Mapungubwe, Tankwa Karoo, or Mountain Zebra for an intimate safari vibe, and they’re all part of the free week.
Bring your South African ID
The free entry only applies to SA citizens, so keep your ID handy.
Pack smart, travel light
Day trips mean no accommodation, but you’ll still need to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, binoculars, and a picnic.

This SANParks Free Week is a lovely gesture and a way to get us South Africans out into the wild, to explore our heritage and be reminded that we live in a beautiful country, one that gives us lion sightings quite literally on our doorsteps!